Will Rumored ZuneHD be First Tegra Device for U.S.?

One of the more impressive demos we saw last year (and again at CTIA Wireless 2009) was a handheld powered by Nvidia’s computer-on-a-chip Tegra platform. With HD video support and insane multitasking capability, this prototype mobile Internet device was about the size of an OQO (sans slide-out keyboard) and had a slick touch user interface. Now there’s a rumor that the upcoming ZuneHD will have Tegra inside, which would give Microsoft’s underdog PMP a major boost when it comes to high-def entertainment and delivering the full Web experience.

According to WMPoweruser.com, the other features of the alleged ZuneHD seem closer to being nailed down and are quite impressive. We’re talking about a capacitive, multi-touch OLED display, HDMI out (presumably to support new HD content in the Zune Marketplace), HD radio support, and 3D Xbox games. The browser will supposedly rock mult-touch support, and the device will come in 16GB and 32GB flavors.

The site says look for a fall release, and that ZuneHD could be a showcase for the capabilities of Windows Mobile 7. In other words, the look and feel of this PMP’s software will likely cross over to next-gen Windows Mobile phones. We’ve reached out to Nvidia seeking comment, but we’re not holding our breath.