Tomorrow, or later today, rather, Microsoft will unveil its latest additions to the Zune family: the Zune 80, Zune 8, and Zune 4. With a slew of new software and hardware features, is it quite enough to match up to Apple’s iPod monopoly as a competitor? Not quite.

The second-generation Zunes have begun to start implementing features in software that even Apple hasn’t ventured to include yet, which is a good thing, but more on that later. First, the redesign of the hardware. Being about one-third smaller than the original Zune, now the Zune 30, the player has finally reached a somewhat optimal size. Consumers, including myself, found the Zune 30 to be incredibly thick: you can see it through your pocket unless your jeans are extremely baggy. With the size reduction, it may be enough to let it comfortably slide in and out, but still, it’s no competitor to the iPod Classic.

On the hardware front, Microsoft seems to have found a technology that can potentially mimic the iPod’s touchwheel: the Zune Pad. Unattractive name aside, the Zune Pad looks interesting. Its described as a “touch sensitive tactile control” on other websites, and from video, it seems true. You can flick the pad in order to scroll quickly or just press for individual scrolling. Not exactly innovative, but it may prove more publicly-acceptable than the original tactile-only control (which I personally enjoyed). My only concern is whether or not the touch sensitivity interferes with controlling the player from inside your pocket, which is something I did a lot with my Zune. Other than that, the redesign just features a very slightly larger screen and elevated Play/Pause and Back buttons. Nothing special.

Its the software and firmware improvements and business decisions that really wowed me with the Zune 2. The most important, and probably most lusted after feature in the MP3 player business is the ability to sync your music and movies wirelessly. Microsoft has made that dream a reality with the Zune 2, and I expect a big response from customers - if it works well. The technology has its advantages and disadvantages, but no matter what, the convenience of the technology is key. In addition, the ability to play podcasts is a feature we’re now seeing that probably should have been in the first iteration of the Zune.

The interface overhaul really struck me as well. I like it. Bigger fonts and less weight makes for the smooth kind of hip elegance Microsoft aims for with the Zune. There also seem to be animations and simple interface aesthetics that move things around the screen much better than simple refreshing, as seen in the old Zune. For example, when switching between songs, the album art rotation is a swiping motion, making for a much more visually pleasing experience.

In addition to this, Microsoft is going the route of Amazon and is removing the DRM from the Zune Marketplace, which is an ingenious move to one-up the largely successful iTMS - or it would be, if Amazon, a much wider-known name, hadn’t done it first. It won’t gain them much ground against Apple. Neither will it’s new social networking site, “Social.” That’s a different market altogether.

The Zune 80, 8, and 4 are set to debut in mid-November for $250, $200, and $150 respectively. Will I buy one? My love for the Zune tells me I will, even though I already have a perfectly fine Zune and iPod. However, whether or not this watered-down comeback can put a dent in Apple’s wallet is highly doubtful. Even though Zune has wireless sync, the iPod Touch and iPhone have the Wireless iTunes Music Store, something Microsoft easily could have, and should have, implemented in the first iteration of its MP3 hardware. Oh, did I mention that the iPod Classic maxes out at 160GB now and the iPod Touch has a slick multitouch interface and internet capabilities?

No matter what it tries, Microsoft will have to pull some very slick tricks out of its multi-billion dollar hat in order to catch up with Apple. Slick as in, using a certain Surface interface in its Zune. While this Zune has no fighting chance whatsoever, possibly less so than the first Zune, it is undeniably a step in the right direction; a step thats still always one step behind Apple.