Too Zune To Phone Home?

November 26, 2008

(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Loading ...

CNBC is reporting that Microsoft may be planning to announce a new Zune phone as soon as the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas this January. As cool as that may sound to some, it could also be a big mistake for Microsoft.

For years, Microsoft has been trying to get mobile device manufacturers to use its Windows Mobile operating systems. Some are even experimenting with using Windows on possible touch screen devices. However, if Microsoft becomes a direct competitor to the handset makers it has been courting, it might just drive them away to the new Google Android platform, Symbian, or even Linux. This is a slippery slope for Microsoft, with many potential dangers.

Given Microsoft’s less than stellar history with its Zune MP3 devices, using the brand as a launching pad for mobile communications, and possibly risking its vendor relationships in the process, might not be the best plan for the future. Perhaps Microsoft should focus on making its Windows Mobile Platform more competitive with the offerings of Google and Apple and position itself as a leader in the operating system market rather than shooting itself in the foot by trying to be the next great mobile equipment manufacturer.

With any luck, Microsoft may just decided that it is too Zune to market its own smart phone.

Written by iTodd · Filed Under Mobile