More Views on a Zune Phone

[Aaron Roma]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpchow2.com/2007/02/whats-with-zune-phone.html' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpchow2.com/2007/02/whats-with-zune-phone.html</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>&quot;I find all the speculation of whether Microsoft is going to make a Zune phone amusing. No doubt it comes from interest in seeing how Microsoft will respond to Apple's iPhone, but noone seems to take into account that iPhone may be in response to Windows Mobile. Why should Microsoft invest in making a Zune phone, when with some minor alterations they could make Windows Mobile more competitive?&quot;</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Frank McPherson, author of How To Do Everything With Windows Mobile, weighs in with this opinion on the rumored Zune Phone device, and Todd Ogasawara of MobileViews responds to some of Frank's thoughts and offers up his own insights. Franks original blog can be found <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pocketpchow2.com/2007/02/whats-with-zune-phone.html">here</a>, and Todd's follow-up <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mobileviews.com/blog/2007/02/10/zune-phone-a-blog-dialog-with-frank-mcpherson/">here</a>.&nbsp; McPherson's main argument is that a Zune Phone is not needed since Windows Mobile fits the bill. I disagree with this line of thought. Windows Mobile is designed for a completely different market segment than a Zune Phone will target. (Sure there is some overlap.) The majority of the Zune demographic does not need all of the flexibility, functionality, and complications, that come with a Windows Mobile device.&nbsp; Has there been a Windows Mobile phone&nbsp;to date that could be considered a successful consumer level device, rather than relegated to professionals and enthusiasts?&nbsp; The Zune Phone really needs to stick to the simplicity and ease of use that the current Zune offers.</p>

[USArcher]

I disagree with this line of thought. Windows Mobile is designed for a completely different market segment than a Zune Phone will target. (Sure there is some overlap.) The majority of the Zune demographic does not need all of the flexibility, functionality, and complications, that come with a Windows Mobile device. Has there been a Windows Mobile phone to date that could be considered a successful consumer level device, rather than relegated to professionals and enthusiasts? The Zune Phone really needs to stick to the simplicity and ease of use that the current Zune offers.


I think your comments suggest an all or nothing proposition...it doesn't have to be that way. Unlike PlayForSure where Microsoft had no control on the user experience. Windows Mobile, just like XP/Vista, is a platform where Microsoft could and I think should add Zune Software. I'm not saying there isn't a market for a Zune branded phone device but don't deny Windows Mobile users a Zune enabling experience.

[Aaron Roma]

I'm not saying there isn't a market for a Zune branded phone device but don't deny Windows Mobile users a Zune enabling experience.

You know, I was thinking about this. While I'm still a firm beliver that the Zune brand will need a dedicated phone device, I could see a definate benifit to extending the Zune experience to WM devices. I just wonder though, if the Zune team is going to be to much of a "vertical" mindset to let this happen.

[Lofty]

Why build a new phone platform when you already have a very successful one in place. If I was Microsoft I would build a media centre like interface that would run over top of Windows Mobile providing the user with a simplified interface giving them access to all the basic features. This would include multimedia as well as all phone and communication tasks. This interface would be maintained and updated by Microsoft and not the device manufacturers. The more technically inclined user would also have the option to use the standard Windows Mobile interface and use Windows Media Player Mobile to play their content. I would also make this interface available to run with a basic version of Windows CE. This would allow it to run on less powerful and less expensive phones.