R.I.P. MICROSOFT ZUNE

After years of trying to keep up with Apple’s iPod line, Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft will finally stop introducing new versions of their not-so-popular Zune music player. They will however continue to sell existing versions of the Zune.Microsoft tried to give the Zune a revival in 2009, introducing the Zune HD to compete with Apple’s iPod Touch, however the Zune HD never caught on with consumers. The Zune did not even manage to rank among the Top 5 music players, according to data compiled by NPD Group. The iPod, however, almost completely controls the music player market with a huge 77% market share.

The reason behind Microsoft abandoning the Zune likely is related to moving to Windows Phone 7 on devices.
“This year’s Zune hardware is Windows Phone 7″, says the Zune head.The Zune team head debunked yesterday’s report about the Zune’s demise. Dave McLauchlan, senior business development manager for Zune, insisted that the iPod didn’t kill the Zune in a semi-official statement posted to the AnythingButiPod forums. He reminded that “all consumer electronics products have a lifespan, and the Zune HD is 18 months old” while promising new apps and games.