Microsoft job entry hints at Zune, Xbox link
updated 12:25 pm EST, Fri December 19, 2008
MS Zune Xbox Job Listing
Microsoft is actively pursuing its hinted plans to directly integrate its Zune players with its Xbox systems, a recently unearthed job post for a User Experience Designer shows. A recruit hired for the position would be tasked with conceptualizing and developing the interface for not only the Zune players and PC client but also "Zune Xbox," alluding to a likely playback and possible music purchasing system for the Xbox 360 or later.
While no details aside from the Xbox mention are included, the post by itself indicates a major expansion of the Xbox into music and would give the device a significant advantage over competitors like Apple TV or the VUDU Box, both of which can rent or buy movies but can't buy music themselves or serve as a hub for a portable media player like an iPhone or iPod.
Microsoft already offers both Netflix streaming and the Xbox Video Marketplace but until now has limited its music component to tracks either ripped from CD or stored on an attached media player, including most iPods. [via CNET]
