Microsoft planning ZuneHD app store?

More and more speculation is growing every day over Microsoft's forthcoming iPod touch competitor, the ZuneHD.

According to istartedsomething.com, the software giant could be preparing a more robust application store that will incorporate the digitally distributed software and media for the new device.

A trademark application was made last week by Microsoft for a service to be known as OneApp, entailing "online retail store services facilitating the download of computer software for use on mobile phones, media players and other portable electronic devices".

The choice of wording raises a quizzical eyebrow, however. While the description suggests more than the forthcoming Windows Marketplace is expected to offer, and the application could easily include more devices than just the ZuneHD - judging by this cryptic quote, that is.

Whether this OneApp service is intended to tie in with recent announcements from Microsoft Games Studios about the expansion of Xbox Live on to other platforms, there isn't really enough information to speculate as yet.

It's becoming increasingly clear, however, that Microsoft and Apple are preparing to go toe-to-toe once again.