Microsoft Launches the Zune!

Don't bust open the new iPods just yet - Microsoft has just launched their long awaited digital media player, the Zune! There were a lot of speculations about what the final device specifications would actually be, so here we go: a 3-inch, QVGA (320x240) screen which is the same resolution as the iPod but half an inch bigger, 30 GB HDD, FM radio and WiFi. Yes, FM radio and WiFi. It will be available in three colors: black, brown and white.

WiFi should work to transfer music to and from the player, but it also can be used to share music from one Zune to another. A shared Zune tune can be heard for three days and upto three times, after which it will need to be purchased from the Zune Marketplace, which is the iTunes Store equivalent of the Zune. There's also a "Zune Pass" which gives the user unlimited access to shared music. Speaking of buying music, the Zune will come preloaded with free tracks from record labels like Astralweks and Virgin Records.

The Zune's software equivalent of iTunes is also called Zune, and is more or less similar in function to its competitor. The Zune software also lets you manage photos, something iTunes doesn't do.

There are accessories as well! There are three packs announced: Home A/V pack, Car pack and the Travel pack. Kind of obvious what they are, but here goes. There's a Home A/V pack consisting of a dock along with a cable with which you can connect the Zune to your home theater system and a wireless remote to control it with. The Car pack comes with an FM radio transmitter, instantly making it compatible with any car audio system you may have. The last one is the Travel pack that boasts "premium earbuds" and a dual-connect remote along with a carry bag and cables. This is just the beginning of the line of Zune accessories, all set to be taken forward by the likes of Griffin, Altec Lansing, Logitech, Harman Kardon, etc.

Finally, the big word: price. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not announced the price of the Zune (aww), but hold on. We'll get you more details as they trickle in.

Update (29th September 2006): The Zune has been officially priced at $249.99 and will be available on 14th November 2006.