Microsoft Partners With Toshiba

On Thursday, Toshiba filed papers with the Federal Communications Commission indicating its plan to manufacture Microsoft's music player -- the one that will supposedly rival Apple's iPod. The filing includes photos of the device, as well as the various mechanisms inside of it. The Zune player includes a 30GB hard drive, three-inch TFT LCD, an FM tuner, wireless 802.11 b/g, and USB 2.0 support.

Different from Apple's iPod, Zune's wireless capabilities were also disclosed, including the capability to stream music to up to four other devices. The network on which users of Zune would be able to send and stream content to one another was referred to as "Pyxis." According to the documentation, "Once your wireless setting is set to on, you will be able to send and receive promotional copies of songs, albums, and playlists from other Pyxis users."

So far Microsoft has remained fairly tight-lipped about the Zune project, and has yet to offer a release date. Zune will not be the first attempt the company has made at gaining share in iPod market. Both Creative Technology and Samsung Electronics offer portable media players using Microsoft software and have seen little success in toppling the mighty iPod. The Pyxis wireless setting seems intriguing, but I am sure Mr. Jobs has something up his sleeve. Apple's next big announcement is slated for September 12 in Paris during the Apple Expo.