Zune

Microsoft Zune Release Date, Price, and Details

Microsoft has announced a release date and price for the Microsoft Zune digital media player and online service.  Zune will be available to consumers in the U.S. on Nov. 14, 2006, just in time for the holidays, and as expected the new Microsoft Zune device will retail for $249.99 in the U.S.

Microsoft says the Zune player and brand will create new ways for entertainment fans to connect and share media experiences device-to-device through the use of wireless technology and new software scenarios.

For $249.99, Zune consumers will get an entertainment experience right out of the box:

• 30GB digital media player will come equipped with wireless functionality for Zune-to-Zune sharing of music, pictures and home recordings; a bright, three-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode to view pictures and videos; and a built-in FM tuner. The device will be available in three colors: black, brown and white.

• A selection of preloaded content including songs, music videos and film shorts are installed on the device’s hard drive to help consumers discover new artists and entertainment.

Zune makes it easy to find music you love — whether it’s songs in your existing library or new music from the Zune Marketplace:

• Its dynamic music service will be continually updated with new content and experiences so there is always something to discover. The Zune Marketplace lets users browse and purchase songs individually.

• A Zune Pass subscription gives consumers access to millions of songs for $14.99 per month.

• Users can purchase songs individually using Microsoft® Points for 79 points per track. Similar to a pre-paid phone card, Microsoft Points is a stored value system that can be redeemed at a growing number of online stores, including the Xbox Live® Marketplace.

Toshiba to Manufacture Zune Player

According to an FCC report, Microsoft's coming Zune player will be manufactured by Toshiba Corp. This news does not come as a surprise, we noticed similarities between Toshiba's GigaBeat S series player and the Zune design already. Of course Microsoft's Zune will incorporate its own unique capabilities and features including letting users share music, photos, and other media content with other Zune users via a wi-fi connection. It looks like everything is coming together for Zune to be released in time for the holiday shopping season.

via | Zune Insider

read more | Yahoo News

Microsoft Zune Presentations Given

Zune Insider sheds light on a presentation given by Robbie Bach, who runs the division that Microsoft's Zune is in, and is President of the Entertainment and Devices Division. The Zune presentation was given to all of Microsoft's financial analysts, this after Microsoft's Steve Ballmer gave his take on Zune the other day, saying among other things:

"The point of view we're taking, is quite unique.  Over time, what this is all about, just like my example with Tiger Woods, it's all about how do multiple groups of people, friends, interact together in various entertainment experiences, whether it's watching the British Open, whether it's enjoying movies, and music, and other video entertainment, whether it is involved in an interactive gaming session, a lot of the IQ we're putting into is how you view community and entertainment together.  That's where our fundamental differentiation comes from."

Read also: Microsoft Zune Brand Confirmed