via Digital Music News
On every Zune sold, Microsoft will pay a fee to the Universal music group. On the surface it's just another licensing deal, but it's easy to see this as an oblique shot against iTunes. Record labels have complained about Apple's strict pricing when it comes to iTunes tracks, arguing that the different tracks should have variable pricing. They've also complained about not getting in on hardware sales, arguing that their music pushes iPod sales.
That seems a bit backward. If anything, they should be happy one company has come up with a viable music marketplace to sell digital downloads, because free music is still fairly easy to find on the Internet tubes. The Zune will keep the iTunes price point, but acceding to a device surcharge is Microsoft's way of cozying up to Universal, getting preferred licensing (which could lead to exclusive availability, or perhaps just early releases on the Zune marketplace).
Apple has maintained their price point despite industry pressure (with Steve Jobs calling the industry "greedy" in a delightful sound bite). Microsoft has typically maintained a more conciliatory stance with industry leaders, especially with regards to protecting content, so it will be interesting to see how many more deals like this are made and what effect this has on Zune's content availability.