Microsoft Zune digital media player

Microsoft Zune

Is Microsoft’s $249 Zune digital media player an iPod killer? The Zune hits stores on November 14, 2006 and will come preloaded with songs, music videos, and film shorts.

The device will contain 30GB of storage; wi-fi technology and, a built-in FM tuner. The device can hold 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video. It will come in black, white, and brown.

Credit: Microsoft

Zune Brown

The Zune will have a 3″ screen.

Credit: Microsoft

Zune Black

Tne Zune’s software can import existing music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player. The music files must in unprotected WMA, MP3, AAC (formats); photos in JPEG; and videos in WMV, MPEG-4, H.264.

Therefore, songs purchased through iTunes, Urge, Rhapsody, or Napster won’t work on the Zune.

Credit: Microsoft

Zune White

The Zune’s wireless capability will let users share music, playlists and photos from one device to another.

Credit: Microsoft

Black Zune in action

Credit: Microsoft

Brown Zune in action

Credit: Microsoft

White Zune in action

Credit: Microsoft

Zune Marketplace

Users can purchase new content, including individual songs, through Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace.

A Zune Pass subscription gives consumers complete access for $14.99 per month. Users can also purchase songs individually using Microsoft Points for 79 points per track, which is roughly equal to $0.99.

Credit: Microsoft