Microsoft Splits Up Zune Team, New Hardware Still Coming Though
When Microsoft started laying folks off in January, we were afraid the Zune might be directly affected; it was. The big wigs at Redmond separated the Zune department into hardware and software teams. The bulk of the developers went into the software and services department where they are headed-up by the same suit that runs Microsoft’s Mediaroom and Media Center TV businesses. Interestingly enough, the hardware geeks are now working with the WinMo guys. We kind of figured it would have been the other way around.
The Zune has a great interface. The OS is really the only reason to buy a Zune. The hardware was sufficient enough, but the Zune has never been a looker. The software suite, both on and off the hardware, was always in a constant evolution in a good way.
In fact, most Internet know-alls have stated that Redmond needs to bring a bit of the Zune’s class into the stale Window’s Mobile platform. Thankfully, it seems some at Microsoft HQ have listened as the latest screenshots of WinMo 6.5 definitely have a Zune-ish feel.
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