Beta News published a report that Microsoft is set to launch the long rumored Zune 2 players tomorrow October 2nd in Redmond. An October launch of the new flash based 2nd generation Zune players was already circulating in mid-September.

The Zune 2 players would include flash versions and a new HDD model. They 2nd generation Zune players would be thinner than the current one.
A new photo of the three new Zune players appeared on Zune Scene and is apparently shot at a retail store. As the new Zune players are already hitting stores, the sale should start pretty soon after the announcement on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Engadget reports that the Microsoft will issue a new firmware (firmware 2.1) for the current Zune players to match the functionality of the new Zune players.

Microsoft is still not offering the Zune player in Europe. It will be interesting to see if they bring the new generation to the global market in time for the Holiday Shopping Season.