Microsoft on Thursday provided additional information about its forthcoming Zune digital media player and content marketplace, including details on the wireless capabilities of the 30GB player. The Zune player will allow users to share full-length sample tracks of select songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures over a Wi-Fi connection. Any track may be listened to up to three times over three days, after which time it becomes unplayable, although users may flag shared songs on their Zune at any point for purchase from the Zune Marketplace, which will offer both a la carte and subscription options. Microsoft added that the Zune will feature a built-in FM tuner, and come pre-loaded with content from labels including DTS, EMI Music’s Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records and V2/Artemis Records. Microsoft also introduced three accessory packs for the Zune, including a Home A/V Pack that will include an A/V output cable for connecting the Zune to a television or home stereo. Microsoft said accessory makers including Altec Lansing, Belkin, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon, Klipsh and Logitech are developing products for the Zune. “With Zune, we are not simply delivering a portable device, we are introducing a new platform that helps bring artists closer to their audiences and helps people find new music and develop new social connections,” said J Allard, Microsoft’s vice president of design and development.

Links: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060914/sfth053.html?.v=77 http://tinyurl.com/pl44h http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/zune