[From Bob Reid] Thanks to Bob Reid who sent this news about the new Microsoft Zune. "Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday it will debut a 30-gigabyte "Zune" portable media player, the software maker's answer to Apple Computer Inc.'s (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) market-leading iPod, this holiday shopping season in the U.S.
Microsoft plans to offer Zune, manufactured by Japanese electronics maker Toshiba Corp. (6502.T: Quote, NEWS, Research), in black, white and brown, according to a company news release.
The device will come with a 3-inch (7.6 centimetre) liquid crystal display screen and wireless connectivity that allows users to send, receive photos, songs and albums with nearby players.
The world's largest software maker faces an uphill climb in closing the gap with Apple's iPod media player and iTunes Music Store, the runaway leaders in their respective areas.
The iPod holds more than half of the digital media player market, according to research company NPD, while iTunes accounts for over 70 percent of U.S. digital music sales. In the United States, the iPod has more than 75 percent of the digital music player market, according to NPD."
If you want some more information here are a couple of links to get you in the mood, Engadget has a nice write up with some great pictures. Gizmodo also has some thoughts and spec information.