Microsoft spilled the goods on Zune in a news release this morning. Here's a story with a first take on the details of the much-buzzed-about digital media player to rival the iPod. The company is planning to demonstrate the product at a press event in Redmond this afternoon. Check back for updates.

Meanwhile, here's background on Zune, by way of our archives:

-- Rumors and early details, chronicled by our tech columnist, Brier Dudley.

-- Microsoft confirmed it.

-- Jobs predicted it.

-- Microsoft confirms Toshiba will make it.

-- Apple upped the ante earlier this week.