Zune posted this on their Facebook and Twitter pages:
“We have nothing to announce about another Zune device — but most recently have introduced Zune HD to Canada via the Zune Originals store and remain committed to supporting our devices in North America,” the company said in an e-mailed statement. “We are thrilled by the consumer excitement for Zune across many new platforms, including Windows Phone 7 and Xbox 360. Our long-term strategy focuses on the strength of the entire Zune ecosystem across Microsoft platforms.”
Dave McLauchlan (@DaveMacMS) is a Zune hardware developer and he posted this:
“I’ve had tweets, emails, PMs and phone calls. People offering condolences, checking in on me, etc… etc… Stop, stop, stop!
The Bloomberg article is NOT an official statement from Microsoft (apart from the quote above). The headline is purportedly from a “person familiar with the matter” – which of course tells you nothing.
Here’s what you should know – ALL consumer electronics products have a lifespan, and the Zune HD is 18mo old. We were completely frank about this year’s Zune hardware being the WP7 phones, and we continue to both sell and fully support the Zune HD line of products. And as I’ve promised – we continue to bring new apps and games to the platform. More of those are in the works, I promise you.I manage business development for Zune hardware, and I still have that job. Our PR folks released a statement today that included the text: “We’ll share more information about the evolution of the Zune entertainment service and Zune hardware as future plans develop.”
To be 100% clear – NO information about our future plans, no matter what the incarnation, has been shared. Until then treat with healthy skepticism anything you read. That’s probably a good general rule actually.So for those who tweeted or emailed asking what I’m “going to do now” – I’ll be going to work tomorrow, working on Zune hardware bizdev. And when Microsoft announces news that is actually news, you’ll hear it from us directly, and I’ll be sure to pass it on immediately. Only then should you take it as gospel.
Cheers, Dave.”
There, strait from the Zune hardware development man. The Zune is NOT dead. He stated as I have that all technology will die off as time comes even the iPod and iPod Touch. I also have emailed about 5 friends who work on the Zune, they all have their jobs and they said that the Zune is NOT dead. I personally have the Zune flash 4, 8, 16. Zune 30 original pink and white. Zune 120 brown, And 2 blue Zune HD 32s. I also own the iPod 30GB video, and the iPod Touch 8GB 2nd Gen. I have used all of them regularly. I always carry my iPod Touch and a 32GB Zune HD on me all the time. I have lots of music, podcasts, and videos on my Zunes. I ONLY use my iPod Touch for applications like Facebook, Twitter, Email, ect. I do not have any media on my iPod because the OS is hard to use for media. I also hate having to use iTunes to do anything. On my Zune it seems like the OS is built around media unlike the iPod Touch which is built around the applications. I am looking to add another pmp to my family; a Samsung Galaxy Player. Those are coming out in a few days. So yes I see why some people want an iPod over the Zune. But at the end of this era these devices will only be in collections and museums. But I personally support both Zune and iPod. It all depends on the user. But for me I use both and they are a great part of my day. Please help us pass on word that the Zune is NOT dead. We need this to be on that top of all news feeds. This needs to be told so that people will not believe rumors as quickly. So go and tweet, facebook and make this known. If you want to express your different viewpoint please comment below. Source: DaveMacMS Bloomberg
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Its hard to say whats going to happen to the Zune player. We know for sure that MS will be using the Zune in other devices like the Xbox, WP7, and any computer. But there doesn't seem to be much on the Zune player itself. The stand along PMP is dying already, even the iPod is dying out. People want a device that will do both and smartphones are taking over the PMP. MS thinks they dont need to make another Zune player because they think everyone will just want one portable device that it is more than just an MP3 player, like WP7. Im sorry to say this, but there just wont be another Zune device or Zune HD2. Its not going to happen people!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous Yes, the PMP is starting to die off. People getting Windows Phones, Android Phones, iPhones. All of those have a music player in them so then there is no reason for people to need a PMP also. Who knows if there will be a ZHD2 but so far it looks like Microsoft wants to put its money in to developing the Windows Phone 7 more. But Zunes are still being produced and sold. And with more apps on the way which will help keep the ZHD alive.
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