Steve Ballmer comments on potential Zune phone

When questioned at a USA Today event yesterday, Steve Ballmer sort of (emphasis on sort of) put the rumor about the Zune phone to bed -- apparently it's "not a concept you'll ever get from us," but this of course doesn't rule out a phone with Zune functionality. He went on to mention how Microsoft's focus is on Windows Mobile but added that Zune could be put into Windows Mobile as could Xbox (this kind of talk thrills us over here) but that he wouldn't define their phone experience by music alone. While all this could mean something or nothing at all, we're optimistic 'round here and are hoping that the lack of a definitive "no" means there may yet be something in the wings. Xbox-Zune-Windows-Mobile device, anyone?

[Kevin @ Apr 25th 2007 4:55PM]

These kids knew the future I guess:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRLRjKCGHek

[michael @ Apr 25th 2007 6:12PM]

That's not funny. It really wasn't necessary to post a link to a YouTube video, about an ugly fake so-called ZunePhone that you know they are obviously making fun of. It users like you that make me wonder how many of you are out on the web.

[Alber1690 @ Apr 25th 2007 5:16PM]

Interesting... (it's all I can say).

[Jose @ Apr 25th 2007 5:20PM]

never will want one of them if they are really out~
photocopiers~~
Remember that Steve Ballmer laughed at the iPhone~
he said that the iPhone is too expensive, let's see how much will a ZUUUne phone cost~
ZUNE ZUCKS~ haha

[adam @ Apr 25th 2007 5:28PM]

Miss a prozac dose today, buddy?

[jim jonze @ Apr 25th 2007 5:21PM]

Since the Windows Mobile devices support syncing via Windows Media Player, why the heck do you need a Zune Phone? Just make the mobile version of Windows Media Player a bit more like a PMP interface and be done with it.

[Lee Roy Brandon III @ Apr 25th 2007 5:28PM]

Huzzah! You are so very correct - Microsoft Mobile phones are already superior to what the Zune can do, and you can get them relatively cheaply via contracts...

[Jeremy @ Apr 25th 2007 5:36PM]

That mock up looks unusually sexy.

It caught my eye and demanded a second glance.

I need coffee.

[Joe V @ Apr 25th 2007 5:38PM]

Wise move, Mr Ballmer. Better to wait and see how this iPhone thing shakes out over the next four or five years before making any hasty decisions. That's why you get paid the big bucks, while some poor saps are out there making only $1/year.

[John @ Apr 25th 2007 5:41PM]

My guess would be that it would allow you to use the subscription service of the Zune marketplace.

[SuicideNinja @ Apr 25th 2007 6:03PM]

Sweet. Sign me up. I don't really care for the Zune, but I'll take it over an iPod any day. The Zune form-factor could make a good phone/gaming device; with a couple of additional buttons.

[Kevin @ Apr 26th 2007 3:55PM]

It was a joke. What do you want a Zune phone so bad that you don't want to see a parody of such a product or are you just uptight and you don't want humor on your precious tech blog?

[Mike @ Apr 25th 2007 6:25PM]

I would _love_ the zune interface on my Windows Mobile device for playing music. Make it so!

[FrankTheCrank @ Apr 25th 2007 6:26PM]

Innovation strikes again!

[Michael Bailey @ Apr 25th 2007 6:28PM]

Sounds more like a Zune Marketplace for Windows Mobile application than anything else. Zune was a stupid idea in the first place, since Microsoft has had Windows Mobile around for 10 years now, which has been able to play more than just music for at least 7 of those. I just don't get it. What does the Zune give you that you don't have in a 7yr old WM device?

[Paula @ Apr 25th 2007 6:39PM]

So will it freeze while asleep like my Windows Mobile phone (HTC Apache), reboot it self like my Zune (already exchanged once), and then get a Ring of Death like an XBox360?

Schweet! I want one!


Seriously though... I do. The Mobile WMP that is on my phone BITES, and I would love to have both the twist interface and the larger screen built in. The XBOX stuff would take a bit more work though. Actually... they could just put in BT drivers for the 360's controllers. And release a mini-version of the controller for use with the phone or a regular XBOX360, say when you go over to a friend's house. .. That would be so great! Would need a fuel cell stuffed in there though, too.

[Joshua Walters @ Apr 25th 2007 9:01PM]

Well, the iPhone isnt really an ipod phone either. I mean, it definitely is more of a computer than a mp3 player.

[Big @ Apr 25th 2007 9:17PM]

LISTEN UP MICROSOFT !

Make two different Zune Phones with
#1 wifi VoIP / world band GSM
#2 NEXTEL iDEN

KILL APPLE !
Don't get left behind.

[bleeka @ Apr 26th 2007 9:58AM]

By saying "Kill Apple" youare saying "Kill Microsoft's R&D"
Ever hear the story of the goose that laid the golden egg?
Smarten up drone boy, this world has enough lemmings already.
I am sure MS will come out with a Zune phone or whatever they'll call it, once the iPhone is established & doing well and they know exactly what features they need to ape from it. I know that whenever I see anything with the microsoft logo it automatically sets off the 'second rate hastily assmebled garbage' alarm.

[ItGuy @ Apr 25th 2007 9:31PM]

Let's see here:
1) A craptastic Mobile Interface (Win Mobile)
2) A craptastic MP3 player (Zune)

Seems like the same olf garbage from MS.

[tim @ Apr 26th 2007 12:52AM]

i can see them calling it 'zone' and the marketing 'get in the zone' and itll be commercials shot on 8mm that mocks bumfights so they can try to appeal to the hipsters, microsoft style

[damnitive1 @ Apr 26th 2007 4:05PM]

I use both apple and windows products , as far as the zune goes i like it , its never let me down i got movies vids a gazillion songs on it , its a bit heavier but it feels serious,and substantial lol, the controls are simple the screen is bigger and it hooks up to my xbox quite nicely allowing me to play everything on it. i did have a nano which i gave to my sister.but i see now that after quite a bit of use the interface was getting a bit gummy.as an apple nano user i prefer the zune. nope ballard or gates didnt pay me 4 this statement either. as far as fanboys r concerned i just go with what works for me.

[Big @ Apr 26th 2007 7:36PM]

I'll take a Microsoft anything over an Apple anything any day. You keep throwing your money at Steve Jobs and buying inferior products if you want.

[Damien @ Apr 26th 2007 7:39PM]

HA HA HA! Inferior! HA HA HA!

Hey Big, what is your last name? Tool?

[Spencer Ferguson @ May 16th 2007 4:29PM]

I agree, bleeka. As much of a Microsoft homer as I am, strong competition is the incentive that Microsoft has to stay innovative.

-SF
http://www.wasatchsoftware.com/microsoft.htm

[Michael @ Feb 10th 2008 12:23AM]

I've noticed that people that like Apple are always calm and state their opinion nicely and politely, but people that prefer MS have a strong hatred toward apple. They always scream how much they hate Apple and how inferior it is to MS.

Personally, I believe the Zune Phone will come out in a year. At the same time, the 2nd generation iPhone will come out and blow zune phone away.

So please, MS lovers, stop screaming about how much you hate Apple.