It seems like Microsoft wants to try to steal some of the limelight from Apple by having a product launch of its own on the 9th of September, although we're not sure if Microsoft will get the best exposure of its new products in comparison to Apple. The rumour is that Microsoft will announce the already seen Zune players and new webcams and the Bluetrack mice.

The new Zune models will consist of an upgraded 120GB model for US$250 as well as a flash based 16GB model which is expected to arrive at a mere US$150. It's also expected that Microsoft is going to launch a software update for the Zune at the same time and introduce some new features.

We've already covered the first two Blue Track mice, namely the Explorer mouse and the Explorer mini mouse and it's unlikely that Microsoft will announce any more Blue Track products at this moment in time, although we'd expect to see more models at a later stage.

The two new web cameras are expected to be the LifeCam VX-5500 and the LifeCam Show NX-8000. The VX-5500 will be available in white, red and blue and has a Windows Vista sidebar gadget. It has a stand that works with LCD monitors and notebooks or it can be used freestanding on its own. It's also got a built in microphone with digital noise reduction and it records video at VGA resolution while it can take still snaps at 1.3Megapixel resolution. You can pre-order one now from Amazon.de for €45.50.

We have also managed to track down quite reliable information when it comes to the LifeCam Show NX-8000 and it will feature a 2.0Megapixel camera with a wide angle glass lens and 5x digital zoom. It also has a built in microphone with digital noise cancellation and it comes with a new LifeCam software package that ads special effects that can we used during video conferences.

Possibly the most interesting aspect of this rather tiny webcam is the fact that it comes with several different mounting options and appears to be using a magnetic system for attaching the webcam to the various stands. It comes with a tall desktop stand which would put the camera at face height when you're sitting down, but it also comes with a small clip which allows it to be used with notebooks and finally what appears to be a small disc which is attached with double adhesive tape or something similar. It also comes with a plastic case for those that want to take it with them when they're travelling. It's available now for pre-order on Amazon.de for €74.99.

The pictures below is of the LifeCam Show