As reported previously, Microsoft’s Zune media player launched today. In their press release, Microsoft specifically addresses Zune’s Marketplace:

Zune HD also features new casual games and non-gaming functionality such as a calculator and an MSN Weather application. Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition,” “Vans Sk8: Pool Service” and “Audiosurf™ Tilt.” Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software.

Wired did a first review of the Zune, saying it is a worthy competitor of the iPod Touch, and the Zune Marketplace service “is a generally slick piece of code, and especially good for people looking to discover new music”. However, Marketplace is still very thinly populated, with applications being free at launch.