[Adam Krebs]

http://gadgetmix.com/index/?p=3562

"We're just days away from Mobile World Congress where Microsoft is expected to make a few notable annoucements. Until then, we have to settle for all the hints and innuendo we can gather as Redmond attempts to win back the hearts, minds, and pocketbooks of consumers infatuated with Android, WebOS, and whatever Apple's got cookin'. Like these supposed 6.5 screenshots above, this time showing what looks like a Marketplace store a la the Zune. We also have CNET reporting today that Microsoft quietly split its Zune team in two on January 22nd: software and services under Enrique Rodriguez, and hardware under Tom Gibbons who just happens to heads-up hardware design at Microsoft's Windows Mobile unit."

If true, we could be seeing a major paradigm shift from Microsoft-managed end-to-end device and software services, to opening up the Zune experience for more devices through Windows Mobile. Whatever the case, I can only hope Microsoft decides to release this internationally so that we can finally start to see some real sales. Mobile World Congress is only a few days away, and I can't wait to see what they show off.

[Adam Krebs]

http://gadgetmix.com/index/?p=3562

"We're just days away from Mobile World Congress where Microsoft is expected to make a few notable annoucements. Until then, we have to settle for all the hints and innuendo we can gather as Redmond attempts to win back the hearts, minds, and pocketbooks of consumers infatuated with Android, WebOS, and whatever Apple's got cookin'. Like these supposed 6.5 screenshots above, this time showing what looks like a Marketplace store a la the Zune. We also have CNET reporting today that Microsoft quietly split its Zune team in two on January 22nd: software and services under Enrique Rodriguez, and hardware under Tom Gibbons who just happens to heads-up hardware design at Microsoft's Windows Mobile unit."

If true, we could be seeing a major paradigm shift from Microsoft-managed end-to-end device and software services, to opening up the Zune experience for more devices through Windows Mobile. Whatever the case, I can only hope Microsoft decides to release this internationally so that we can finally start to see some real sales. Mobile World Congress is only a few days away, and I can't wait to see what they show off.

[David Tucker]

Man that's a huge picture!

I think this is the right direction for Microsoft. While I don't see myself giving up a standalone MP3 player for a long time...Zune itself is a platform. Microsoft has never really been about building in house platforms it controls like this (XBox being an exception...that's a very different market).

Getting Zune out onto WinMo devices is important for the future of the Zune brand and really will help move the technology forward.

[inteller]

give me a phone with a zune compatible connector and the entire zune UI in ROM and I'm sold. In fact, it would be preferable to keep the zune software part of the phone separate and updateable from the rest of the rom software.

[Ricardo Dawkins]

Notice all those Zune icons.

[Macguy59]

I don't see those hoping for a more modern UI being excited about this one

[Ricardo Dawkins]

Originally Posted by Macguy59

I don't see those hoping for a more modern UI being excited about this one

UI?.....I can show you a lot of UI for Windows Mobile. what option do you have for the iPhony ?

[Macguy59]

Originally Posted by Ricardo Dawkins

UI?.....I can show you a lot of UI for Windows Mobile. what option do you have for the iPhony ?

If your screenshot is supposed to provide evidence . . . you better have an appeal ready.

[Jimmy1]

LOL...you have to love the "Marketpl..." icon. Seriously, their graphic design team needs to be taken out back and put out of their misery.

Windows Mobile version whatever will sell fine to Microsoft's corporate IT customers for people who want to be on top of their company email; I seriously doubt any WinMo device appeals to any 20-something 'Jane Average' on the street who'd rather have an LG or iphone.