Is Zune Finally, Officially, For Real Dead This Time?

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.

For Microsoft’s part, they’re sticking to the same line as they have for the last several months. According to a company spokesperson:

“We have nothing to announce about another Zune device – but most recently have introduced Zune HD to Canada via Zune Originals store and remain committed to supporting our devices in North America. We are thrilled by the consumer excitement for Zune across many new platforms, including Windows Phone 7 and Xbox 360. Our long-term strategy focuses on the strength of the entire Zune ecosystem across Microsoft platforms.”

The stress of the “entire Zune ecosystem” across different devices certainly suggests a software approach, and why not? Software has always been Microsoft’s strong suit, and they’ve got an incredibly potent foothold already in Xbox Live. If WP7 ever lives up to its promise, the idea of Zune won’t be dead at all. On the contrary, it’ll be one of the most widely distributed media platforms in the world. [Twitter]