Zune vs iPod: Microsoft Take On The Icon

Microsoft has confirmed the rumours that it is developing "a number of music and entertainment devices" the first of which could launch by the end of 2006.

"Under the Zune brand, we will deliver a family of hardware and software products," said Chris Stephenson, the firm's general manager for marketing. "We see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow customers to explore and discover music together."

Apple currently enjoys 50%+ of digital music players and iTunes Music Store has a 70% share of the music downloads market.