Mary Jo Foley over at
ZDNet is reporting some interesting tidbits of information she gleaned from the Microsoft Open House today. Foley spoke with Jose Pinero (Director of Communications for Microsoft's TV, Video and Music Business), who confirmed that Zune's next step will be to mobile phones, but that a "timeline for when that will happen" hasn't been discussed. Really? Not even discussed yet? Now, we've been hearing about (and hoping for) Zune
on Windows Mobile phones for quite a spell now, so while we're glad to hear it's still a priority, the lack of a timeline is a bit disappointing. Foley also questioned Pinero about about the possibility of Zune Pass subscription services showing up on Apple devices (and others) at some point in the future. He indicated that Microsoft is "evaluating a lot of options in terms of platforms," which is basically a reiteration the company's Zune-stance all along -- that it's a
media service, rather than merely a device. So we're not going to freak out over that
yet, though we have to say we'd love to see Zune cropping up all over the place.
posted Oct 7th 2009 2:50AM
this would be so sick
Yeah if I could manage my music with Zune and update everything else with iTunes I'd be all over that. Apple will never let anything replace that sh tty iPod interface though.
you know what would be epic? if they incorporated the tech thats in windows 7's media player 12 that allows play to and remote streaming of your libraries with the zune software. rather than only being able to sync over wifi, this would allow full access to all of your music without even needing the space on your phone.
Motorola x Zune anyone?
How about they launch the Zune HD outside the states first, I am sick of importing Zune hardware :-)
so agreed. I just want a Zune HD in Best Buy in Toronto.
http://www.buzzycode.com/Error-errr_25.aspx articles can be submitted
hope to god that this doesn't end up like the ROKR. this should be super sweet tho. lately it seems like Microsoft has good things up their sleeves.
forget phones, i want the zune to go international
Product launches are no small feat, they need to make sure it is actually selling first before they try other countries. The Zune HD 16GB is not even in the top 25 MP3 players in Amazon, and the 32GB one is being outsold by the iPod Nano 8GB, iPod Classic, and the 3 new iPod Touch models (as of this writing). Neither model has been out of stock either.
Disclaimer: I know that Amazon does not represent the whole market, but still...
microsoft dont have to ship them all over the world, i would just like to have the option to buy one off amazon knowing that the firmware and zune software will work.
so ridley182
you mean this article http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/19/zune-hd-a-major-sellout/
never came up?
Amazon had suspended sales of the 16GB for a few days because they were claiming there was a shipping issue with the device - something about the boxes were damaged during shipping and they were not sure if it was damaged from the supplier or their fault. First, there is no difference between the 16 and 32GB boxes, so it is questionable as to why they did this for one but not the other. But it is also hard for a device to be in the top 10 when one of the major suppliers is saying "Hey, we refuse to ship because the device boxes are being shipped damaged." It will scare people away.
Or how about TURNING THE ZUNE HD INTO A PHONE AND MAKING AN UNGODLY AMOUNT OF MONEY?! It's so simple.
... by integrating Zune software into Windows Mobile 7 or 8. There you go.
The Zune interface is what would make it a good competitor for the iPhone. The typical windows feel isn't what would draw in those users.
Love the news coming out of Microsoft latterly. I think its time someone other then apple had the lime light on them! Keep it coming MS
I'd love to subscribe to an unlimited music plan on my Windows Mobile phone, especially if there was a Zune-like media player application. Right now I use Kinoma FreePlay and stream internet radio while I drive around; I canceled my Sirius/XM subscription.
The Zune pass is backwards compatible with plays for sure devices; if your phone can play DRM-ed wma files, it can be used with a Zune pass. You do have to use WMP or drag & drop to sync, but WMP is better at managing syncing than Zune, IMO.
"Foley also questioned Pinero about about the possibility of Zune Pass subscription services showing up on Apple devices (and others) at some point in the future."
LOL... Oh yess! I luv it!
I will believe Zune on Apple... ok well no even when I see it I won't believe it.
@Apd123
Just think of how much money MS could make from apple and other phone makers. It'll be nice that MS milks the money from apple. Still, i dont see how this could happen!
Well I have a Zune Pass and an iPhone... I'm currently using OrbLive to stream downloads to my phone, but a native app would be in an instant buy for me.
Then again, a Zune Phone would be an buy as soon as my contract is up too...
Microsoft, Please make ZUNE international for crying out load. I am sure just like me, everyone outside the US like good stuffs.
How about Microsoft modifies the Zune HD firmware to run on the iPod Touch and then 'leaks' it on the internet. It could include all the features, like Zune Pass syncing and wifi marketplace, that the HD has-- it could even use that FM receiver Apple is ignoring. Then it expires in 30 days, prompting the purchase of an HD for the full experience...
they should release an Android version of the Zune software!
I'd be all for it, if I can get more than 3 devices attached to my one account. Come on MS... most geeks have way more than 3 of any tech gadget!
candy coated rat droppings
So over-judgmental...
Bits, was that your breakfast you're describing?
MS is going to be five years late to this game, too.
Way to announce... that you have nothing to announce..
So you get some fanboyism, and you disappoint a ton of people and look weaksauce.
Real. Artists. ... what was it again?
Zune on Android?!
Could it be...
I was just thinking about this yesterday, what with the new Windows Mobile 6.5 Today screen looking a lot like the Zune's main menu. If they could put the media interface of the Zune HD into Windows Mobile 7, then you'd have a real excellent phone software.
Just add a cellular antenna....3g (hell 4g), blue-tooth, 8 Megapixel camera, to the Zune HD and you've gotta hit. Ballmer told CNET, "there are some people who want a phone and mp3 player separate". And while I acknowledge that, if the Iphone has showed pretty much every company anything....there is also a market for those people who want a do-it-all device. Zune (as a software) should be everywhere....but I'd personally like a "Zune 3G" too. Feel Me? C'mon, fanboy or Soft' hater you have to admit....if they did the reverse of what apple did and made the mp3 player 1st then made the Zune HD a phone....you'd buy it.
(just please don't put it on AT&T)
(It'd fit best on Sprint)