So it seems yesterdays post about the Zune being dead was a rumor, and according to Microsoft (unfortunately) untrue. Check out the statement below that Engadget reported.
Hey guys:
There’s been a TON of traffic about the Bloomberg article that posted today – plus I noticed they updated the article a few hours ago:
“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 Phone7 and Xbox 360. Our long-term strategy focuses on the strength of the entire Zune ecosystem across Microsoft platforms.”
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.
Rumors are Microsoft is giving up on the Zune, at least in a physical sense. Because of lack of sales they will stop making Zune devices, and focus on the software (to use in there phones) and the service. You will remember the Zune has always fallen short compared to the iPod, and never gained the hype or consumer love the Apple device has. the 2009 HD model gained a lot of great reviews however it wasn’t enough to truly catch up in a marked that has bought into iPods for years.
Microsoft has teamed up with Samsung to bring us the new Surface 2.0 via the sur40. This lovely device can even be wall mounted, which doesn’t really matter because I doubt we will ever touch them.
Earlier this week Microsoft shows us a glimps of the new Surface, something that we are yet to see some real uses for (consumer uses). Engadget has had some hands on time with the, and it looks really sweet. It will be a 40″ 1920×1280 gorilla glass display. Anyways, I’m going to stop talking and just let you watch the video. And make sure to read the article on Engadget.
The Asus EEE Slate EP121 has shown up on on Amazon for pre-order. This high-price high-end tablet boasts an Intel Core i5-470UM processor, up to 4GB of RAM, and a 64GB SSD. It features a 12.1-inch screen and is unfortunately ruining running Windows 7.
The cost is $999, and what cracks me up the most is this is a fair bit more than the iPad; which everyone thought was overpriced. What is going on that a Windows based product cost more than a Apple product?
So, a long time ago, many people don’t know that there was almost a Yahoo! AOL merger, but they couldn’t agree on a price. Well, Yahoo! has gone back to AOL and sparked talks up again, but if Microsoft can’t afford Yahoo! Can AOL?
So, in the Microsoft-Yahoo! news, Yahoo! has turned down the 44.6 Billion dollar offer from Microsoft. They have in turn came back and asked for almost $60 billion. They are requesting $40/per share, as opposed to the $31/per share offered. I suspect we will see weeks to months of bartering and a eventual sale. But that is just speculation
Today is the day we have all been fearing. Today is when Yahoo’s board of directors decides its decision on Microsoft’s 42 billion dollar offer. Most people right now are assuming it is going to happen, reason being a) yahoo needs the money, and b) Google will take everything and rebrand it. Microsoft has already stated they will keep the Yahoo! brand, and most likly end the MSN brand. This is some of the best news for the face of the internet I have heard in a very long time… as long as Microsoft keeps there word.
Looks like the release date for Vista SP1 and XPSP3 are out. Vista SP1 is expected Feb18, and XP SP3 is Mar 23. I don’t know what to expect for SP3, but SP1 should have some very massive improvements. Possible worth “upgrading” again. Check out the “improvements” for SP1 here, straight from Microsoft them self.
So it seems yesterdays post about the Zune being dead was a rumor, and according to Microsoft (unfortunately) untrue. Check out the statement below that Engadget reported.
The Asus EEE Slate EP121 has shown up on on Amazon for pre-order. This 
