Microsoft teases Zune-based iPhone rival for June
updated 07:35 am EDT, Tue May 12, 2009
MS Teases iPhone Rival
Microsoft early today drew a competitive line by using its Office 2010 Twitter account to post word of a major competitor to the iPhone in June. First hinting that next month is an "important month for Zune lovers," the account user -- who is posting from either an iPhone or a Mac -- next explains that it's a product launch and implies that the product in question is a direct competitor for a smartphone rather than a strict media player.
"Hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre," the author says.
What this would involve isn't clarified. Microsoft is popularly expected to launch the Zune HD sometime this year that will likely involve a touchscreen, more advanced video playback and possibly extras like improved Internet access and 3D game support. However, no rumors have implied that the device would have any phone functionality and have instead positioned it only as a competitor to the iPod touch.
On phones, Microsoft has regularly denied any plans to make its own phone and has instead said it would only strengthen its ties with existing Windows Mobile phone designers to improve the experience. The company is known to be developing a software project known as "Pink" that would bring some Zune elements to Windows Mobile, but a project that would showcase the development, an iPhone rival from Verizon, isn't thought due until early 2010.
Regardless of the product's nature, Microsoft has to contend with sagging Zune sales as a lack of hardware and software updates have given Apple a stronger position in the music player business.
FAIL
05/12, 07:54am reply
ridiculous
climacs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Zune lovers?!?
05/12, 08:00am (1 reply) reply
There are Zune lovers?!? Who knew?
rosssanford
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
strengthen ties
05/12, 08:21am reply
who listens to this company anymore? of course they deny it. you don't tell someone ahead of time that you're about to stab them in the back.
nat
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
zune lovers
05/12, 08:33am reply
there are also lovers of kicking puppies. that doesn't mean there's enough of them to generate a profit by marketing to them. :)
EternalGuest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2009
disagree
05/12, 08:44am (1 reply) reply
I've actually used a Zune hands-on... The Zune desktop software and UI are shockingly "un-Microsoft" and is easier and better looking than iPod and iTunes. The Zune hardware also has more functionality, such as built-in WiFi (from day one) and built-in radio tuner. People assume it's a bad product because it's from Microsoft, but it's actually good... But it will never dethrone the iPod, and that's largely due to being introduced late in the game (late 2006).
zimmik
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2009
?
05/12, 08:48am reply
What's a Zune?
kdogg73
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Dec 2002
oh!
05/12, 09:09am reply
The originality of these posts!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
More important
05/12, 09:10am (1 reply) reply
Why does everyone miss the important nuggets of information?
First, who knew Office 2010 had a twitter page (does that mean Office 2010 has gained self-awareness and is alive?)
Second, who the h*** would subscribe to the Office 2010 twitter page?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
built in Wi-Fi huh...
05/12, 09:10am reply
you mean like the iPod touch has?
appleuzr
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2006
Re: built-in wifi
05/12, 09:21am reply
Um, the Zune had built-in wifi before the iPod touch.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001