Microsoft Zune and Windows Live apps may not be included in the upcoming preview of Windows 8 — at least not the way we’re used to seeing them. Though the brands and apps will be gone, their functionality will be included in other parts of the OS.
Microsoft is reportedly looking to improve its less-than-stellar track record when it comes to digital music. Having already scrapped its Zune player and Urge service, the software giant could be contemplating rebuilding the Zune Music Pass program as a new, Spotify/Rdio-style service by year’s end.
When it comes to online music, you’re spoilt for choice — or are you? What are the upsides and downsides of the current Australian music market models?
Microsoft has finally gone and offed Pioneer Studios, the operation that was behind the now dead, and still awesome, Courier tablet. The studio was the baby of J Allard, who broke up with Microsoft a year ago, and helped develop consumer electronics and experiences with products like Windows Phone 7, Xbox, Zune and the absolute flop that was the Kin. [Cnet]
