Sorry Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas… Microsoft has decided to release the ZuneHD in America only. Arstechnica has the scoop.

“For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Ars. “Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now.” That’s the official word, despite reports from April 2009 indicating that this year’s Zune platfrom update would be an international one.

Well, it’s a shocker, and quite a different sort of disappointment for the software giant. We’re used to Windows not working properly or the first-gen Zune beingjust a tad brick-like, and overall we’ve pretty much decided Apple will outclass Microsoft forever… that is, until Zune HD was announced. Microsoft seems to be turning a new leaf, perfecting content delivery for Zune. Hopefully, in a year’s time we’ll see the Social exceed itself, well enough for worldwide release.

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