Microsoft Zune is Launched

Microsoft has unveiled its Zune digital music player with a 3-inch screen, a built-in FM tuner, and wireless capability to let users discover new music and exchange songs and photos.

The device, which comes in white, black, and brown, is expected to be available in a 30GB version this Christmas, in competition with Apple's iPod. However, the pricing and exact date of release have not yet been announced.

The company says that the player, which will hold around 7,500 songs; 25,000 pictures; or 100 hours of video; is all about making connections.

Talking about the player, J Allard, vice president - design and development, Microsoft, said that with Zune, they are not simply delivering a portable device. In fact, they are introducing a new platform that helps bring artists closer to their audiences, and helps people find new music and develop new social connections.

Zune, which is manufactured by Toshiba, will allow users to listen to any shared song three times over a three-day period. Users will also be able to share sample tracks, playlists, or photos. Zune will be preloaded with music from record labels, including Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records from EMI Music.

Along with the player, Microsoft is also launching the Zune Marketplace, a download service on the lines of Apple's iTunes Store, which will allow users to download music directly onto Zune. The store is expected to have more than 2 million songs at launch from all major record labels.

And unlike iTunes, the Zune Marketplace will provide users with the option to either buy a flat-fee subscription to download an unlimited number of songs, or to purchase songs individually.

However, movies and television shows will not be available for download when Zune launches, but Microsoft says that it is in talks with major television and movie studios about adding video content to the Zune Marketplace.

Meanwhile, Microsoft will also have three accessory packs available for Zune, including a car pack, a home pack that links the device to TV and music speakers, and a travel pack.