Toshiba to make Microsoft version of the IPOD

Microsoft has said that Zune is key to the software maker’s overall entertainment ambitions and will capitalize on — and tie into — the company’s other entertainment offerings. These include the Xbox video game console, Microsoft’s television technology and the media-focused version of the Windows operating system that lets people do things like record and watch live television.Microsoft Corp.’s answer to Apple’s IPod will be built by Toshiba Corp., the software company confirmed Friday, just days after Dell Inc. announced it was throwing in the towel, and its DJ Ditty music player, in the battle against IPod for market share.Microsoft has confirmed that Toshiba will manufacture the WA-based firm’s upcoming Zune-branded portable media player. Toshiba had filed papers with the Federal Communications Commission for a device called Zune, and a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that they were indeed related to its upcoming gadget. The player is said to look very similar to Apple’s market-leading iPod player: online photos depict a rectangular-shaped device with buttons forming a circle at the bottom, not unlike the design of Apple’s clickwheel. However, the Zune player will add features like wireless connectivity, which, according to the filing, is referred to as “Pyxis”. Using this wireless capability, consumers could send and receive files with friends nearby. A “DJ” feature would allow users to stream music to up to four other Zune players in the vicinity. Equipped with a 3’’ screen, the Zune player will reportedly have a 30 GB hard drive, and come in a choice of three colours.