Nokia, Microsoft at work on Zune integration?

Jason Ankeny — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:23:39 -0400

While Microsoft recently refuted speculation it is at work on a converged Zune/Windows Mobile device, a new rumor circulating across the blogosphere suggests Nokia is currently working with the Zune team on integrating Zune Marketplace content. Citing "a well placed source within Microsoft," ZuneScene reports the software goliath and handset giant are collaborating on content delivery, not a Zune-based device--of course, the wrinkle here is that Nokia does not presently support Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS. The source adds the deal between the two firms is not exclusive, meaning Zune content and services may also surface across other device portfolios. If anything, it seems more credible to believe Microsoft is at work on a Zune integration effort with any handset maker other than Nokia, if only because the company has invested so much effort into its own Comes With Music service.

For more on the Zune integration rumors:
- read this ZuneScene article

Microsoft: No Zune phone in the cards

Jason Ankeny — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:56:59 -0400

Despite soliciting feedback on how its Zune portable media device might more effectively interoperate with devices based on the Windows Mobile OS, Microsoft maintains there are no plans to release a so-called "Zune phone" anytime in the imminent future. In an interview with The San Francisco Chronicle, Microsoft's entertainment and devices division president Robbie Bach says the software giant is not working on a converged Zune/Windows Mobile device: "We continue driving the path we are driving with Windows Mobile and we are very excited about the approach we have taken this year. About 20 million devices will ship with Windows Mobile on it. We will outsell the iPhone. We will outsell the BlackBerry. We don't make phones ourselves. We don't have any plans to make phones ourselves. Our focus is on the belief that a phone is a very personal thing. Different people want different types of phones. We think that is going to continue, and we think Windows Mobile is in a great position to service all those different opportunities."

For more on Microsoft's mobile outlook:
- read this San Francisco Chronicle article

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