Toshiba developing its own Wi-Fi Zune rival?

Toshiba is testing the first Gigabeat player with Wi-Fi, a new FCC filing shows. Although no direct photos or formats were revealed, the MET401 will include its own wireless transmitter for at least local networking features. The Japanese company will also replace the now obsolete Personal Media Center OS used on its own device with a modern version of Windows Embedded, according to the label info on the back of the device. The large format of the player implies but does not confirm video capability.

A confidentiality request prevents the FCC from revealing more information until its unknown expiry date, though a release in late 2007 or early 2008 is probable. News of the wireless Gigabeat comes almost a year after it was confirmed that Gigabeat would form the basis of the Zune, which released seven months ago with the Wi-Fi feature already in place. [via Engadget]