Microsoft takes the lid off Zune

[callisto11]

Microsoft has confirmed that its Zune 'iPod killer' is to hit the shelves in the US by the 'holiday buying season', which means the run up to Thanksgiving Day on 23 November. There is little in the announcement that has not already leaked onto the Internet. The specifications are now generally known. It is apparently a portable device with a 30GB hard disk, wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a 3in screen, and will be available in black, brown and white.
Microsoft, however, is now giving an indication of the business model it intends to use with the Zune - a kind of merging of social networking and iTunes. Connecting Zunes together wirelessly will let consumers share full-length sample tracks of songs (presumably those sanctioned by the record labels), homemade recordings, playlists or pictures.
Listeners get to hear the full track of any song they receive up to three times over three days. Any tune that takes your fancy can then be flagged on the Zune and should be easily available for purchase through the Zune Marketplace.
Tracks can either be bought individually or it is possible to buy a Zune Pass subscription to download unlimited songs for a flat fee. It is not clear yet whether the business model is to allow customers to buy tracks outright, as with iTunes, or to use some kind of rental model, as with Napster and Yahoo! where the music only remains playable during the term of the subscription.
To kick off the service, the Zune will also have trailers and other 'content' preloaded from assorted music labels.

Microsoft has also revealed that it will be releasing three 'accessory packs' to accompany the Zune. The Zune Car Pack includes a car charger, Autoseek for the built-in FM tuner, while the 'Travel Pack' includes Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, a Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.
Finally, the Zune Home A/V Pack is a set of five cables that allows the customer to hook the device up to TV and music players around the home. The set includes an AV Output Cable, a Zune Dock, a Zune Sync Cable, a Zune AC Adapter and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.
No prices for the Zune, the songs on Zune Marketplace or the accessory packs have yet been announced.