MS readying cross-device Zune service?
updated 10:20 am EDT, Sat September 6, 2008
MS Zune Service Job Post
Microsoft is finally hoping to unify its Zune Marketplace and services with other devices, the company reveals in a recent job posting for a Software Development Engineer. The firm hopes to develop a new, "unified entertainment service" that would work on not just the company's music player and PCs but also on Windows Mobile devices and the Xbox console lineup as well. At present, Microsoft's storefronts are balkanized and don't allow Xbox Video Marketplace content to be transferred outside of the game system, while protected Zune Marketplace content refuses to play on the Xbox even when the player is directly connected.
The listing makes it clear that the project is just starting and thus that Microsoft doesn't expect to have a unified service for a significant amount of time, suggesting that the company is aiming for an iTunes level of integration between different device types but is significantly delayed versus Apple's services, which rely on a common OS X operating system core for most devices to ensure that they can all recognize the same music and videos.
Plays for sure!
09/06, 11:59am reply
Please, MS, make my day and create a "uniform experience" once more...RELAUNCH the stupid program PLAYS FOR SURE...I am sure all your dumb partners are gonna love it all over again!
In the meantime, you may pay your racist friend Seinfeld another 10 million to put that new shopping experience in your shoe store...but this time with Arabs outside, not Hispanics...
MS is DEAD. Dell is DEAD.
ricardogf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2003
Not Rocket Science
09/06, 01:24pm reply
All you have to do to sell Zunes is make them Mac compatible. Apple figured that out about Windows. Why is Microsoft so stupid they can't see what's right in front of their faces. Mac users set trends. We may be a smaller bunch, but eventually the world follows Mac users to products and tech.
mlprice
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2008
Yeah right
09/06, 01:30pm reply
mlprice: I'm pretty sure that won't work. You'd have to make them iTUNES-compatible.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
Zune
09/06, 04:19pm reply
Why would we want to buy a Zune - Macs don't even play WMA...
rytc
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
You keep speaking
09/06, 06:47pm reply
You keep speaking of this "zune." What is it?
Monde
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2004
...
09/07, 02:33am reply
Macs can play WMA...
Athens
Addicted to MacNN
Joined: Jan 2003
Seriously now
09/07, 09:50am reply
WHO GIVES A FLYING F**K ABOUT MICROSHT!!!
Like if that garbage bin blows up tomorrow, will anyone give a F*k??? I highly doubt it!
jarod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
Great idea!
09/07, 12:34pm reply
I think they should call it "Plays For Sure For Enhanced Media Devices", to capitalize on the famous "Plays For Sure" brand. Microsoft sure is making chewy innovations!
Jittery Jimmy
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
re: Seriously
09/07, 12:47pm reply
Since a good amount of the planet is run on the Microsoft platform, I think it might make a bit of a ripple. Mind you, Microsoft could lose ALL of Apple and still have pretty substantial finances.
gitcypher
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2007
re: Seriously
09/07, 12:49pm reply
Since a good amount of the planet is run on the Microsoft platform, I think it might make a bit of a ripple. Mind you, Microsoft could lose ALL of Apple and still have pretty substantial finances.
gitcypher
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2007