Great minds think alike

Microsoft is out for iPod marketshare with the release of a new Zune player, while Verizon gives the iPhone a run for its money with a new touchscreen phone that looks oddly similar to the mobile handset proffered by Apple. Both products were released within days of one another.

Microsoft's next round of Zune music players sport Wi-Fi and allow users to upload music wirelessly to their players direct from their PC. Zune owners will also be able to connect with other Zunes to share songs on a limited basis, reports PC World.

Additionally, Microsoft is also relaunching its social network in November, Zune Social, with added features, in an effort to be cooler in the eyes of younger consumers.

Microsoft sold 1.2 million Zunes last year. Since 2001, Apple has sold 100 million iPods.

While Microsoft shoots for Apple's iPod, Verizon seeks to take the iPhone out with the launch of the LG Voyager. The Voyager has a large touch screen, a camera and "extensive multimedia, web browsing and email capabilities," according to AP News.

The Voyager also packs a special surprise for those frustrated with Apple's fickle touchscreen keypad - a QWERTY keyboard slides out.