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All posts tagged "integration"


Friday, February 13, 2009

Leaked WinMo 6.5 Screenshots Hint at Marketplace

Posted by Adam Krebs in "Zune News" @ 06:30 AM

http://gadgetmix.com/index/?p=3562

"We're just days away from Mobile World Congress where Microsoft is expected to make a few notable annoucements. Until then, we have to settle for all the hints and innuendo we can gather as Redmond attempts to win back the hearts, minds, and pocketbooks of consumers infatuated with Android, WebOS, and whatever Apple's got cookin'. Like these supposed 6.5 screenshots above, this time showing what looks like a Marketplace store a la the Zune. We also have CNET reporting today that Microsoft quietly split its Zune team in two on January 22nd: software and services under Enrique Rodriguez, and hardware under Tom Gibbons who just happens to heads-up hardware design at Microsoft's Windows Mobile unit."

If true, we could be seeing a major paradigm shift from Microsoft-managed end-to-end device and software services, to opening up the Zune experience for more devices through Windows Mobile. Whatever the case, I can only hope Microsoft decides to release this internationally so that we can finally start to see some real sales. Mobile World Congress is only a few days away, and I can't wait to see what they show off.


Thursday, December 18, 2008

Will the ZuneUI Influence Windows Mobile?

Posted by David Tucker in "Zune Talk" @ 04:30 PM

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/344/C16718/

"Instead of having two separate teams work on possibly related devices, it seems that Microsoft is merging its Zune user interface team with the team that works on Windows Mobile. If this rumor holds up to be true, it could very well mean that the first ZunePhone won't be running on its own platform. Instead, the Zune-ness will "simply" be integrated into Windows Mobile."

Unless you live in a bubble you've probably notice a slight buzz over the past couple weeks in regards to the Microsoft project under the codename of Pink. First speculation was that it was a Zune Phone, a direct iPhone competitor. I personally have ignored this rumor mongering. Its possible that one day Microsoft could release a device like that. And then everyone who latches onto every rumor will seem like a genius for predicting it. Of course the same people predict it every 6 - 12 months so eventually they might be right.

Now that that the rumor has been debunked again, the speculation has gone is in a million different directions. I am not going to try and guess what Microsoft is doing. We're going to potentially find out at CES anyway. What I find more interesting is the rumor above from Mobile Magazine. While I can't vouch for its veracity any more than a Zune phone rumor, at least its something different!

This is something I've wanted to see myself. I've been using the Windows Mobile platform since it was Pocket PC 2002, starting with the HP Jornada 565. At one time the interface was the best thing out there, at least in my opinion. While I don't necessarily think the interface is actually bad today, despite all of the criticism it gets, its definitely old and clunky. Its not the best thing out there anymore. And after 7 years of the Windows Mobile platform, just a week ago I took a big leap and went from the T-Mobile Wing to the T-Mobile G1. Even I've left and while I hope to see Windows Mobile take enough advances that I'll reconsider the move it would take a total overhaul of the OS. So I hope this rumor is true.


Thursday, October 16, 2008

Zune & XBox Integration: Coming Soon?

Posted by David Tucker in "Zune News" @ 06:42 PM

http://gizmodo.com/5064605/hands-on...g-within-a-year

"Marketing director for Zune Jason Reindorp told us that a serious 'step up' in Zune and Xbox 360 integration will happen 'within a year.'"

Gizmodo threw this little comment in almost as an afterthought in their Zune 3G Gears of War hands-on. A heck of an afterthought. This isn't exactly surprising. It was almost sure to happen eventually. But its still good to hear that Microsoft is committed to making this happen sooner rather than later. I'm sure that the fall Xbox 360 update will be the first step.

I think the important thing is to tie the media purchases together. I shouldn't have to buy a movie twice. With the Netflix partnership I have to wonder what sort of options that might open up as well.

Tags: xbox, integration

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