Microsoft mulling Zune software for Mac
updated 05:45 pm EDT, Tue October 6, 2009
MS considers Mac Zune app an option
Microsoft today acknowledged that it has debated porting the Zune software and its according services to the Mac or even to portable Apple devices like the iPhone and iPod. Director of Communications for TV, Video and Music Jose Pinero explained to Mary Jo Foley that it's one of "a lot of options" for platform expansion but also stressed that the Zune platform isn't tied to players like the Zune HD or even necessarily to Microsoft. Its own platforms take highest priority but aren't exclusive.
"Zune is a music and video service from Microsoft. Period," the executive stated.
For now, the immediate priority will be Xbox 360 services such as the 1080p Zune Video Marketplace as well as porting elements of the interface to Windows Mobile. However, Pinero stressed that Microsoft has already begun branching out to non-Windows users by making the Zune Pass usable through web browsers on Linux and Macs in streaming form.
While converting the jukebox software would be relatively straightforward, moving the Zune Pass to Apple devices would require an about-face in Microsoft's choice of file format. Permanent downloads are MP3s and would work directly with all Apple hardware, but Zune Pass subscription music as well as all movies and TV shows are stored in a copy protected variant of the Windows Media format that will likely never play through Apple-developed products.
A ZUNE app?
10/06, 05:56pm reply
I could see it now. A ZUNE app that takes over your iPod touch and makes it work like a ZUNE. It could go as far as running all the apps available on the ZUNE marketplace as well as playing WMA files. Kinda cool, I guess.
bjojade
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Joined: Jun 2007
LOL
10/06, 06:05pm reply
Thanks for the laugh MS.
@bjojade
You might want to read up on zune apps
http://obamapacman.com/2009/09/microsoft-zune-hd-vs-apple-ipod-touch-3g-feature-comparison/12/
dliup
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How about...
10/06, 06:05pm reply
a big fat NO!!!
slapppy
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Please
10/06, 06:18pm reply
Please do. I desperately want to buy a Zune, but my main computer is a Mac right now. DO IT DO IT DO IT!
dagamer34
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Joined: Apr 2007
Microsoft is porting Zune apps
10/06, 06:37pm reply
to the iPhone/Touch because the App Store doesn't have enough quality software. That's kind of them. Why don't they just discontinue the Zune and write apps for Apple. I'm sure there are plenty of people waiting for Microsoft Office on the iPhone/Touch platform. I suppose the ability to stream movies and such from the XBox 360 to the iPhone/Touch wouldn't hurt.
iphonerulez
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And the point is???
10/06, 07:55pm reply
Yeah...iTunes is such a piece of c***. iPod/iPhone users are thirsting for some quality such as found in the Zune. It would probably be like the first virus for iPods/iPhones.
Mr. Strat
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No thank you!
10/06, 11:17pm (1 reply) reply
MS: keep your filthy trash where it belongs - on your filthy platform. No self respecting Mac user will degrade themselves with garbage.
jarod
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Um...
10/07, 06:28am reply
No, really, don't.
JacquesDav
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So
10/07, 11:16am (1 reply) reply
If I understand things correctly, you all complain when MS doesn't port software to the Mac (WMP, for example) and then also complain when they do port software to the Mac. You complain that Palm doesn't make it's own syncing/managing software for the Mac, but also complain when MS says its thinking of it?
And, Mr. Strat, the point isn't that iTunes is c***, it's that if a Mac user wants a Zune, they can't use it because it needs to sync to the computer, and Apple doesn't allow third-parties in their iTunes.
Oh, and not everyone thinks iTunes is the end-all be-all of media management.
testudo
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