Microsoft will launch a hardware device and accompanying software under the 'Zune' brand
Microsoft confirms rumoured iPod rival
/v3-uk/news/1996299/microsoft-confirms-rumoured-ipod-rival
24 Jul 2006, Tom Sanders in California , V3
Microsoft has confirmed that it plans to ship a rival to Apple's iPod portable music player this year.
The software giant will launch a hardware device and accompanying software products under the 'Zune' brand. Microsoft did not give out any further details.
Speculation about the Microsoft iPod rival surfaced earlier this month, following the launch of the Urge digital music service together with MTV. The service competes with Apple's iTunes.
Apple's combination of iPod and iTunes has allowed it to gain a firm grip on the digital music market.
The Zune devices are expected to start shipping in time for Christmas.
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Do you agree?
Zune
I think that Zune could be good for apple. Competition usually brings out the best product ;there isn't much competition for apple as it stands.
Posted by John, 24 Jul 2006
what's in a name ?
I find it unbelievable that a big company like microsoft who probably employs topnotch marketing people would choose such a lame name for a new product that's supposed to compete with a well established one with a name that catches one's imagination not to mention a "solid & compact" sounding name.Zune ???
Posted by Devadatta, 25 Jul 2006