Microsoft will not Release New Zune Models

Microsoft has decided to stall new models of its portable media player brand - Zune. Bloomberg reported that the company will concentrate on integration of Zune software on to Windows Phone platform. The source who tipped Bloomberg didn't wish to be identified because Microsoft hasn't announced the decision formally. Introduced as Apple iPod rivals, the Zune players finally seem to kneel down against the high sales volume of the iPod models. 

Microsoft introduced its first portable media player - Zune in 2006 and the last model to be released was Zune HD in 2009. The company also introduced the music service for consumers to buy and stream music on their players. However, one major limitation did hinder its progress- limited availability in select regions. Zune players were limited to U.S. regions only. 

The Zune and Zune HD players were almost head-to-head with the Apple iPods but never matched up to the sales figures of the latter. Even though there won't be any new Zune models, Microsoft will continue to sell players till stocks last and support them.

Now Microsoft seems to be shifting its focus from developing portable media players to integration of Zune Software in Windows Phone platform and Xbox 360. It's quite possible that the Zune player would become the de facto music player in the next major Windows Phone (8?) release. We now have to wait for an official word from Microsoft.