Apple's iPod will soon be facing some new competition. On Nov. 14, the electronics giant, Microsoft is set to launch its own digital media player called the Zune. The iPod has been hugely successful since its launch almost five years ago.

After trying for years to compete with the iPod through an array of partners, Microsoft confirmed Friday that it plans to directly go after Apple Computer with its own rival, Zune. Confirming weeks of rumors, Microsoft said it will launch music software and players under the Zune brand, though the software maker left plenty unsaid in its confirmation.