Zune Software to be Integrated to Windows Mobile
The rumors were on again and off again about some integration between Windows Mobile and Zune but nobody was sure about which scenario that Microsoft will take: Either add phone function to Zune hardware (a la iPhone) or add Zune software to Windows Mobile OS.
Today Steve Ballmer suggests that Microsoft plans the latter approach. "Now, we built the Zune hardware with the Zune software–and what you’ll see more and more over time is that the Zune software will also be ported to and be more important not just with the hardware but on the PC, on Windows Mobile devices, etc.," Ballmer said. Furthermore, a Microsoft representative states: "We’ve always said that software and services is a key focal point for Zune and it does make sense to extend the Zune experience to other devices," the representative said. "In terms of specific timing we have nothing to announce at the moment."
all this might explain the delay needed for the upcoming Windows Mobile 7, which might be the point where the merge of WM and Zune software begins.
Now I have to go buy a new cell phone.