Why did Microsoft discontinue the Zune HD?

Anonymous
2011-10-09T23:55:15+00:00

I have been a loyal Zune/XBOX customer for years and now looking to replace my 8gb Zune that I've had for 4 or 5 years and cannot find a Zune HD anywhere. Since it's been discontinued Amazon has jacked up the price of a new one. I honestly think that Zune is far superior to Ipod in the MP3 department. Now I'm gonna be forced to buy an Ipod Touch.  I kinda feel betrayed by Microsoft.

Windows for home | Other | Music, photos, and video

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Anonymous
2011-10-11T04:54:51+00:00

Hi Zombie79,

Thank you for your question and your concern. I believe the answer can be summed up with in the first sentence of the press release, "...going forward, Windows Phone will be the focus of our mobile music and video strategy, and that we will no longer be producing Zune players". We appreciate and share your feelings regarding the Zune device, however we have decided to move forward with a new strategy and we hope that we will be able to get you back on board soon.

Cheers!

robert

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-01-03T22:06:47+00:00

    I would like to add...that because of the way Microsoft handled Zune-I will not be purchasing a Windows phone.  It is not that the product is not GREAT -it is.  I feel you just can't count on Microsoft to run the whole length of the course.

    The following scenarios come to mind:

    Phone discontinued

    No Apps

    Not compatible with my Android tablet

    Sorry Microsoft...I am going to have to say NO-Good Luck!

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-12-30T19:16:22+00:00

    I was fiddling with one of 5 of my Zune HDs last night when I realized how well of an OS the Zune HD OS really is. Its easy to navigate, easy to pick up, the touchscreen is fast very responsive. Quite simply, they got it right on the Zune HD.

    I then realized, in the name of forward progress, what it would be like to talk on my phone, surf the net on my phone, run various apps, sync my exchange mailbox in the background on my phone and listen to music on my phone and not get up to 33 hours on 1 charge because Im doing all these tasks on my phone.

    wow...

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-12-30T18:41:02+00:00

    My whole family has both windows phones and zunes.  the first generations still works.  they are a life saver because the  5 and 6 olds can watch their fave movies on them.  the older ones use their phones like crazy and still use their zunes for watching movies. I will miss the day they stop working but that is progress.  I will never goto ipod while there are windows products.  Not because I don't like Apple, because I do. Dad got me my first computer in 1983( Had an apple2e and a first generation Mac growing up).  I just do not see the sence in paying more for their stuff when microsoft makes a great product for a lesser price.  I have seen great products go to make room for even better products. 

    \

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-12-30T01:37:35+00:00

    I too love my Zune HD and prefer to continue to keep my phone and music on two different devices. I will never buy an ipod or iphone.

    The problem with music on a phone is battery life. If apple decides to kill the ipod in favor of a one device does it all, the fallout will be interesting to say the least.

    I wasnt impressed with the windows 7 phone at all. How exactly can a phone with no memory expansion hold more music than a dedicated music device? the cloud? Ha

    I have higher hopes  for the Windows 8 tablet than the windows 8 phone. Im currently on Android and really have no desire to change cell phones.

    What I have done is buy up a handful of zune HD 16/32s off ebay.

    You can still find used ones at aucton for $110-$165 range.

    I figure 5 Zune HDs and some spare replacement batteries ($15.99) should last me until something gives and MS brings the Zune HD back if the "new" strategy doesn't pan out.

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