Debunk: Microsoft files for Zune phone with FCC -- probably not

There's some buzz going around right now about a "Zune phone" filed with the FCC -- we did a little extra digging, and we're not really convinced that's what's at hand. We know a Zune phone is in the works, that much is abundantly clear, but what passed through the FCC was a pre-approval application document that ran down a list of questions the FCC had for a CE "coalition" consisting of Microsoft, Dell, Google, HP, Intel, Philips, who are apparently in on some device together. (Strike one. You really think Microsoft's gonna collaborate on the Zune phone? And with that many non-cellphone carrier companies?) From what we can tell, it'll be wireless (duh) with DTV signal detection and transmission (i.e. cognitive radio), and BPSK, WPSK (and likely QAM) modulation and OFDM. Doesn't mean a lot to most people, we know, but the FCC plainly asked the consortium to describe the product's purpose; the answer was "To provide consumer broadband access and networking." (Strike two.) And then there's the above diagram which shows a computer connected via Ethernet to a radio hub system with 802.11g and outbound "wideband" uplink. Did we mention the words "Zune" or "phone" appeared precisely no times in the document? (Strike three.) A Zune phone? We think not -- yet -- but we'll know better when the filing actually hits the FCC in the near future.

[Matt @ Feb 10th 2007 12:50AM]

what would they call it... the phune?

[dave @ Feb 10th 2007 1:49AM]

What is the link to the FCC document/filing?

[jackson @ Feb 10th 2007 2:32AM]

No, they'd call it the Zone. LO)OL

[Javaflash @ Feb 10th 2007 3:28AM]

Why sweat over Zune phone rumors?

Isn't Microsoft the worst secret keeper in the industry?

[Crazysah @ Feb 10th 2007 4:36AM]

What does the Permalink button do?

[TheBugMan @ Feb 10th 2007 6:40AM]

First of all I hope the rumors are true cause I want lots of choices for phones, not just the iCandy.

[mattstl77 @ Feb 10th 2007 9:34AM]

Truth or not, when Microsoft comes out with the Zune Phone it will eventually be a product than the iPhone. Remember Apple products are always consistently buggy for the first generations. Zune may be a lackluster approach of a HDD Mp3 player, but it is no where near as buggy as the iPods.

Of course, it is fair to say that Microsoft has better products than Apple (OS X anyone?) I rest my case!

[Graham @ Feb 10th 2007 9:39AM]

I still think it will end up like this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WRLRjKCGHek

[v_dogg @ Feb 10th 2007 10:44AM]

zune phone= worst idea ever.

[Jonathan Allen @ Feb 10th 2007 11:12AM]

Should we start a pool to guess which model Toshiba cell gets rebranded as the Zune phone?

[Kevin Werbach @ Feb 10th 2007 11:13AM]

I have a link to the FCC filing on my blog at

http://werbach.com/blog/archives/2007/02/microsofts_misu.html

It's pretty clear this isn't the Zune phone.

[mattstl77 @ Feb 10th 2007 2:38PM]

iPhone = worse idea ever!

[Tristan @ Feb 10th 2007 7:35PM]

Dell, and Microsoft? Both companies have been rumored to be making a handheld gaming system. Maybe this is what their collaborating on.

[Bob @ Feb 10th 2007 7:55PM]

So then what is this device? A new version of WebTV? A new portable web device(like the Nokia Internet Tablet)?

What is this mysterious device?

[DDD Inc. @ Feb 11th 2007 4:21AM]

No, I want iphone! Microsoft will take a decade to come out with Zune phone V2.0

[kyle f @ Feb 11th 2007 1:41PM]

i've never heard of this "WPSK" - you sure you don't mean QPSK? if not, what the crap is it? anyone?

[JEC @ Feb 16th 2007 12:51AM]

Zune = Welcome to the Social? WHAT SOCIAL? wait let me squirt you my song. haha what a joke

Zone = Welcome to the Conference? now let me squirt you my number baby

[dw @ Feb 12th 2007 3:33PM]

Somehow, I don't think this filing is for a "Zune Phone", but is for a new Zune itself.

I have nothing to back up that claim other than the fact that, if true, then it would TOTALLY KICK ASS!