There;s a brand new Zune rumor: Something new and Zune-related is coming in June. And Microsoft;s ad attack around the iPod/iTunes the organization released this week is fueling the fire.I;ve observed individuals speculating that the June announcement could be the new Zune HDs. Or the Microsoft Pink phone/services mixture. Instead, here;s what I believe is taking place (determined by educated guesses, not any details from Microsoft) over the coming months in the Zune and Zune-related arenas:* May 14, 2009: Based on several sources,
Office 2010 Generator Key, Microsoft is anticipated to release a Zune software program update. Not clear if that consists of a firmware update or not.* June,
Office Pro 2010 Product Key, 2009: Given the E3 Expo s slated for June 2-4,
Microsoft Office Standard 2010 Key, I wouldn;t be surprised to see Microsoft unveil some piece of its long-promised entertainment solutions strategy. They;ve been dropping hints (the “3 screens” — portable device,
Office Pro 2010 Keygen, TV and PC — references that CEO Ballmer and Chief Software Architect Ozzie have made recently. It would make sense for Microsoft to roll out shared Zune amusement solutions across these three screens appropriate around E3.(Update: Microsoft doesn;t own the Twitter feed from which all this Zune speculation has arisen. It;s not a sanctioned Microsoft feed, a spokesperson told me this afternoon. But I;m still betting there might be a Zune-services-related announcement at E3.)* Fall 2009: Microsoft is anticipated to launch its new line of Zune HDs. These new players are anticipated to look and feel a lot like Windows Mobile 7 phones. But they aren;t likely to be “Zune phones.”
* Fall 2009: Microsoft and its partners will roll out the first Windows Mobile 6.5 phones — which may support the aforementioned Zune enjoyment companies. Again, none of these devices are expected to be “Zune phones.”* Spring 2010: Microsoft and its partners will roll out Windows 7 phones — which are likely to support the Zune entertainment services.* Spring/summer 2010: Microsoft will announce the Pink telephone. It will be made by some third-party manufacturer but likely carry the Microsoft logo. It will feature various services, including Zune amusement companies and other consumer-focused premium providers built by the Danger team Microsoft acquired last year. Pink phones will be determined by the Windows 7 core.So my guess about what;s coming in June: I;m thinking it is Zune amusement services for Zune players, Windows Mobile phones, PCs and TVs. Are these Zune amusement companies — video, audio, marketplace,
Office 2010 Professional Key, etc. — going to be part of what;s been codenamed Pink? I bet they are. What;s your bet?