What is Microsoft Smoking?

Seems like they might have lost their minds.  Now it looks as thought they are back peddling and claiming they never dropped support for the Zune?  Um, well you're website said you were...And by telling the world they're all crazy isn't helping Microsoft's case.  I mean seriously folks, if it the news of discontinuing the Zune was a mistake or accident; just release an announcement and clear the air.  Don't make us all shake our heads and think we're crazy.

Today the website claiming discontinued support has vanished and Microsoft tweeted across their Zune Twitter feed the following: "We are still supporting the Zune hardware. No official info has been released stating hardware is being discontinued." via @ZuneSupport

So what's the deal?  Is there a disgruntled employee willing to spill the beans about a possible drop of Zune support?  Did someone accidentally post the discontinuation the other day and now damage control is being done?  Or is Zune Support out of the loop?

Interesting none the less.  But seriously; confusing customer's will only make them go buy iPods.

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The End of the Zune

Remember Microsoft's entry into the personal media player market with the Zune?  No?  It's no wonder.  The Zune was one of those devices that was released to compete directly with Apple's iPod product line.  The issues with it where mostly in adoption.  Apple was taking the world by storm; while Microsoft just couldn't seem to get their foot in the door.  In retail stores the two companies product displays were so close to each other that it was easy for anybody shopping for a media player to slide on down to the popularity-growing design of the iPod.  Around this same time period is when the term 'iPod' started to become synonymous with 'MP3' and 'Music'.

I know a couple people who own Zune's and yes, they love them.  For Microsoft, this product seemed to be a day late and a dollar short when it came to already the dominated iPod market.  So what happens to existing Zune customers?  And as of today, Microsoft has pulled the plug from the Zune product line.  Going forward, no new Zune's will be manufactured.  For those who have ordered a Zune prior to today, you'll still get it.  But your Zune is one of the last being shipped.

If you are a Zune owner, you will still be able to use your Zune as you always have.  The Zune brand will roll on through branding of Microsoft's Zune Marketplace.  Just don't look for the latest and greatest Zune once your's bites the dust.  After 5 years of fighting against the Jobs' Apple Empire, it was a valiant fight for the Zune.  But one that was destined to be lost from the start.

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