Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Zune music player is similar to an iPod in looks, functions and now price. Microsoft stated that it would charge $249.99 for the device, avoiding a price war to gain market share.
Without a large difference in price the company hopes to gain an edge by promoting two features that rival Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL) does not include on its iPod--a subscription music service and the ability to share music with other Zune users through a wireless connection.
The device and online music service will start selling on Nov. 14 just ahead of the holiday gift-buying rush. Songs available through the music service will be 99 cents, the same price charged on Apple's iTunes Store.
The Zune Pass subscription service will allow users to listen to any of about two milliion songs for $14.99 a month. A similar service is offered through RealNetworks Inc.'s (RNWK) Rhapsody to Go. Renting music, in addition to buying it, will give Zune a chance to pull ahead of iPod but the trick will be to convince a mainstream audience that they want to rent music, not just buy it.
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I was really hoping for a better price, but it's not bad. The accessories are kinda costly too.
Posted by: zune | September 28, 2006 11:47 PM | Permalink to Comment