Microsoft has officially put its iPod competitor Zune media player out to pasture. The company’s Zune Web site makes it clear the Zune is dead and that Microsoft’s new focus is on Windows Phone.
“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,” the Zune Web site states.
Microsoft had pinned high hopes on its Zune product line, although it never gained enough traction to take on Apple’s iPod lineup. The Zune HD, targeted as an iPod touch competitor, didn’t make a dent in Apple’s media player sales, either.
Zune owners will still be able to get warranty support, so at least they have that small consolation. When it comes time to replace those aging Zune players, however, they’ll have to look at Windows Phone-based devices — or maybe an iPod.