NEW YORK: Microsoft Corp. intends to have video games on its digital music player Zune in about 18 months, matching market leader Apple's iPods.
Confirming the plan, Peter Moore, Microsoft's vice president for Xbox video game business, told media persons at the Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas, Zune is adapted to playing handheld games with its large screen.
Zune, which came into the market in November, has not been able to have any noteworthy market share mainly because it does not have features capable of offering games and videos.
Analysts say if Zune starts offering games and with wireless capability, it can be in competition with gaming device makers like Nintendo and Sony. Its wider display panel will be an advantage.
Microsoft is also planning to add wireless video sharing facility in the device and possibly convert it into one with a phone like Apple's iPhone.
When Zune was launched, it quickly captured market share to the extent of 9 per cent, taking it to the second place during the holiday shopping season. Since then, its sales have dropped and it is now said to be at the No 5 spot.
Microsoft expects to sell more than one million Zune players by 30 June.
