The four billion market dominated by Apple will soon be introduced with Microsoft portable media player. The Redmond Company will attempt to redistribute the presently undisputed iPod's 77% hold on the market. In this context, Microsoft has confirmed on Friday July 21 the speculations surrounding its portable media player Zune. Microsoft's General Manager Chris Stephenson has admitted that the first Microsoft portable media products will ship this year.

Analyst suggest that Microsoft will have to implement a comprehensive market strategy in order to dislodge Apple from its dominant position as the leader of the portable media market will move to counteract the newly emerged competitor while benefiting from a 77% advantage.

Like iPod, Microsoft's Zune will come in 30GB and 60GB versions, and there is also the variant codenamed Pyxis a competitor for the iPod nano. The Redmond Company will feature as an edge, WiFi connection and and a gaming interface. The expected prices are estimated to be less than the $399 of the high-end version of iPod. The software giant will accompany Zune with a service similar to Apple's iTunes Media Store. Speculation still refer to it under codename Alexandria, and Microsoft will most likely not disclose such details up until the actual launch.

Microsoft's spokeswoman Sally Julien was the source of the confirmation, but additional details were not disclosed. Apple representatives have not issued any official statement at this point.