SlashGear

It’s official, anyone who owns a xxxZune or Zunexxx domain name can cash in! I didn’t expect to get too much information from Billboard Magazine’s article; since it’s probably a good idea for Microsoft to not give everything away. Microsoft confirms Zune is the project, the brand and the device.The new wifi-enabled Zune will possibly allow browsing other user’s libraries, purchasing and downloading songs without a PC or laptop and viewing a “digital locker”. Microsoft wants the Zune to be collaborative and sharing. It’s interesting that Zune will get it’s content delivered from a brand new online music service; not the Windows Media Player, URGE, PlaysForSure, DRM and may include Portable Media Center. Billboard Magazine's Article after the jump.

July 29, 2006 ZUNE GETS IN THE RING Microsoft Preps Music Player, Service To Rival Apple’s Wares BY ANTONY BRUNO Microsoft officials for the first time have confirmed that the Redmond, Wash.-based company is readying a portable music player and integrated service, shedding new light on a topic that has fueled rampant speculation in news reports and blog postings for weeks. In an exclusive first interview with Billboard, Chris Stephenson, Microsoft’s new GM of marketing for MSN Entertainment Business, says the company will later this year launch Zune, an umbrella brand for what he says is “a family of hardware and software products” targeting various digital entertainment services.