Microsoft Unveils New Zune Players

New Zune

MICROSOFT took the wraps off its second-generation ZUNE digital media players late TUESDAY, showing three models that bring the software maker's offerings more in line with APPLE's market-leading iPOD.

One model -- available in black -- has an 80-gigabyte hard drive and a 3.2-inch screen. It's slimmer than last year's ZUNE, which had a 30 GB hard drive and a smaller screen. MICROSOFT also will sell a smaller, flash memory-based ZUNE, similar in shape and size to the original iPOD NANO, in pink, green, black and red with either 4 GB or 8 GB of storage.

Like the original ZUNE, the new models include an FM radio tuner and the ability to wirelessly share songs with other ZUNE owners.

The new ZUNES are to go on sale in mid-NOVEMBER. The 4 GB ZUNE will cost $149, the 8 GB one will sell for $199 and the 80 GB model for $249. The prices match those of APPLE's comparable iPOD models.

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