Microsoft: Zune Services Are Safe, Don't Worry
Stay cool, guys. The Zune is here to stay.
While most of us are consumed with talk of Windows Phone 7 and Nokia, it’s easy to forget that Microsoft has another platform to look after: Zune. A coupe of years ago, the Zune HD was all we could talk about. However, as of late, all talk of the Zune has fallen by the wayside. This week, the rumor mill turned to the possibility that Microsoft may decide to ditch Zune devices and retain just the brand for media and music on Windows Phone 7.
Late last night, the Zune team took to its Facebook page to debunk any such rumors and assured users that the Zune brand wasn’t going anywhere. Not only that, but the team also said that Microsoft would continue to support the Zune brand whether it was on Windows Phone 7 or Zune devices.
Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley got a similar response when she asked about Zune’s fate, but despite this, still believes that Redmond could be preparing to rebrand Zune to something that better communicates Microsoft’s mission to compete in the same market as the iPod touch. Microsoft has said it wants to target the iPod touch with the Zune HD2. Considering Apple’s penchant for praising the iPod touch’s ability as a portable gaming device, Foley believes incorporating the ‘Xbox’ brand could be the answer to positioning the Zune HD2 as a portable gaming device. Cue the rumors of an Xbox Portable?
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"Redmond could be preparing to rebrand Zune to something that better communicates Microsoft’s mission to compete in the same market as the iPod touch"
"iZune" but no word on the OS X version of the Zune software yet.
Late last night, the Zune team took to its Facebook page to debunk any such rumors and assured users that the Zune brand wasn’t going anywhere.
I'd trust that about as much as the MSN Music DRM servers.
Who cares if the Zune *brand name* dies, as long as the Zune hardware and software (whether on PC, WP7, Xbox, whatever) still work and can download from the Music and App store.
Agreed. I love my zune, wouldn't use anything different
They still make those things?
There are only two $170~200 Zune devices left, with a total of 13 ZUNE items on Newegg (Some items are cross compatible with other MP3/media playres).
There are 919 iPod and iPod related products on the same site.
zune HD was dead before it even launched...very sad that microsoft did not put more money into it
So the Zune device (player) looks like it is dead and buried.
That means that the clock starts ticking on how long Microsoft will support the services.
Safe? Maybe right now, but not forever. We had this same worry with Microsoft's Kin phones, which required a lot of online services to be useful. Microsoft's Kin phones were discontinued in April. Microsoft waited about 10 months, then closed down all its online services.
Its hard to beleive microsoft when they are so few updates
I got the Zune HD when it came out and was so happy with it I just gave away my ipod touch. IMO Microsoft created exactly what a touch screen mp3 player should be. The only thing that kept it from selling was that it didnt have an Apple logo on it.
Great to know Zune is safe! Because, you know, *lots* of people care...
in this economy it doesn't mean anything unless it's comming straight from the horse's mouth, i believe it when ballmer says so.
I love all of my Zune's from the original to the HD. Wouldnt trade them for anything and the Zune software blows the shit out of itunes.
There are other mp3 players brands that out sell zune. But
today's phones are replacing mp3 players. Ms gave up on zune. Its product lineup shows.
all Microsoft needs to know is that if they market the zune HD and windows 7 devices correctly to appeal to more people then the business oriented consumer, then it would be far better off then any apple device.
the interface is smooth and responsive. the device's are sleek and innovative, they are powerful and customizable. this is everything i have ever wanted in my hand held multimedia player. yes, there isn't a world of apps and games yet, but i don't buy something for all the things that could be done on it, i buy it for all the things that it can do well. the zune HD does everything i need it to do well, the zune marketplace is ten times better then itune's interface and i will never go back to any other multimedia device besides a Microsoft ZUNE and either will anyone in my family.
To me MS is no longer an innovative company and is another follow the leader company but with deep coffers due to its grip on the OS and Office App market allow it to remain relevant. If not for that MS would have gone the way of the Dodo bird.
Well the Zune does form the media part of WP7 after all.
I dig everything Zune. Great service, great holistic experience, and great hardware. I even dig the Z logo.
Mary Jo Foley is so full of crap...as usual
iZune