Zune Price, Shipping Date Announced

Microsoft has officially announced that the Zune digital media player and online service will be available to US consumers in on November 14, 2006 and will retail for $249.99 US (ERP).

The 30 GB 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 transmitter. The device will be available in three colors — black, brown and white. The Zune will come with preloaded content including songs, music videos and film shots.

The Zune Marketplace will lets users browse and purchase songs individually and a Zune Pass subscription will give 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.

Microsoft is also making available a full line of accessories like the Zune Home A/V Pack, Zune Travel Pack and Zune Car Pack, ranging in prices from $19.99 to $99.99.

"On November 14 we're delivering not only a device, but a shared, social experience that will be shaped by the collective imagination of consumers," said Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune. "We're infusing the spirit of discovery and sharing into everything we do — from the experience we crafted around the device and service to pre-loading music and videos on every device to expose people to something new."