Zunephone doesn't make much sense.
A lot of rumours are flying recently on the web about a whole new genre of Microsoft products. Yes, I’m talking about the rumoured, busted and rumoured-again hi-flyer Microsoft phone aka ‘Zunephone’. Since the leaks of apparent first shots of a new product called ‘Zune HD’, people are also speculating hard about MS entering into cell phone business. Add another mysterious thing called ‘Project Pink’ to it and the whole story gets hyperactive.
Zune, since its launch, was underdog to the world of PMPs, striving to take a solid step on the dominance of iPods. A plan to restrict the release within US wasn’t a good idea for something which would strive for a worldwide significance. Unfortunately, MS didn’t bother about the world audience then, leaving a rather dissatisfying impression of a product launch. Since then, a lot of progress happened to this market segment with Apple domination growing big. With iPod Touch caching the eye of young generation and Apple Store making portable computing easier, Microsoft is on a tough spot even for leaving a mark.
Therefore, a obvious question arrives even on a less inquisitive mind if Microsoft is planning a fight back by shelling out something path braking in recent future. A ‘Zunephone’ rumour is easy to swallow here, an usual idea that comes to mind. But I don’t think they are going to announce anything like that anytime soon.
First of all, Microsoft was never too eager to venture on cellphone manufacturing market. They were just making mobile version of Windows forever and likes to continue the trend till doomsday. A new phone means a whole lot of responsibility with hardware, firmware and off course a service provider. I think they’re happy with their current position as a major software maker.
Before iPhone shook the world with innate magnificence, Apple was just gambling a large stake of sum behind the whole idea. Steve Jobs manoeuvred for making a global craze and the idea got ticked. On the other hand, Microsoft never liked to put on a wager to get a product launched that could make a stir after the company established itself as a large software producer. And I don’t think they are going to follow Las Vegas ways this time also.
Windows Mobile is a more open platform that runs on various devices, unlike the mobile version of MacOSX which powers iPhone or iPod Touch only. Apple is famous for their lockdown mania making it sensible to have a phone from their stables. It’s their tradition, they love being everything for their products. On the contrary, Microsoft doesn’t have a PC manufacturing business of their own to run Windows and that’s completely unnecessary. Besides, Win Mo is already powering a plethora of devices across many manufacturers including HTC, Samsung etc. So it doesn’t make much sense on having a new phone from the Redmond Giants.