Is a ZuneHD2 on the way after all

February 22, 2011 | By Surur

zune3

The future of non-Windows Phone Zune hardware has been in doubt for some time, but at the same time rumours of a follow-up to a the critically acclaimed of not commercially successful ZuneHD has also been brewing for a while.

The above article from the MIX 11 website introduces Joe Bellfiore as being in charge of the design of forthcoming generations of Windows phone AND Zune devices, which to us appear pretty significant.

In fact, according to Microsoft’s Matt Akers in the Zune Insider Podcast (via Digital Trends).

“I guess the meta-point here, bubble-up one level, whatever analogy you want to use: Zune is not dead.” he said. “We still have jobs, right? I still like, get my paycheck.”

Zune is still alive within Microsoft—and “will never die!”

Time to throw put out a completely unsubstantiated rumour – what if Microsoft announce a generation of Zune-branded tablets with a media consumption focus at MIX11? Sounds tasty, doesn’t it?

Thanks Charlie and Michael for the tip.

About Surur

Site Admin and Windows Phone enthusiast, he has been using Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC’s. He is currently sporting a HTC 7 Trophy.

Tagged mix 11, rumour, zune news

http://twitter.com/clindhartsen @clindhartsen

If you look into the past, Microsoft tends to like to converge code bases, look at the death of the 9x OS, and the current push to have the same code base for server and consumer/business with the attached pieces as needed so they could push out Service Packs universally.

If anything, we'll see a ZuneHD2, but it'll be Windows Phone based, letting uses tap into the Windows Phone App marketplace.

Bob

yeah, what Microsoft should be aiming for is instant recognition of their products, just as you can easily tell an iphone, ipod touch, or ipad from there grid of icons people should think hey look at these squares, must be an Microsoft product. +1 for your comment

mighty

It won't happen. Don't even hope for it!
EVEN if something like that was to happen it wouldn't be in MIX which is developer centric.

And that sentence regarding zue devices is just a generic one.

https://www.facebook.com/mattattaxx Matthew Kidd

They just launched the Zune HD in Canada, they also on Zune Insider specifically said "Zune is not dead."

It's probably happening.

mighty

They're probably just clearing the remaining stock. I really wanted a Zune HD last year but they didn't launch it anywhere but in the US. Now it's just too late.

raidenn

Joe = Stallone

Bob

Joe = one of Microsofts few charismatic employees

Benjamin R Mendez

I need a good mp3 player with a must have "bluetooth". I like the Zune HD but no Bluetooth no thanks everything I have its wireless. It needs to be a Zune device since I use a Zune pass.
http://twitter.com/IceInPerson @IceInPerson

I think a Zune tablet IS what's required next AND an HD2.

I'm hanging onto my current Zune HD for grim life though, whatever happens.

And if it's discontinued, then I'm buying another one (or two) to keep me happy into old age.
Mark Jonson

Paul Thurrott is adamantly maintaining that the Zune brand is going away. He says that existing products will be rebranded and that the Zune hardware team has been idle since around the time of the Zune HD launch around September 2009. Claims his sources are Microsoft employees and feels confident that this is the direction the company is going. I'm not sure what to believe anymore, though I do wish the Zune brand would stay and be expanded as a product and service.

GP007

So, and I'm not saying his wrong or right, but if the Zune hardware team has been idle since Sept 2009 then what the hell are they still getting paid for?

I doubt they're idle at all, I think they worked on WP7 hardware designs which MS then shared with OEMs etc. I also think that regardless of the rebrand, real or not, MS should do a new device, WP7 without the phone if you will.

Changing the branding doesn't mean that they're going to never make something again.

Frank Muniz

wow Zune Tablet sounds Awsome. That would own.

Equality 7-2521

"Zunetab" perhaps? "Z-tab" sounds too medicinal. Or maybe "Zablet", which would give rise to–wait for it–"zapplets". (sorry everyone…got carried away).

Mark Jonson

Presumably they've been reassigned to other projects. It's not like they're going to lay off employees whenever they choose to stop supporting a product or service. They may release a new Windows Phone-based media player. I'd like to see it. Thurrott's point is that (according to his sources) any potential product like this will not have Zune in the name.
http://www.facebook.com/caywen Kevin Hsu

I can predict what Joe will say:

I say ANY way you want it, THAT's the way you need it, ANY way you WANT IT! Don't stop believin!

syrinx

LOL! Medley!

Rusty_Shackelford

The Zune HD is such an amazing device that sadly the masses never noticed in all the crapple hype.

Shame Microsoft is adamant that they are not going to make WP7 hardware because a slightly larger Zune HD with phone capabilities would be sweet.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ricardo-Dawkins/746307628 Ricardo Dawkins

it is on the way to Canada as a Tegra based Zune HD.

I don't know why you ppl are expecting any Zune hardware besides the crippled & obsolete Zune HD.
Peter

I fell in love with Zune HD device and how beautiful it is outside and inside. Great sound quality as well. But the only reason I didn't buy it was screen size. I was hoping from the first day that Microsoft come with Zune HD2 with bigger screen size soon so I can buy it.

My guess is they gonna use Windows Phone OS for the new Zune HD2 (of course no phone feature). That means thousands Apps will be available for Zune HD2.

Zune HD is amazing device. I really hope they make screen size bigger for Zune HD2 and I will buy it first day!

This is a great news for me. It seems like the wait is finally over and I can have Zune HD device hopefully soon.

Microsoft, I can't wait for Zune HD2…
Michael Smith

Zune is great but they need to change the name. The general public do not see the whole ecosystem of zune software/hardware and compatibility with xbox/pc/wp7.

Change the name asap and advertise It.
http://twitter.com/PrivateJoker @PrivateJoker

Worldwide launch with the Zune HD2 including the Zune Pass… that would be a nice game changer
Stephen McAteer

SO, yea, the speculation around that MIX '11 blurb for Joe is that it was a typo, and bad grammar…
The thinking is, that they missed a comma in that sentence..and that no Zune Devices will be introduced…
Paul Thurrott is adamant that Zune hardware team has been disbanded ..