Zune Software Planned For Other Devices
6:53 am, February 13th, 2009, Ed Sutherland
Zune software and hardware efforts are going separate paths, with Zune services expected to appear on non-Microsoft devices later this year, reports said Friday.
The Media Center/Mediaroom unit will take charge of the Zune services while Windows Mobile will direct Zune hardware.
Enrique Rodriguez, who heads the new Zune software efforts, told CNET his goal is to “make sure the service comes into every device.”
Devices based on Zune are expected to appear following the September release of Windows Mobile 6.5, according to reports.
In related news, Microsoft announced it would open retail outlets, an apparent bid to compete with similar Apple locations.
Although details remain unclear, the retail effort by Microsoft will be lead by a former Wal-Mart manager and DreamWorks Animation executive, according to Apple Insider.
The motivation for the new retail push was to make the Microsoft buying experience “clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhere, ” Kevin Turner, operations head for the software giant, told Reuters.
Thursday, Apple realigned its retail stores to focus more on software and applications.
Posted by Ed Sutherland in News | Comment on this article
The Zune seems like a decent piece of hardware, though after the New Year’s issues it had, i can’t help but question it’s reliability
coffee, on February 13th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Zune® Software: Bringing the Blue Screen of Death to a platform near you.
imajoebob, on February 13th, 2009 at 10:53 am
That was only the original 30 gig model, and the problem cleared up in a day. I wouldn’t hold it against Microsoft, at least their products don’t explode in your pocket.
nameless, on March 17th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
“clear, simple and straightforward for consumers everywhereâ€Â
hahahahah yeah… thats why I bought a mac
thekitchensink, on March 17th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
The Zune rocks! I have two of them, and have never looked back at the ipod. People criticize MS for being too big – but buy the ipod which monopolizes the market, because they narrow-mindedly think that anything Apple makes is flawless. I have a mini, and IT AINT FLAWLESS. Pay more and allow yourself to be swayed by the constant Mac/PC commercials – they saw you coming!
Credit where credit is due: wifi, radio w/tagging, play through xbox 360, zunepass, much cheaper, etc. Zune is straight up more for less.
But then again, I wouldn’t expect to see unbiased opinions on sight such as “cultofmac”.
notnarrowminded, on March 25th, 2009 at 8:08 pm