Microsoft confirms "Zune" rumors

Well, it's official now: Microsoft's supposed iPod-killer does exist and it is called "Zune." The details we chronicled here last week, as disclosed to Digital Music News, were mostly vetted by the company. In an official statement, Microsoft General Manager of Marketing Chris Stephenson pointed to a "new music and entertainment project" called "Zune." Stephenson also confirmed rumors of a community-based approach. "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. The exec said the player will offer WiFi capabilities, with sharing limited to 10 total users within a hotspot.

The company is still weighing wireless access to paid content or a digital locker. Stephenson hinted that future Zune players will focus on video and gaming aspects, while MSN Music will not be part of the ecosystem.

For more on Microsoft's Zune:
- see this article from Digital Music News