What does the ZuneHD mean for Windows Mobile

May 27, 2009 | By Surur

Now that the ZuneHD is official, its important of course (on this website at least) to ask what it means for Windows Mobile.

The first point of course is that Microsoft can design an attractive and desirable user interface, which should increase our expectations of Windows Mobile 7 being at least as slick.

Secondly, we now know Microsoft is not afraid of multi-touch. With Apple claiming many patents on the technology there has been a concern Microsoft would not implement it in their devices, like Google has not on Android. Of note however is that Microsoft talks about tap to zoom in the ZuneHD browser, suggesting that the pinch gesture will not make it across to the device.

Thirdly, as we can see from the press release there is a push by Microsoft to integrate and leverage their services. Of course Microsoft is forbidden from leveraging their desktop dominance due to anti-trust issues, but this has not stopped them from using other successful ventures like the X-box 360 to promote less performing ones like the Zune. We should see a lot more of this type of cross promoting happening over the next year or so involving other products and services, with Windows Mobile promoting the Zune service and vice versa.

Lastly, we should see much of the Zune services coming to Windows Mobile, and we have a time frame (no earlier than next year) which will finally bring a bigger consumer element to Windows Mobile.

Is the ZuneHD important for Windows Mobile? Let us know in the comments.

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 microsoft, windows mobile, zune, zunehd

fused

About Apple claiming patents on multitouch:

From what i read Microsoft does have own patents on multituch, geture controlled user interfaces which are older than Apples.

I forgot where i read about it, i think it was on XDA-dev? You’ll just have to trust my word
fused

heres some reference, easily found on google

http://industry.bnet.com/technology/10001203/ui-war-brewing-microsoft-multi-touch-patent-app-predates-apples/
Edwin

I think it should be a phone instead of a so called “media” device, since nowadays less people put two devices in their pockets. (well I am)

I don’t really think that Zune HD is important for Windows Mobile, since even Zune HD isn’t released/announced, they will still release Zune application for Windows Mobile. And by the way, don’t forget that if it is important and is replacable by Windows Mobile, what’s the point of this device?

ishy

ask apple what the point of the ipod touch is. or the point of any media device thats on the market….

Edwin

I never have a media device except iPod Touch, coz media devices aren’t popular in my country, maybe that’s why I don’t understand, sorry

but anyway, at least Apple got an iPhone released and I want a Zune Phone :]

Kevin Daly

Personally I regret the falling together of the phone and PDA markets, partly because it gave the telcos too much control over our smart devices (veto power over features, usage and software), but also because there is a tension between what makes a good phone and what makes a good media/entertainment/other device (size is one important factor here).

I only wish the ZuneHD would come to NZ – this failure to address the global market is something Microsoft needs to deal with. Owing to my unprivileged geography I was unable even to sign up for notifications about future developments (such as potential availability in the rest of the world). Minus a zillion points.
The browser sounds very much like the Windows Mobile 6.5 browser – perhaps the “tap to zoom” feature indicates that it really, really is that browser without having been substantially customised for the ZuneHD environment. That would be somewhat surprising, but if true it means the browser interface may not necessarily reflect on the capabilities of the user interface as a whole.

I’d be closely tracking any mention of development opportunities for this device but in the absence of an emulator it won’t be possible for developers outside the US to create software (games and whatever else may be possible) for this device either. Given the likelihood of a similar feature to the Marketplace for Windows Mobile that’s a serious inequity (and a real shame, because I find this in many ways more interesting than a Windows Mobile phone).

http://mobilespoon.blogspot.com MobileSpoon

I don’t find the design that attractive… do you?
john

Love the design,
but it should be Zune Phone from the start.
manual_

Well if actual interface will be on par with the design of the device there might be some hope for WM;) Of course if MS will finally show they have balls and they’ll rebuild the OS to catch up with the competition. I hope Zune will be MS’ testing ground for really innovative and relevant concepts that will be then polished even more and will make it into future OS.
http://mikeward1701.studio1701.net/blog MikeWard1701

Design wise its stunning, looks a lot better than the iPod Touch.

My first concern is that it might delay Zune integratinn into Windows Mobie. I mean, who’ll want to buy this if you can buy a WM device with Zune built in?

My second is that this will be yet another Zune that doesn’t make it off the shores of north America. Come on on Microsoft, get the Zune global! Or at least into Europe. You’re never gonna be a true competitor to the iPod if you only sell to the Yanks and Canadians!

wreiad

Doubt Zune software on cellphones will impact Zune hardware sales, especially since all that in one package will whip your battery. 3rd gen Zunes will initially be launched in North america, and will then be launched elsewhere.

Amu

I think it’s a miracle that MS is able to design a product that slim, and the GUI as well :O. I think I may have high hope for them to get WM7 right, but, I also hope that the device manufacturers get the phone done right as well >.>
lennard

I believe the ZuneHD will have a profound effect on the windows mobile platform, because the design bar has been raised, in both hardware and software. I believe it will create a sort of halo effect around MSFT’s media devices. the zune integration has been a well sort after feature (at least for me) on the windows mobile platform. I am really looking forward for the new zune