Microsoft introduced the Zune brand of products in 2006. Microsoft's answer to Apple's iPod, Zune is not only the name of their portable media player, but also for the software used to organize and run music on the player.RoughlyDrafted: Zune Sales Still In the Toilet (May 9, 2008)

On December 31, 2008, owners complained that their 30GB Zunes had frozen simultaneously at midnight.Tech Digest: Breaking: Zunes Worldwide Hit by Mystery Crash (December 31, 2008)

1. 1st available: November 19, 2006
2. Digital player released: November 2007
3. Hard Drive Models: 30, 80 and 120 GB
4. Flash Models: 4, 8, 16 GB
5. Connectivity: WiFi, USB
6. Includes built-in FM radio tuner
7. Runs on any PC that has Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft VistaZune: Computer Requirements
8. Support: 1-877-GET-ZUNE (438-9863)

Microsoft jumped into the video gaming business with the introduction of the Xbox, and in 2006 they decided to similarly get aggressive in going after Apple's stranglehold on the music playback industry. Originally, they teamed up Toshiba to develop the Zune player. Music can be downloaded directly from their Zune Marketplace, (similar to the iTunes Store).

The Zune concept includes the eventual ability for the music player to also be used as its own gaming system, to allow for interactive play between those using Zune, Xbox and PC.

A September 2008 update to the Zune software provided all users free WiFi access to the Zune store in nearly 10,000 McDonald's locations.InformationWeek: Microsoft Zune Users Get Free Wi-Fi At McDonald's (September 16, 2008)

• Zune.net: Support
• Contact Zune Support: 1-877-GET-ZUNE (438-9863)
  • TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-801-1189
    • Hours of operation (daily): 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST
• Zune Help Forum: Official Zune Forums