United Airlines to trial Zune HD devices on International flights

United Airlines is planning to trial 500 Zune HD devices for in-flight entertainment on International flights.

The trial will take place on long haul international flights from the United States. Microsoft has worked hard to customize 500 devices and provide unique content for those flying with United Airlines. The software giant has held meetings with content providers and movie studios to pre-load the devices with the latest content just out of movie theatres and pre-DVD. Customers will be able to loan the devices onboard flights.

Microsoft's senior business development manager, Dave McLauchlan, revealed the project on the Zune Insider podcast earlier this week. The trial is an extension of an agreement that Microsoft and United Airlines inked earlier this year. In June, United Airlines announced Zune in-flight audio on all United aircraft. Microsoft provides 21 separate playlists, loaded from the Zune digital entertainment service.

United Airlines will begin the trial in the coming weeks. Initial flights to Hong Kong and Australia will include the devices.

Zune HD devices charging ready for United Airlines - Credit, @DaveMacMS