Zune to use Microsoft Points

Microsoft's portable media player, Zune, will accept Microsoft Points as currency in exchange for music downloads.

Already a system in use for transactions via Xbox Live Marketplace on the 360, users will be able to purchase songs at a price of 79 points per track, or around US $0.99 (EUR 0.77).

Although speculation regarding interconnectivity between the Xbox 360 and Zune has been rife, this is the first time that Microsoft has revealed a system unique to the hardware.

As with a majority of MP3 players, the Zune is able to connect with the Xbox 360 to play music and other media, or via a Media Centre PC streaming content to the console.

Zune will go on sale in North America on November 14th, priced US $249.99 (EUR 197).