When Apple’s iPod first hit the scene it changed the whole MP3 player game -- it was the first mobile device from those Cupertino madmen and to this day new versions (and classic models) are still selling like hot cakes. Microsoft jumped on the bandwagon with the Zune a few years too late and has never seen the success their competitor has. Now, according to Bloomberg, Microsoft has decided to give up on the hardware, no more Zunes will be rolling off the production line.
According to Bloomberg’s unidentified sources, Microsoft will continue to support existing Zune devices but, they will not manufacture any new devices. Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7 devices all support the Zune software and it looks like that’s where Microsoft’s attention will be in the years to follow.
Microsoft ditching the Zune hardware and just concentrating on Windows Phone 7 and Xbox 360 Zune software isn't hard to believe. Think about Android and Apple devices for a moment. With the popularity Android has gained just from apps and games, Samsung recently announced the Galaxy Player. It’s the same concept as the iPod Touch, where the only major difference from its smartphone counterpart is the availability of actual phone service. It provides access to the Android Marketplace and works as an MP3 Player, which is exactly what the iPod Touch does with the App Store.
With WP7 accessing the Zune Marketplace to download apps, games and music could they have plans to release a new device running the WP7 operating system, ditching the phone service aspect? Samsung did it with Android, Apple did it with iOS and now, just maybe, Microsoft has plans to do the same with WP7.
This is all just rumor speculation for now. Microsoft hasn’t said anything regarding the discontinuation of its Zune hardware or announced a new device replacing it. Until they do, take this info with a grain of salt. Nothing is official until we actually hear it announced by Microsoft.
What do you think? Does Microsoft have plans for a new device that they aren’t talking about yet? A device similar to the Galaxy Player and iPod Touch that will let you access Microsoft’s new app market? Hit the comments and share your thoughts.
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