For many of the world, exactly where Bing Maps and Zune are woefully underpowered or even non-existent, a stronger Nokia offering is a superb boon, and Nokia Maps, by means of its acquisition of Navteq (in 2007, for $8.1 billion), provides a total and compelling map service for mobile devices, including offline map support (now available for Nokia Maps on Windows Phone and reportedly coming soon to Nokia Drive, creating it attainable to make use of the mobile navigation service even with out an world-wide-web connection).

But within the US, it’s a slightly diverse story. To the consternation of quite a few of our international readers, it is properly identified that Bing Maps and Zune have focused their efforts mainly within the US, providing capabilities and levels of detail unavailable elsewhere. So what happens when Nokia launches in the US? Does Nokia directly compete with Bing Maps? Does the not-yet launched US Nokia Music website go live in competition with Zune?

Nokia is set to make a significant splash here in the US, with a huge presence at CES in Las Vegas in January, as well as a US launch expected soon just after (if not right from CES). We’re expecting at least some new phones, a significant advertising and marketing push, along with a powerful push by Nokia to get US mobile operators on board (Nokia has historically been a lot bigger worldwide than it has in the US).

As we’ve noticed inside the worldwide launch of Nokia Windows Phones, the Finnish company has plans to compete not just with shiny new hardware, but with an impressive portfolio of mobile applications. Nokia Maps, Nokia Drive, and Nokia Music are all integral parts of the Nokia Windows Telephone expertise, plus the Nokia advertising effort as it sets out to define itself as “the very first real Windows Phone” maker.

MICROSOFT has unveiled its music streaming service Zune Music in yet a different attempt to upset the Apple cart.
Described as an all-you-can-eat music service, Zune offers unlimited streaming access to 13 million tracks, for a subscription fee of just $11.99 per month or $119.90 per year, The Advertiser reported.
The service will also offer music video streaming on Windows-PC and Xbox LIVE later this year, based on the business.

In addition to the Zune Music Pass, Microsoft has launched the Zune Marketplace, which makes it possible for users to purchase and download individual songs or albums which will be accessed across their Windows Telephone and PC, with out the need for a Zune Pass subscription.

By tackling both the streaming and the digital download industry, Microsoft not just provides a challenge to Apple, but jumps on board with the plethora of other organizations which have launched similar services this year.

The new Microsoft service will likely be in direct competition with Sony Music Unlimited, Guvera, Samsung Music Hub along with the soon to be launched JB-HiFi on the internet service JB NOW.

Microsoft director consumer channels group, David McLean, mentioned that with Australians having a powerful passion for music, delivering the choice of streaming and downloading will probably be a tempting proposition.

“We are giving Australians the solution to pick how they wish to organise their music collections,” Mr McLean said.

“They can stream unlimited songs across their favourite devices with the Zune Music Pass, or buy tracks to own and collect with the Music Marketplace, so whichever their preference, we have an option for them.

“Australians have such a strong passion for music and it truly is an vital component of the entertainment mix – we’re thrilled to bring this service to Australia and give men and women alternatives in how they wish to play their favourite songs.”

The release of Zune Music comes five years soon after the launch of the failed Zune player, Microsoft’s supposed answer towards the iPod that failed and is no longer in production immediately after the enterprise focused on its Windows Telephone.

The Zune Music Pass and Zune Music Marketplace will join Zune Movies, a service that has been operating for pretty much two years. Zune Music is obtainable now by way of an Xbox, smartphone or the www.zune.net(www.zune.com).