After Hours

Microsoft Zune digital media player

By // September 28, 2006, 6:29 AM PST // billdetwiler

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  • 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

  • Box

    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

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

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By Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...