Microsoft unveils Zune

Microsoft has formally unveiled its Zune portable media player, offering 30GB of storage for music, photos, and video that will compete with Apple's digital music offering. The Zune player allows users to share contents with nearby Zunes via Wi-Fi, and allows users to flag songs for later purchase. Zune users can download and play complete songs from other Zune owners up to three times over a three-day period. The Zune player also features a built-in FM radio, and incorporates a customizable interface theme, according to Electronista. Microsoft's Zune Marketplace is launching alongside the new player to offer customers entire albums and songs individually -- as Apple's iTunes Music Store does -- or via a subscription service. Microsoft has yet to announce a price for its new digital media player, but said the device will ship in time for the holidays.

by MacNN Staff