The Zune is Dead; Microsoft Shifts Focus to Windows Phone

Microsoft has officially killed the Zune media player. The tech company announced today that it will no longer produce the Zune but Microsoft will, however, continue to offer support for existing Zune customers.

Microsoft said on Zune.net:

“We recently announced that, 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. So what does this mean for our current Zune users? Absolutely nothing. Your device will continue to work with Zune services just as it does today.”

PC Magazine reports that Microsoft will continue to honor warranties for people who already own a Zune.

Microsoft said:

“We will continue to honor the warranties of all devices for both current owners and those who buy our very last devices. Customer service has been, and will remain a top priority for us.”

PC World notes that the Zune may not be the only MP3 player getting the ax. With phones becoming the go to device for portable music, once hot products like the iPhone Classic could soon be phased out.

The Zune was popular among critics but the device was never able to gain a fan base.

PC Mag writes:

“Software is Microsoft’s strength, and while the Zune HD was an excellent device, it simply didn’t matter because Apple’s iPod lineup virtually devoured the entire MP3 player/portable media player market.”

Will you miss the Zune? Did you ever use one?