MacRumors.com

Microsoft officially launched their Zune MP3 player today. Microsoft's latest entry into the portable music arena comes in at $249.99 for a 30GB Zune. It will be available at nearly 30,000 US retailers starting today. The Zune offers a 3inch LCD video screen, wireless music sharing and a built in FM radio. Zune comes in 3 colors: black, brown and white.

• 4.4 in. x 2.4 in. x 0.6 in. (h x w x d)
• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Music, up to 14 hours (wireless off), up to 13 hours (wireless on); pictures, up to 4 hours; video, up to 4 hours
• Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90%
• 3.0 inch display
• 320x240 pixels.

CNN provides Zune vs iPod slideshow and Engadget provides unpacking photos of the Zune.

While Zune will play the usual un-protected content (MP3s, AACs), Zune will only play protected content from Microsoft's new Zune Marketplace. Curiously, Zune is not compatible with previous Windows Media Player based music stores (such as Napster).

Note: Microsoft's Zune player is not compatible with Macs.