Microsoft launches Zune

[Rocol]

Microsoft has launched its 30 gigabyte Zune, a digital music player to compete with Apple's iconic iPod.

The device plays songs and videos which owners can download to their PCs via the Zune Marketplace site.

It also has wireless technology which allows owners to send each other songs and pictures.

The Zune has a three-inch colour screen and comes in black, brown and white.
Users can either buy tracks individually from the site or get a Zune Pass subscription to download as many songs as they want for a flat fee.

The gadgets have been pre-loaded with some initial content from a number of record labels prior to sale.

The Zune is on sale in the US priced at $249.99 (£130). No date or price has been set for its UK launch.

Lol, if they bring many more of this type of gadget out, clothing will need to be redisigned, with additional pockets, to hold them all

[stubacca68]

is it going to be cheaper than the ipod! ( I predict a price war here!!!)

[Setarime]

good comments, maybe it will help bring down the cost of ipods. Expected Microsoft to have come up with this, thought they would have done it quicker though

[Saurgrist]

Looks pretty cool, but the iPod has gained my allegience... I love them.

[TGLucario]

hmmm, 30GB's, @ 128bit rate, 5mb's a song, that i'll be around 6000 songs, more than a Ipod, but thats only songs, & not Vids, i might get it, but i'll wait til the price drops, then i'll get it

[DixieChick]

Looks pretty cool. Have to check it out. My son wanted an iPod for christmas but this seems to have much more memory. Thanks for the tip Rocol.