It’s getting to be one of the more recycled rumours in tech: Microsoft is done with Zune hardware, but Zune software will live on, maybe rebranded, maybe not. This time it’s Bloomberg’s Dina Bass throwing her tweet into the ring, saying that we won’t be seeing any more Zune hardware.
Microsoft points are the digital currency you use to buy Xbox and Zune content, and you can buy cards that are pre-loaded with points to enter in to your account. Problem? Just like with the iTunes gift cards, somebody discovered the algorithm Microsoft uses to generate valid codes and let it loose onto the internet.
As much as I hate to say it, the Zune is more or less dead. It’s been a year and a half since we’ve seen a redesign, and though Zune hardware has always been quality, Microsoft seems to have refocused their handheld efforts behind WP7 (with rumours of an Xbox-branded device).
The Windows Phone 7 Connector app is live in the Mac App Store, bringing with it (finally) easy syncing between your Mac and your WP7 and/or Zune HD. No more Boot Camp, no more fiddling with clunky beta solutions. Just wish it hadn’t taken so long – and I bet at this point Microsoft does too. [iTunes]
Microsoft’s Zune media player never really caught fire, or generated much heat at all. And while Microsoft appears committed to Zune’s services and features, ZDNet speculates that Zune as we know it isn’t long for this world.
Without fanfare, Microsoft now offers Zune fans an all-you-can-eat yearly subscription for $US150 (previously, you were limited to $US15 month-by-month access). Like the incremental plan, you’ll still be able to keep 10 tracks per month. [Ars Technica]
Microsoft’s about to embark on a one billion dollar marketing adventure to support Kinect and Windows Phone 7. Good luck to them! Because as these past epically failed advertising efforts show, Microsoft might be about to waste a lotta money:
Since the Zune’s launch in 2006, we’ve been waiting and waiting for the Redmond gods to grant Mac users access to the Zune. Now, Microsoft exec Oded Ran has tweeted that the holy day may soon be upon us.
