Microsoft Zune to Retail for $299

Retailers point to a $299 price tag for Microsoft's new PMP

As we get closer and closer to launch of Microsoft's Zune portable media player (PMP), more information is starting to leak out. DailyTech has already reported that Microsoft has sought the help of iPod accessory makers to develop for Zune players and that the player will focus on community-based sharing system via WiFi. The latest news to come across the wires is that the initial Zune player will be priced at $299 when it is launched on November 14.

There had been previous rumblings that Zune would launch at same price as a 60GB 5G iPod -- that would place it at the $399 mark. But the latest information from Microsoft insiders and retailers suggests a more palatable figure and confirms the report that the player will launch in three colors (previously reported as white, black and brown). TWICE goes on to say:

Retailers who have been briefed by Microsoft told TWICE the player will offer Wi-Fi capability, but will require that the portable be connected to a PC for the actual purchase of songs. Retailers, who claimed Microsoft remained “fuzzy” on the Zune’s wireless capability, said only that Zune will allow users to bookmark songs that may be shared via Wi-Fi, but that users cannot purchase songs on the go from the Microsoft Zune Web site.

It had been previously reported that users of Zune players would be able to purchase music directly from their player thanks to the integrated WiFi, but that doesn't appear to be the case now. Being able to purchase songs on the fly without being tethered to a PC would be a big boon for the PMP, so Microsoft is missing a prime opportunity here. Hopefully the feature will be implemented later on down the line with future Zune products. Regardless of how things pan out with the initial launch of the Zune PMP, even Microsoft knows that it has a long battle ahead.