Ohlamon’s Technology News Blog

Some things you should know about Microsoft new Audio Player: Zune

• Microsoft’s 30GB Zune will retail for $249.99 when it goes on sale November 14.

• Songs available for download at the Zune Marketplace service will cost about 99 cents a song.

• The music player is the first step in creating a new brand of portable devices (Zune phone is on his way)

• The Zune has a 3-inch screen.

• Unlike the iPod, it comes with an FM radio tuner and wireless connectivity to allow users to beam photos and songs to one another.

• Microsoft hired Japanese electronics maker Toshiba Corp. to manufacture the Zune.

• Microsoft also announced it will sell a music subscription pass for $14.99 a month, allowing users to listen to any of the songs on Zune Marketplace.

• Zune Marketplace is going to offer 2 million-plus songs at launch.

• It will initially sell only music and no video at the Zune Marketplace.

• Each Zune device will come preloaded with an array of songs, music video, images and short films.