Toshiba to Produce Zune

Software giant Microsoft has decided to call upon Toshiba, the Japanese Electronics leader for the production of its upcoming ‘Zune’ music player. The 30GB digital music player will now be produced by Toshiba, confirmed Microsoft spokeswoman Denise Gocke.

Due for its launch on November 14th 2006, the ‘Zune’ will be in direct competition with iPod by Apple, currently the market leader in digital music. With this launch Microsoft expects to capture a large chunk of the market share from its arch rival Apple, which is why it is being termed as "iPod killer".

It may be recalled that Apple iPod, is manufactured by Foxconn Electronics, a contract manufacturer. Likewise Microsoft has given the contract to Toshiba. All features and characteristics of Zune will however be defined by Microsoft Corp. itself.

Zune will have a 3.75” screen and the device will be available in three colors with a duotone approach on each. The features include ad-hoc music sharing between a group of people courtesy Wi-Fi connectivity. It will also have FM as well as digital radio. No price has been quoted for Zune as yet. Microsoft is also expected to launch its online music store along with Zune.

Toshiba has filed details of the player with the US Federal Communications Commission for the approval of the device, which is scheduled to be released before the end of the year.

The market for such devices is dominated by Apple. In fact American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu said, “The market is really simple: Either you’re Apple or you’re not,” Microsoft has a challenge on hand to make inroads in this market, which in intends to do so with Zune.