Zune to be sold at GameStop and EB. Also, accessory pics and prices.IGN Gear has received word from our rather well-placed sources at GameStop and EB that Microsoft has successfully brokered for quality in-store placement for the Zune, Microsoft's new iPod-killer mp3 player. The move signals an obvious desire on Microsoft's part to reach directly to gamers, an audience not yet directly tapped by Apple. It will be the first time these videogame store chains have carried an mp3 product.
The Zune project is Microsoft Corporate Vice President J. Allard's newest endeavor following his oversight of the Xbox 360's development and launch. As Microsoft's public face on the company's hopes for the new device, he has indicated that the MS intends the Zune platform to become an integrated part of Microsoft's hardware endeavors, interconnecting between Media Center PCs and the Xbox 360. While the first generation of Zune players are only taking the first step by incorporating WiFi for Zune-to-Zune communications, Microsoft is speaking very strongly of their plans to expand the platform with new hardware (rumors currently abound that a Zune-phone will be the follow up hardware release in Q1-Q2 2007) that will likely also launch with the E3-discussed Xbox Live Anywhere initiative.
Last week, Amazon.com inadvertently broke Zune pricing and launch date information. Launch day is set for November 14, and the 3-inch screened 30-GB mp3 player will cost $249.99. This price competes directly with the 30-GB iPod Video, but Microsoft aims to sweeten the Zune deal with a fair amount of pre-loaded content. Songs from Sub Pop, Quango, V2, and Astralwerks and music-videos from BT, 30 Seconds to Mars, and Paul Oakenfold will ship pre-loaded on every Zune. A number of other included video clips will allow users to sample the Zune's movie-playback capabilities.
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