Zune to bring UK Christmas cheer?

The Microsoft Zune -- a much-hyped rival to Apple's iPod -- could be available in Europe in time for Christmas 2007.

Jason Reindorp, Zune marketing director, told Reuters that Redmond was not ready to announce an official launch date, but is reported to have said the media player could be available in Europe by the end of the year.

Reindorp is quoted as saying the next round of product introductions would be "in time for the holiday [season] of this year".

A Microsoft spokesman, however, told CNET.co.uk's sister site, silicon.com, the company still has no further information available regarding the European availability of the Zune and would not be pressed on the potential for a Christmas release in the UK.

The Zune has been available in the US since 14 November last year and now holds 10.2 per cent of the US market share according to Reindorp. It is forecast to sell more than one million units by 30 June.

Some have predicted the Zune could be a real threat to the dominance of the iPod, but since the Zune's arrival Apple has announced it is to launch a combined mobile phone-MP3-player device, known as the iPhone.