eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Microsoft semiofficially launched its Zune wireless MP3 player on Sept. 14, describing in more detail how its business model will work.
Previously, Microsoft had confirmed that the device will be by Toshiba and will contain a 30GB hard drive and wireless capabilities.
Microsoft confirmed the Zunes wireless abilities, although the company didnt officially disclose the actual technology itself.
It will be manufactured in black, white, and brown.
However, the Zunes price was not disclosed. It will ship during the “holiday season” this year, Microsoft said.
The Zune is Microsofts answer to the iPod, and speculation was that the Apple player would be one-upped by the Zune in its ability to share songs with friends.
As it turns out, however, the Zune will only be able to share “full-length sample tracks of complete songs,” which another user will be able to listen to only three times per day.
If he or she likes it however, the song will be flagged for download, and the user will be able to purchase it later.
“Millions of songs” will be available to be downloaded from the Zune Marketplace, according to Microsoft.