Altec, Belkin, Microsoft ship new Zune gear

Microsoft today sent word that it and its partners were shipping accessories for the new Zunes, preparing for the release of the actual player in shops by mid-November. The jukebox maker itself expects to launch its themed accessory packs as well as add-ons for previous players: the Home AV pack ($100, pictured) includes both a charging and syncing dock as well as an, RCA video cable, and remote; the dock is also available by itself for $50. A Car AV pack ($80) includes the company's reworked FM transmitter, while the company is also shipping the Premium Earphones of the Zune 80 and a leather case for $40 each. All should work with the Zune 4 and 8 flash players as well as the Zune 30 and 80 hard drive models, Microsoft says.

Several third-parties are also ready for the launch, Microsoft says. Altec-Lansing is releasing the iM414, a one-piece compact radio dock that picks up FM radio and includes both a large LED display and remote for $100; Belkin in turn is adapting its Sport Armband design for iPods to the Zune with the same wrap-around design, easy access to the controller, and a slot to fit important totable items like earbuds or keys. It ships in Zune 4/8 and Zune 80 formats for $30.