Microsoft Formally Unveils Zune Player

Microsoft Corp. unveiled details of its first Zune digital media player, which it hopes to have in stores this holiday season to challenge Apple Computer Inc.’s popular iPod players.

The Zune will come in white, brown and black versions

The Redmond, Wash., giant said its Zune player will be available in three colors – black, white and brown – but did not disclose pricing or provide a launch date for the device.

“The digital music entertainment revolution is just beginning,” said J Allard, vice president, design and development, at Microsoft, who is heading its Zune project. “With Zune, we are not simply delivering a portable device, we are introducing a new platform that helps bring artists closer to their audiences and helps people find new music and develop new social connections.”

Microsoft said the Zune will feature a 30 gigabyte hard drive, built-in FM tuner and wireless networking capability. The Zune, which will be linked to a new music store run by Microsoft, will be available later this year. Many of the device’s technical details were disclosed last month in a regulatory filing by Toshiba Corp., which is manufacturing the device for Microsoft.

The announcement comes two days after Apple unveiled its new lineup of iPod players, including an 80 gigabyte model, and added movie downloads to its iTunes store.