Microsoft on Friday confirmed rumours it planned to launch an “iPod killer,” saying its challenge to Apple Computer’s dominant MP3 player would hit the market this year.
Microsoft’s new “music and entertainment project” was called “Zune,” the software giant’s general manager of marketing, Chris Stephenson, revealed in a statement.
“Under the Zune brand we will deliver a family of hardware and software products, the first of which will be available this year,” Stephenson said.
“We see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow customers to explore and discover music together.”
Unofficial word that the Redmond, Washington, company was gearing up to market a hand-held digital music and movie player in time for the Christmas shopping season set the internet abuzz earlier this month.
News reports cited entertainment industry executives that contended they were briefed on a Microsoft plan to go head-to-head with Apple’s market leading iPod player and iTunes online music store duo.
The Microsoft device, dubbed “iPod killer” by the media, would do what the iPod can’t: allow users to wirelessly download music, according to executives quoted.
Microsoft has reportedly negotiated with record companies and television studios for permission to sell their music and video offerings through an online store similar to iTunes. – AFP