This news comes as less of a surprise and more of a disappointment to the many Zune supports throughout the world. It had been rumoured for over a week now that Microsoft would be stopping production on their MP3 players and now a glance at the Zune support page confirms it. Though it’s still listed to buy on the site but the link goes to wal-marts site and it is sold out there.
If you really want to get your hands on a new Zune HD before the supply is all sold your best bet would be to search Amazon otherwise you are likely getting a refurbished model. Though if you are a current owner of the slick MP3 player then you will not be losing out on support, as Microsoft stated they will honour any warranty for the devices.
I find it most odd to make this announcement considering all the rumours of a Zune HD2 in the works and the recent growth of the Zune Marketplace. Though, it was inevitable as Microsoft did next to no advertising outside the US, when the Original Zunes were still globally sold, and even within America there wasn’t much buzz generated for them.
If there ever was a device to fight the reign of the iPod it was the Zune and spending more on advertising would have shown it was a real contender. Now Zune is just an integrated into all Windows Phone’s, so those looking for an iPod alternative have limited, quality options.
Source: wpcentral
