Why did Microsoft discontinue the Zune HD?

I totally agree. I got mine before the price jack too and I am relieved I did. However, I recommended the zune to a friend of mine a few months ago and he checked and the price was out of control. Another friend of mine would like a new one as well but the price is just too high for a new one. That is disappointing to someone who has tried to refuse to convert to apple. I too think the zune is superior to the iPod and I can't help but wonder why Microsoft did not push this product hard.

Its getting hard to be a microsoft fan, I have to admit. Lack of innovation, constant virus problems that have remain relatively unresolved, and so forth. I guess they figured they were fighting a battle on too many fronts between with battling Apple and Sony. ...but then again isn't this a multi-billion dollar company too?

I totally agree. I got mine before the price jack too and I am relieved I did. However, I recommended the zune to a friend of mine a few months ago and he checked and the price was out of control. Another friend of mine would like a new one as well but the price is just too high for a new one. That is disappointing to someone who has tried to refuse to convert to apple. I too think the zune is superior to the iPod and I can't help but wonder why Microsoft did not push this product hard.

 

Its getting hard to be a microsoft fan, I have to admit. Lack of innovation, constant virus problems that have remain relatively unresolved, and so forth. I guess they figured they were fighting a battle on too many fronts between with battling Apple and Sony. ...but then again isn't this a multi-billion dollar company too?

Re:  zune  

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2018206590_ex-microsoft_president_on_xbox.html

Re: constant virus problems

If you are updating your windows OS as security updates arrive, and if you have enabled your windows firewall (or a 3rd party firewall) and are using effective antivirus (including the highly rated MS Security essentials -which is free-) then if you still have 'constant virus problems' the issue is in the cockpit.  Essentially, most if not all the top rated antivirus products are doing just about all that they can be expected to do.  The current malware problem is the user... who needs to learn to avoid risky sites and risky online behavior... sad but true.

Robert,

While I appreciate your answer, it just sounds like towing the company line. I was hoping for big things regarding the Zune player by Microsoft.

Why not marry some of the technology and design of the WP7 to a new Zune device since the WP7 took their look and feel from the Zune.

I don't think this will detract from your core mission of developing a phone, but enhance it. Some key improvements would be a larger screen/display, porting some apps to a Zune device, more capacitive touch features, dual gaming capabilities, more storage (i.e. the 128 Gb) and longer battery life. Then market those things until people are sick of seeing them. As someone mentioned, MS is a software company and not a hardware company, so just partner with a hardware company as they did with a phone manufacturer. I'm sure there is one available to develop such a device.

Apple hasn't given up on the iPod Touch and I don't think that MS should give up on the Zune.

The marketing for the WP7 is lackluster compared to that of Android devices and iPhones. If it weren't for Nokia, there would be no marketing presence at all.

Believe it or not, some people still desire just an Mp3 player and that could also be a target market for the Zune device. Those not willing to give up their precious iPhones or Droid devices, but want a separate music listening apparatus without having to charge it every so often.

That's just my opinion, but consumer opinions matter.

Best

>>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. <<

Microsoft are the "almost" company. The Zune player was never released outside the USA and, despite sales of standalone MP3 players falling, there is a market for them.

MS managed to create the "plays for sure" brand, signed up manufacturers, hit customers with heavy DRM restrictions then dumped it for Zune. Zune software that wouldn't work with "plays for sure". Now they dumped the Zune player, which people paid for, in favour of Windowsphone. Then the executives wonder why people haven't got faith in the long term strategy of Microsoft music products. There is a rumour in the works that an Xbox streaming service is coming - will this dump Zune on the Xbox? MS have a track record of leaving customers with products that just stop being supported.

Will Zune be here in 12 months? Why isn't there a Zune app for Apple and Android? Why is Mac OS X saddled with a WindowsPhone connector and not Zune for Mac? Many PC owners have an Android or iPhone on a 2 year contract. The market is begging for a Zune app so they can listen to music cross-platform. Microsoft unfortunately lacks imagination and I am sad about that....