Report: No More New Zune Hardware Models

Microsoft is discontinuing its line of Zune portable multimedia hardware, as the company focuses its mobile gaming and entertainment efforts on Windows Phone 7, an anonymous source told Bloomberg this week. While the slow-selling Zune hardware, introduced in 2006, will reportedly see no new iterations, Zune software will continue on other Microsoft platforms. The Redmond, WA-based Windows and Xbox house wouldn't confirm the discontinuation of Zune hardware, but told the site, "[We] ... most recently have introduced Zune HD to Canada via the Zune Originals store and remain committed to supporting our devices in North America." The statement added, "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." Zune was Microsoft's bid to compete with Apple's massively popular iPod. In 2007, the iPhone and iPod Touch launched, and in 2008 the App Store debuted, changing the face of distribution of mobile entertainment including music, video and games. Games released for Microsoft's Zune include PGR: Ferrari Edition, Lucky Lane Bowling, Vans Sk8: Pool Service, Piano, Checkers and Audiosurf: Tilt. Former Xbox executive J Allard headed up development of Zune before announcing in 2010 that he would be leaving Microsoft.