Microsoft unveils it's version of the iPod - Zune

[-Wolverine]

Yes that's right, Microsofts version of the iPod to be released sometime during Christmas.

Microsoft semi-officially launched its Zune wireless MP3 player on Thursday, describing in more detail how its business model will work.
Previously, Microsoft had confirmed that the device will be manufactured by Toshiba and will contain a 30-Gbyte hard drive and wireless capabilities, which were confirmed as a Wi-Fi capability. Other confirmed features include a 3-inch screen and FM tuner.
However, the Zune's price was not disclosed. It will ship during the "holiday season" this year, Microsoft said, soon enough that "users will be able to put it on their holiday buying list," said Matt Jubelirer, a Microsoft product manager for the Zune.
"We won't be undercut by Apple," Jubelirer said, when asked to clarify the price of the player.
The Zune is Microsoft's answer to the iPod, and speculation before the launch was that the Zune was disclosed to remove some of the cachet from Apple's recent launch of upgraded iPods and a new product, the iTV. However, the iPod lacks the ability to communicate with other players, a key feature of the Zune.
According to Jubelirer, users will be able to share any song currently on the Zune player to any other user within Wi-Fi range, with the caveat that both the source and target Zune player must accept the download, to prevent random browsing of Zune content. Each song may be played either three times per day or once every three days, after which it must be purchased from the Zune music store, which will be called the Zune Marketplace. Users will be able to buy individual tracks from the Zune Marketplace, or buy an all-you-can-eat subscription for an undisclosed price.
"Millions of songs" will be available to be downloaded from the Zune Marketplace, according to Microsoft. But every Zune will be preloaded with music from DTS, EMI Music's Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records.
"With the all-you-can eat model, we think this becomes compelling when paired with discovery," Jubelirer said, referring to the sharing of music between Zunes. "With a couple of buddies who own Zunes, you can grow and expand your musical tastes and collection far beyond what you previously imagined."
Users who go beyond the song playback limit can flag a song to be purchased from the Zune marketplace when he or she syncs the Zune with the PC, Jubelirer said. The Zune also includes the ability to be upgraded, which "gives flexibility to the whole experience," Jubelirer said.
The upgrades are, in part, designed to kepp the software "safe and secure and working perfectly over time," Jubelirer said.
Microsoft also confirmed three bundles, one each for the car, home, and travel. The Zune Car Pack includes a Zune Car Charger. The Zune Home A/V Pack is designed to interoperate with the TV and music speakers, including a Zune AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Sync Cable, Zune AC Adapter and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock. Finally, the Zune Travel Pack includes the Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.
The Zune will ship in three colors: black, white, and brown; the latter choice had already provoked some interesting reactions from bloggers on the afternoon of Microsoft's launch. "It's a pretty cool color, isn't it?" Jubelirer said. "Some people absolutely love it. It's something that really relates to our Zune brand. Our brand reflects options and choice independent of what color you choose."
The black player will have blue highlights, Jubelirer said.
Microsoft also said it was working with a number of leading electronics manufacturers to develop peripherals: Altec Lansing, Belkin, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies, Logitech, Monster Cable Products, Speck, Targus Group International Inc. and VAF Research.




Credit: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/ZDM/story?id=2439651

[Ho-Yin]

Apple can easily integrate their ipods with wireless if they need to keep competing...
And the market is saturated... Microsoft wont disrupt Apple's market share...

[Metric.]

Bill Gates has enough money.

[i luv rosie]

Bill Gates has enough money.

Older products fall, Bill Gates looses money. Newer products come in, Bill gates makes money. And really, why does it matter if he has anough money? Hows that stopping microsoft from making an mp3 player?

[xxMATTGxx]

The money dont all go to Bill gates you know "/ The money go into the products , the workers and all that.

[RyanS]

It looks much better than the iPod.

[DJ-Ali]

Hmm... I'm not too sure about how it looks. But what it's got is quite good. Might get one when it's out...

[clar_xo]

looks cool.

[jordybumz!]

rip-off much? it looks well like the iPod

but oh well, it still looks good :]

[omgabear]

Apple can easily integrate their ipods with wireless if they need to keep competing...
And the market is saturated... Microsoft wont disrupt Apple's market share...

I doubt that, Apple computers were in lead... then Microsoft jumed in... well.. you get the picture.

Chances are ill have one in my room soon enough.