MS releases more details for the Zune

Microsoft is touting the ability to share music through wireless connectivity as a key element for its new “Zune” portable media player to win over consumers from Apple’s market-leading iPod.

The world’s largest software maker said it will launch a 30-gigabyte Zune and an iTunes competitor called the Zune Marketplace in the United States this holiday shopping season.

Zune, which has a 3-inch (7.6 cm) liquid crystal display, will allow users to share sample tracks, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures between devices. It also allows users to listen to any shared song three times over a three-day period.

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 purchase songs individually.

Microsoft said Zune will come preloaded with music and videos from a number of record labels including Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records from EMI Music.

Source: SMH

Related Links: Microsoft’s MP3 player coming this year , Zune @ Wiki