Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: zune, services, cell, phone | Themes: Audio/Video Players, Smartphones
Hands up who wants to use the Zune software on something other than the Zune?
When rumors of the Zune HD first started doing the rounds we I got very excited about the prospect of a Microsoft/Zune phone. The specs were really great and if they just threw a phone into the mix, it would be irresistible. Then the Zune HD was announced and, while it was a great device, there were no cell phone capabilities so I was a little disappointed.
Today gives me new hope, despite it being Hump Day. Mary Jo Foley over at the All About Microsoft blog cites Jose Pinero, Director of Communications for Microsoft’s TV, Video and Music Business who says Microsoft is considering porting the Zune software and services to other platforms, including Apple’s. As if the the Zune team's intentions weren't clear enough, Pinero went on to say, “Zune is a music and video service from Microsoft. Period."
There's little information to go on, and even Pinero admitted that they don't have a timeline yet. However, with assurance from the exec that "Our next step is mobile phones," I'm very excited at the prospect of a Zune Phone.
The idea of Zune pass compatibility for any device you like is something that is likely to appeal to many. A lot of people think that subscription-based 'all you can eat' services are the way to go and this would be a way for iPod, Walkman and Creative users to get that kind of service with the device of their choice.
Would you use the Zune software if it was available for you to use with any hardware you liked? Let us know in the comments below!
Check out the full post here.
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I think its great software. I just wish they would step up the zune pass to include video as well as music. To be able to watch all the videos and listen to all the music i want on my zune, pc, and xbox would be awesome.
microsoft shoud put out a zune phone and have the ability to play games on it like the iphone. all they have to do is just use the xbox live arcade games.
Sounds like it would be a really great device. But will it blend?
I love the Zune software, and I would like it to find it's way onto a phone. It would be the best of both worlds. Only time will tell though if our wishes actually come true.
Why don't they ditch the portable Winblows on smart phones for this.
microsoft shoud put out a zune phone and have the ability to play games on it like the iphone. all they have to do is just use the xbox live arcade games.
They'd have to port them, or at the very least recompile (if they have the source or the company that made it is willing and able). But yeah, that would rock to have mobile XBL arcade games!
Why don't they ditch the portable Winblows on smart phones for this.
As the article states, Zune is a music and video service. They still need an OS to run it on, and Windows Mobile isn't bad.
If I could install Zune on a WM 7 phone, I'd certainly consider it. I would like a WM platform coupled with a PowerVR SGX like the Pre and the 3GS. It's darn quick for a ultra-low-power chip.
The ZunePhone will rise!!!
Both the Zune and Windows Mobile are based on Windows CE. Aside from the possible hardware requirements for the Zune interface (Tegra) it seems like it'd be really easy to move it over to WinMo as a new media interface, or possibly one for the whole phone.
Windows based mobile devices suffer from long boot up time. Windows CE is too big of an OS for mobile devices. Too much overhead is requiered to support windows in mobile application.
Err... what's "Hump Day"? Is that like a national holiday promoting sex?
Err... what's "Hump Day"? Is that like a national holiday promoting sex?
I'm going to assume you seriously don't know and tell you that Hump Day is a euphemism for Wednesday, which is at the middle of the work week. For most working people, Monday is like starting at the bottom of the hill, you work and work until Wednesday to get to the top of the hill, and then you're "over the hump", so to speak, for the rest of the week, which you sort of just coast through because you're excited that the weekend is close.
Aren't idioms such fun? /sarcasm
On a somewhat unrelated note, Jane's vocabulary makes me laugh and I think I will start using British terms for everything just to confuse people.
@ jecht
Yes Jane's articles get me through the work day, something in them always makes me laugh
Back to the article: I would love a "Zune Phone" but i do understand that there isn't a proper OS for it yet. What about the very basic version of Windows 7 (can't remember what it was called)that was designed for netbooks though?
Director of Communications for Microsoft’s TV, Video and Music Business who says Microsoft is considering porting the Zune software and services to other platforms, including Apple’s
Good luck getting it through Apples *cough* "Quality Assurance" *cough* program for iPhone.
On a somewhat unrelated note, Jane's vocabulary makes me laugh and I think I will start using British terms for everything just to confuse people.
Interestingly enough, I didn't know what Hump Day was until one of the lads in the US office said it to me and I threatened to file a sexual harassment suit... Uh, oops?
@ jechtYes Jane's articles get me through the work day, something in them always makes me laughBack to the article: I would love a "Zune Phone" but i do understand that there isn't a proper OS for it yet. What about the very basic version of Windows 7 (can't remember what it was called)that was designed for netbooks though?
Oh no! Don't start that. Now I'll feel mildly responsible if I can't find it in my heart to be semi-entertaining. Sigh, such a burden you have bestowed upon me.
depends, If it means I can write programs using c# and xna freely without having to pay stupid subscription fees, and then can freely distribute them to anyone without having to go through a STUPID app store. then i'll take 8!
oh... but then I read "Zune is a music and video service from Microsoft. Period."
pass...
I use the Zune marketplace software now, on my Zune HD 32 GB and it is literally amazing for the price.
I'm going to assume you seriously don't know and tell you that Hump Day is a euphemism for Wednesday, which is at the middle of the work week. For most working people, Monday is like starting at the bottom of the hill, you work and work until Wednesday to get to the top of the hill, and then you're "over the hump", so to speak, for the rest of the week, which you sort of just coast through because you're excited that the weekend is close.
Thanks for explaining. I really didn't know as I never heard that term before.
If they make a zune phone for verizon, I will end my current contract early to get it!!!
A zunephone that is like the Zune HD on verizon networks = me ending my contract early and getting it.
The zPhone. I like the idea, especially if they could add the XBLA games on there too that would rock!
depends, If it means I can write programs using c# and xna freely without having to pay stupid subscription fees, and then can freely distribute them to anyone without having to go through a STUPID app store. then i'll take 8!oh... but then I read "Zune is a music and video service from Microsoft. Period."pass...
Uh, except that Zune would run on a Windows Mobile phone too, so you'd still be able to do all that stuff as with any winmo phone.
Oh no! Don't start that. Now I'll feel mildly responsible if I can't find it in my heart to be semi-entertaining. Sigh, such a burden you have bestowed upon me.
Funny, Jane
offtopic: will you marry me?
Funny, Jane offtopic: will you marry me?
Can't. Have this arranged marriage thing going on. My dad promised me to a sultan when I was 11. Have yet to find the legal loop-hole that gets me out of it without losing the dowry.