Either Microsoft tried to bury its Zune announcement in the Apple avalanche of hype, or the company believed it could compete with the iPod onslaught Tuesday. The much-maligned Microsoft player has some new features and higher-capacity models keep the product competitive with Apple's pricing. New Zune Too Soon According to reports circulating on the Web, Microsoft's latest Zune line was leaked by an online retailer, so the company decided to put out the news. The retailer posted the new models for sale but quickly pulled them down. Regardless of the timing, the new lineup keeps Zune marginally competitive with Apple. Joshua Martin, senior analyst for consumer products at the Yankee Group, commented, "Capacity and price point don't mean as much in this market, though. Apple has the cachet and can charge a premium for its product." The new Zunes come in 16GB and 120GB for $199 and $249. Microsoft will phase out the existing 8GB and 80GB models still in retail channels. But the big news for current and potential Zune owners is new software that allows Zune to download music directly from the Zune Marketplace over the device's Wi-Fi connection and to make "Buy from FM" purchases. Anytime during a Zune FM broadcast that utilizes Radio Data System feeds, a listener can purchase the song directly from the Marketplace. The new software also features channels developed by music-industry professionals such as Billboard and FADER magazines, and c ...
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