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Later this year, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee hope to take a big step toward solving America's nuclear-waste woes.
Future power from toxic-waste?
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Microsoft�s Zune Delivers
Connected Music and Entertainment Experience
Built-in
wireless technology lets consumers share experiences device to
device.
 REDMOND, Wash. � Sept. 14, 2006 �
Marking the next big milestone for its Connected Entertainment
vision, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products
to be released under its Zune� brand. Designed around the principles
of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for
consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune
experience centers around connection � connection to your library,
connection to friends, connection to community and connection to
other devices.
�The digital music entertainment
revolution is just beginning,� said J Allard, vice president, design
and development, at Microsoft, who is leading the charge for
building the family of Zune products. �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.�
The Zune Experience
Available this holiday season in the United States, Zune
includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Marketplace music
service and a foundation for an online community that will enable
music fans to discover new music. The Zune device features wireless
technology, a built-in FM tuner and a bright, 3-inch screen that
allows users to not only show off music, pictures and video, but
also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes to
truly make the device their own. Zune comes in three colors: black,
brown and white.
Every Zune device creates an
opportunity for connection. Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing lets
consumers spontaneously share full-length sample tracks of select
songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends
between Zune devices. Listen to the full track of any song you
receive up to three times over three days. If you like a song you
hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device and
easily purchase it from the Zune Marketplace.
Zune makes it easy to find music
you love � whether it�s songs in your existing library or new music
from the Zune Marketplace. Easily import your existing music,
pictures and videos in many popular formats and browse millions of
songs on Zune Marketplace, where you can choose to purchase tracks
individually or to buy a Zune Pass subscription to download as many
songs as you want for a flat fee. |
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To get started with great music and
videos out of the box, every Zune device is preloaded with content
from record labels such as DTS, EMI Music�s Astralwerks Records and
Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group,
Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records.
Zune Accessories
To enhance the Zune experience, three accessory packs help Zune
users enjoy their music where they want to, at home or on the road. |
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The packs and the individual accessories, all designed exclusively
for Zune, will be available at launch:
- The Zune Car Pack
includes everything needed to hit the road with a Zune
device, such as the built-in FM tuner with AutoSeek and the
Zune Car Charger.
- The Zune Home A/V Pack
enhances your experience in the home through five products
that integrate Zune with the TV and music speakers: Zune AV
Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Sync Cable, Zune AC Adapter
and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.
- Zune
Travel Pack is a set of five products designed to keep
friends and family entertained on the road: Zune Premium
Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Gear Bag, Zune
Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.
Providing consumers with additional
options to customize and personalize their Zune experience,
Microsoft is also working with leading accessory manufacturers Altec
Lansing, Belkin Corp., Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Dual
Electronics, Griffin Technology, Harman Kardon and JBL, Integrated
Mobile Electronics, Jamo International, Klipsch Audio Technologies,
Logitech, Monster Cable Products Inc., Speck, Targus Group
International Inc. and VAF Research
The Future is Bright
In addition to the features available at launch, built-in
wireless technology and powerful software provide a strong
foundation to continue to build new shared experiences around music
and video. As Zune evolves, the device can be easily updated. The
Zune software on your PC will let you know when these updates are
available for download.
About Zune
Zune is Microsoft�s music and entertainment platform that provides
an end-to-end solution for Connected Entertainment. The Zune
experience includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune
Marketplace music service, and a foundation for an online community
that will enable music fans to discover new music. Inspired by the
vast and varied community of music fans, Zune focuses on helping
emerging artists shape the digital canvas. Zune is part of
Microsoft�s Entertainment and Devices division and supports the
company�s software-based services vision to help drive innovation in
the digital entertainment space. More information can be found
online at
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/zune.
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