Microsoft quietly announced its third-generation Zune MP3 players and software, news that got lost amidst the din of Apple's ‘Let's Rock’ event. As expected, Microsoft will offer a new 120GB hardware model and a 16GB flash model in new blue-on-silver and all-black color schemes. The models will be available for purchase on September 16; the Zune 3.0 media player software for Windows will be available for download that same day, and will work with all generations of Zunes.

A firmware update will also be available for first- and second-generation Zunes (third-generation firmware is preinstalled). The new models will replace the existing 80GB Zune and 4GB Zune (same as the 8GB Zune that PC World reviewed last year), which will continue to be sold at $230 and $130 respectively until they sell out. The 120GB Zune sells for $250, the same price as Apple's new 120GB player. 

Microsoft hopes to outshine its competition by offering innovative ways for customers to discover music. Both Zune models integrate an FM tuner--a feature that no Apple iPods have. The Zune takes advantage of its tuner and its built-in wireless connectivity with its new "Buy from FM" ability. Have you ever heard a terrific song on the radio but failed to figure out the title and artist? Buy from FM will make tracking it down easy: Just tag the song you like, enter a Wi-Fi hotspot, and immediately purchase and download the song. If Wi-Fi isn't available, the Zune sets up a queue of songs you tagged ready for download.

Source : Channel World