Microsoft unveiled its portable "Zune" media player Thursday, hoping its wireless song-sharing feature will help it win over customers from its major rival Apple's iPod.

The portable Zune media player, via its built-in wi-fi, will enable people to share some of their favorite songs or pictures wirelessly with other Zune users close by, the company said. Those users can listen to the songs three times over three days before deciding whether to purchase it themselves.

Microsoft said it will launch a 30-gigabyte Zune and an iTunes competitor called the Zune Marketplace in the United States this holiday shopping season.

The Zune will come in black, brown and white but the company has declined to reveal any pricing information.

With the Zune, Microsoft is chasing Apple and its iconic music player, the iPod, which has thus far eclipsed all challengers. Microsoft said the Zune's wireless connectivity feature will differentiate it from Apple's iPod.

The world's largest software maker also said the music player is the first step in creating a whole series of portable devices, and a Zune mobile phone is in the company's plans. Enditem

Source:Xinhua/Agencies