14
Nov
2006
Microsoft’s Zune music player has gone on sale in the US, hoping to make a dent in the success of Apple’s iPod.
The modest launch of the player is Microsoft’s first direct attempt to topple the iPod, which dominates the MP3 player market around the world. The Zune is only available in the US and there is just one 30GB model – in three colours – for $250 (£131). (…)
Zune features:
- - 30GB model – $249
- - 3-inch screen (320*240 pixels)
- - FM radio
- - Songs cost 99 cents or unlimited subscription for $15 a month
- - Two million songs on offer
- - Wirelessly share songs with other Zune users
- - Registered guests can swap songs via a PC
Microsoft has all but abandoned plans to try to topple the iPod by working with third-party MP3 player manufacturers.
The firm licenses software called Plays For Sure, which guarantees that digital music bought from a range of download stores works on players that have signed up to the system.
But Microsoft’s Zune is not part of the Plays For Sure initiative – so songs bought from Napster, Rhapsody, AOL or Urge, for example, will not work with the player. Songs bought from Microsoft’s own MSN music store – which is being closed down – will also not work on a Zune player.
Instead Zune users must buy and download music from a dedicated Zune music store – or rip their own CDs and copy them on to the player.
Zune owners can buy individual tracks using a points system – 79 Zune points equals 99 cents which buys a single – or subscribe to the service monthly, giving users access to two million tracks.
The first reviews of the player have been mixed – praising some features, and criticising others.
(source: BBC)
