Microsoft to Offer Microsoft Zune - Apple iPod's Rival from Microsoft

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Microsoft pronounces new details of the first products to be issued under Microsoft Zune brand. Microsoft Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Microsoft Zune experience centers around connection - connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices. Microsoft Zune includes a 30GB digital media player, the Microsoft Zune Marketplace music service and a foundation for an online community that will enable music fans to discover new music. The Microsoft Zune device features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a bright, 3" screen that allows users to not only show off music, pictures and video, but also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes to truly make the device their own. Microsoft Zune comes in three colors: black, brown and white.

Every Microsoft Zune device creates an opportunity for connection. Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing lets consumers spontaneously share full-length sample tracks of select songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends between Microsoft Zune devices. Listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times over three days. If you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device and easily purchase it from the Microsoft Zune Marketplace. Microsoft Zune makes it easy to find music you love - whether it's songs in your existing library or new music from the Microsoft Zune Marketplace. Easily import your existing music, pictures and videos in many popular formats and browse millions of songs on Microsoft Zune Marketplace, where you can choose to purchase tracks individually or to buy a Microsoft Zune Pass subscription to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee. Additionally, every Microsoft Zune device is preloaded with content from record labels such as DTS, EMI Music's Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records.

Three accessory packs help Microsoft Zune users enjoy their music where they want to, at home or on the road. The packs and the individual accessories, all designed exclusively for Microsoft Zune, will be available at launch:
- The Microsoft Zune Car Pack includes everything needed to hit the road with a Microsoft Zune device, such as the built-in FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Microsoft Zune Car Charger.
- The Microsoft Zune Home A/V Pack enhances your experience in the home through five products that integrate Microsoft Zune with the TV and music speakers: Microsoft Zune AV Output Cable, Microsoft Zune Dock, Microsoft Zune Sync Cable, Microsoft Zune AC Adapter and the Microsoft Zune Wireless Remote for Microsoft Zune Dock.
- Microsoft Zune Travel Pack is a set of five products designed to keep friends and family entertained on the road: Microsoft Zune Premium Earphones, Microsoft Zune Dual Connect Remote, Microsoft Zune Gear Bag, Microsoft Zune Sync Cable and the Microsoft Zune AC Adapter.

In addition to the features available at launch, built-in wireless technology and powerful software provide a strong foundation to continue to build new shared experiences around music and video. As Microsoft Zune evolves, the device can be easily updated. The Microsoft Zune software on your PC will let you know when these updates are available for download.

Zune is Microsoft's music and entertainment platform that provides an end- to-end solution for Connected Entertainment. The Microsoft Zune experience includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Microsoft Marketplace music service, and a foundation for an online community that will enable music fans to discover new music. Inspired by the vast and varied community of music fans, Microsoft Zune focuses on helping emerging artists shape the digital canvas. Zune is part of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division and supports the company's software-based services vision to help drive innovation in the digital entertainment space.

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