Microsoft has unveiled the second generation of its Zune media player, designed to compete with the dominant player in the digital music business, Apple’s iPod. The first generation digital music player was launched almost a year ago, which made little impact on iPod’s dominance. Microsoft expects the new Zune to become the clear number-two to Apple in the near future. The new 4Gb and 8Gb models feature the Zune Pad, a touch-sensitive button for navigating on the device, and have a wireless feature that can sync the device with the owner’s home wireless network.

The new Zunes will go on sale in North America in mid-November at $149 for the 4Gb model and $199 for the 8Gb model. Microsoft also launched Zune Social, a beta online community website where users can share their music tastes with other consumers.

Written by mahesh15 in Gadgets