In truth, the whole Zune environment was effectively pulled into Windows Phone 7 earlier this year, when it seemed clear Microsoft had given up on their little music player that could. The Zune HD itself was put out to pasture. It was pretty sad, but everyone moved on. Zune now does well as the music and video layer for Microsoft’s many devices.
So… isn’t releasing 9 what sound to be ho-hum Zune HD-specific apps kind of beating a dead horse? I mean, Finger Paint? Tug-O-War? What’s your plan, Microsoft? Isn’t it past time to let go? [The Next Web]
olearymo
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 8:46 AMI’m sure the people who own the zunes are happy to know they aren’t being left behind just because their device is discontinued.
TSH
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 10:37 AMI think it’s more likely these were nearly-finished projects and MS had a choice: shelve them forever, or tie off those loose ends. I don’t doubt that the (probably small) investment to finish the apps will be worth the goodwill from Zune owners.
Stefan
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 11:00 AMlol ive got one and a Samsung Focus (WP7) probably gonna give my Zune HD to mah sister :P
Michael Parente
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 5:26 PMActually, the Zune HD has been getting more and more Apps every month or so. This month was a somewhat larger release.
There’s even a (closed) app testing beta program, and Rovio are looking into developing a version of Angry Birds for it (see http://anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64428).
Usually in each round of apps there are a few good ones and a few duds, but every app is free! The Zune HD is far from dead.
The only thing that seems to have stalled is firmware development – it’s been a while. Hopefully a new version comes out soon, but it looks unlikely.
Props to the Zune HD team nonetheless!
Jubbin
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 6:49 PMI’m even more confused.. but I haven’t touched my Zune HD in a few months.