Microsoft discontinues hard drives, "squircle" from Zune lineup

***AppleInsider*** · 09-02-2009, 03:38 PM

With the impending launch of Microsoft's iPod touch competitor, the Zune HD, the Redmond, Wash., company will discontinue its previous offerings, which included high-capacity hard drive players and the "squircle" input method.

According to Paul Thurott at the SuperSite for Windows, Microsoft will no longer offer its "classic" line of Zune MP3 players. That includes the flash-based Zunes with capacities of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB, as well as the hard drive-based Zune 80 and Zune 120. The products will only remain available as long as supplies last.

The new Zune HD launches on Sept. 15 with flash memory capacities of 16GB and 32 GB. The new device will have a 480x272 pixel multi-touch screen that displays with OLED technology. Its announced price points are $100 less than Apple's comparable iPod touch models, though that is likely to change next week.

Apple is expected to unveil its new line of iPods at an event scheduled for Sept. 9. Likely on tap are new models of the iPod touch and iPod nano with cameras.

With the discontinuation of the original Zune lineup, Microsoft will no longer offer any hard drive-based players. Many have believed Apple would soon go down a similar route, seeing the iPod classic and its spinning platters as on their last legs.

However, a recent rumor suggested Apple's iconic device may have at least one last new offering available, this time with a camera.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

quinney · 09-02-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

According to Paul Thurott at the SuperSite for Windows, Microsoft will no longer offer its "classic" line of Zune MP3 players. That includes the flash-based Zunes with capacities of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB, as well as the hard drive-based Zune 80 and Zune 120. The products will only remain available as long as supplies last.

or until the retailers get sick of having them take up space.

teckstud · 09-02-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

However, a recent rumor suggested Apple's iconic device may have at least one last new offering available, this time with a camera.

That last rumor is ridiculous- video recordings churning off that hard drive. Not only that , but who with a classic evens wants a camera? Its the storage capacity that drives people to the classic, not bells and whistles.

elroth · 09-02-2009, 03:55 PM

Please, a 240 GB Classic with no camera. After that you can discontinue it, but give us one last shot to get a dedicated music/video player with a lot of storage. Please no camera on the Classic.

MacGregor · 09-02-2009, 04:01 PM

The whole point of the Classic iPod is to hold EVERYTHING and to be a mobile hard drive. As a teacher I use mine to hold all sorts of media that are a couple of clicks away and can follow me from room to room, agnostic as to the computer that I use to access them.

Why does the Next New Thing crowd try to push out the old and reliable just to have the appearance of being cutting edge. That is a 6th grade mentality.

As for this article - MS just admits defeat but is trying to keep its hand in the game long enough for their mobile phone s/w to catch up. Once the MS market place is established, they think, then I bet they expect their developers, developers, developers to out-compete Apples developers in the next generation of mobile devices in which playing music is one small point.

That is what Apple may be attempting with cameras on "all" iPods. I wouldn't mind a camera on my Touch (I still can't afford AT&T and the iPhone), and I don't need one on my 160 gig iPod Classic ...

... however if they did have a camera option on the classic, just think of having a camera that can hold EVERY photo you've ever taken! Interesting ... as long as it is at least 5 megapixels.

Denmaru · 09-02-2009, 04:02 PM

Paul...Who?

Mr. "Oh, The Press is so Anti-Microsoft" Thurrott? Mr. "I have no clue, but like to make believe?" Thurrott? Quoting him is pathetic, just like his "I use Macs, too" excuse. His whole site is just a big marketing-campaign for Microsoft - too bad they don't even pay him.

christopher126 · 09-02-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGregor

I wouldn't mind a camera on my Touch (I still can't afford AT&T and the iPhone),.

interesting comment, I'm seriously thinking about giving up my ATT 1st gen iPhone and getting a cheap 'dumb' phone. Using my iPhone as a Touch for wifi/email and waiting to make a decision on whether or not to get a Tablet, new Touch, or a 3GS. Just hate paying ATT a $100 a month!

Long live the Zune!

anantksundaram · 09-02-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGregor

... however if they did have a camera option on the classic, just think of having a camera that can hold EVERY photo you've ever taken! Interesting ... as long as it is at least 5 megapixels.

But something like that would be less-than-optimal without a flash and zoom.

Both unlikely, I think.

rnp1 · 09-02-2009, 04:23 PM

Zune do bee dizcontinued!!!

slapppy · 09-02-2009, 04:23 PM

"The products will only remain available as long as supplies last."

So that would mean by 2015, the remaining supplies should be gone. Better hurry up Zune fans.

christopher126 · 09-02-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

But something like that would be less-than-optimal without a flash and zoom.

Both unlikely, I think.

Agreed, the iPhone/iPod cameras are pretty much just 'snapshot' cameras with out flash and zoom! Although I do get pretty good photos when it's bright sunshine outdoors...but for indoors, forget about it!

Robin Huber · 09-02-2009, 04:36 PM

Talk about burying the lead. The tease puts "squircle" out there, but the article never mentions it much less explains what the heck it is.

Now MS will have only two branded items for sale in their new stores, one model of Zune and Windows 7. Oh, and all those mice and keyboards. And I suppose all those different versions of Windows can fill a couple more shelves.

Robin Huber · 09-02-2009, 04:38 PM

Just got it, the squared circle input pad on the front. Still, might have mentioned it in the article.

columbus · 09-02-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Huber

Talk about burying the lead. The tease puts "squircle" out there, but the article never mentions it much less explains what the heck it is.

Now MS will have only two branded items for sale in their new stores, one model of Zune and Windows 7. Oh, and all those mice and keyboards. And I suppose all those different versions of Windows can fill a couple more shelves.

Are they not planning to sell XBOX 360 in their stores then?

Robin Huber · 09-02-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by columbus

Are they not planning to sell XBOX 360 in their stores then?

Hmmm, how to reply?

1) No, because XBox sells itself

or

2) That makes three items.

Quadra 610 · 09-02-2009, 04:42 PM

Should have been killed off a long time ago.

Robin Huber · 09-02-2009, 04:44 PM

But can it squirt without the squircle? Sounds like cartoonish porn, doesn't it?

Dick Applebaum · 09-02-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Huber

But can it squirt without the squircle? Sounds like cartoonish porn, doesn't it?

The Squircle is replaced with the Ejaculircle!

**JeffDM** · 09-02-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGregor

... however if they did have a camera option on the classic, just think of having a camera that can hold EVERY photo you've ever taken! Interesting ... as long as it is at least 5 megapixels.

Yeah, because one number tells you all you need to know about the quality and capabilities of the camera. The way things are now, I don't even consider the MP number to be anything but an intellectual curiousity except for high end cameras, where it can be better justified.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

But something like that would be less-than-optimal without a flash and zoom.

Both unlikely, I think.

I thought autofocus was highly unlikely on such a small camera, but 3GS has it. That said, I doubt any iPod is going to have a better camera in it than the latest iPhone. I'm kind of surprised there isn't a flash though, even if it's a few white LED chips, so small and I'd think it should be a lot simpler and cheaper than autofocus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by christopher126

Agreed, the iPhone/iPod cameras are pretty much just 'snapshot' cameras with out flash and zoom! Although I do get pretty good photos when it's bright sunshine outdoors...but for indoors, forget about it!

There are some people showing otherwise, but I doubt it was ever intended to be more than a snapshot camera. That's the point behind a camera in a phone anyway.

**JeffDM** · 09-02-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckstud

That last rumor is ridiculous- video recordings churning off that hard drive.

You do realize that hard drive iPods have been able to play video for years now, right?

cnocbui · 09-02-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGregor

Why does the Next New Thing crowd try to push out the old and reliable just to have the appearance of being cutting edge. That is a 6th grade mentality.

Amen!

Quote:

(I still can't afford AT&T and the iPhone)

In Europe, the vast majority of mobile phone users, myself included, eschew contracts and use prepaid. Which is why the market for iPhones is self-limiting and why the initial sales figures were so abysmal.

iVlad · 09-02-2009, 06:04 PM

I think Apple will change Classic to be something different. Like a storage device or mini Time Machine or something. I don't think its time to discontinue them yet. Can Apple make classics with Flash Memory?

cnocbui · 09-02-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iVlad

Can Apple make classics with Flash Memory?

No, flash memory is 100 times more expensive.

bigdaddyp · 09-02-2009, 08:15 PM

Its BROWN like POO!!!

columbus · 09-02-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Huber

Hmmm, how to reply?

1) No, because XBox sells itself

or

2) That makes three items.

Hmmm, how to reply?

1) I thought Windows 7 would be a better candidate for a product which sells itself, as it will be bundled with nearly every PC sold from October? Moreover, the XBOX still has to compete with the Wii and PS3 Slim.

2) And you said 2.

doyourownthing · 09-02-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Huber

Talk about burying the lead. The tease puts "squircle" out there, but the article never mentions it much less explains what the heck it is.

Now MS will have only two branded items for sale in their new stores, one model of Zune and Windows 7. Oh, and all those mice and keyboards. And I suppose all those different versions of Windows can fill a couple more shelves.

remember there were rumors there would be birthday parties at the new msft stores...so i figure they'll blow up a bunch of balloons to fill up all the empty space...

doyourownthing · 09-02-2009, 09:43 PM

also to all zune fans, don't forget to get zune 3.0 software LOL

http://www.zune.net/en-US/software/default.htm

the site looks like a bad copy of the ipod site, it's just beyond pathetic...if apple were as obnoxious, cheap and desperate as they are, they'd sue for plagiarism...

xwiredtva · 09-02-2009, 10:48 PM

"Classic" - did I miss something? How many revisions of it have there been to be a "Classic" rendition.

Either way, nobody cares. Although I'm willing to bet in 10-20 years the Brown turdZune will be worth more than the toilet paper it came in. That will be a "classic" even though the Zune store will be long gone rendering the unit unusable like their "Glance" watch, BOB, and everything else they do besides office and windows.

xwiredtva · 09-02-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christopher126

interesting comment, I'm seriously thinking about giving up my ATT 1st gen iPhone and getting a cheap 'dumb' phone. Using my iPhone as a Touch for wifi/email and waiting to make a decision on whether or not to get a Tablet, new Touch, or a 3GS. Just hate paying ATT a $100 a month!

Long live the Zune!

Did it. Straighttalk wireless (TracFone) - $45 a month unlimited phone and text. Yea it's an older phone but the W385 has bluetooth and a USB connector and tethers quite easily. Use Opera and your good. Did I mention that it's on Verizon? Yea, no more dropped calls and service everywhere, for $45/mo.

huntercr · 09-02-2009, 11:33 PM

Anyone that has a classic, can you tell me is it noticably slow to navigate with? I have a Nano and my wife has an old 4th gen ipod. I went to an Apple store look at the 6th gen classic when it first came out and it was soo.... sluggish. Stuff that you could just fly through on the nano ( flipping through photos for instance ) or simply songs on the my wifes old 4th gen device, were noticably ...laggy. The Apple sales guy said that it was because of the harddrive, but my wifes 4th gen ipod is obviously harddrive based as well and doesn't have those problems.

Was that just a coincidence?

Aizmov · 09-03-2009, 09:31 PM

Gotta go guys! Gotta grab me a Zune before they are out of stock!

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntercr

but my wifes 4th gen ipod is obviously harddrive based as well and doesn't have those problems.

Was that just a coincidence?

The iPod nano uses Flash storage.

09-02-2009, 03:38 PM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,151	Microsoft discontinues hard drives, "squircle" from Zune lineup With the impending launch of Microsoft's iPod touch competitor, the Zune HD, the Redmond, Wash., company will discontinue its previous offerings, which included high-capacity hard drive players and the "squircle" input method. According to Paul Thurott at the SuperSite for Windows, Microsoft will no longer offer its "classic" line of Zune MP3 players. That includes the flash-based Zunes with capacities of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB, as well as the hard drive-based Zune 80 and Zune 120. The products will only remain available as long as supplies last. The new Zune HD launches on Sept. 15 with flash memory capacities of 16GB and 32 GB. The new device will have a 480x272 pixel multi-touch screen that displays with OLED technology. Its announced price points are $100 less than Apple's comparable iPod touch models, though that is likely to change next week. Apple is expected to unveil its new line of iPods at an event scheduled for Sept. 9. Likely on tap are new models of the iPod touch and iPod nano with cameras. With the discontinuation of the original Zune lineup, Microsoft will no longer offer any hard drive-based players. Many have believed Apple would soon go down a similar route, seeing the iPod classic and its spinning platters as on their last legs. However, a recent rumor suggested Apple's iconic device may have at least one last new offering available, this time with a camera. [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

09-02-2009, 04:01 PM	#5
MacGregor Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Stumptown, with the nation's highest concentration of brewpubs, stripclubs, volcanoes and bookstores! Posts: 1,316	I agree The whole point of the Classic iPod is to hold EVERYTHING and to be a mobile hard drive. As a teacher I use mine to hold all sorts of media that are a couple of clicks away and can follow me from room to room, agnostic as to the computer that I use to access them. Why does the Next New Thing crowd try to push out the old and reliable just to have the appearance of being cutting edge. That is a 6th grade mentality. As for this article - MS just admits defeat but is trying to keep its hand in the game long enough for their mobile phone s/w to catch up. Once the MS market place is established, they think, then I bet they expect their developers, developers, developers to out-compete Apples developers in the next generation of mobile devices in which playing music is one small point. That is what Apple may be attempting with cameras on "all" iPods. I wouldn't mind a camera on my Touch (I still can't afford AT&T and the iPhone), and I don't need one on my 160 gig iPod Classic ... ... however if they did have a camera option on the classic, just think of having a camera that can hold EVERY photo you've ever taken! Interesting ... as long as it is at least 5 megapixels. The Mother of all flip-flops!! Support our troops by educating yourself and being a responsible voter. Democracy and Capitalism REQUIRE Intelligence and Wisdom if they are to be worth a damn beyond the next election or quarterly earnings report! And the lessons of the 20th century are that neither the state nor the free market hold a monopoly on Wisdom.

09-02-2009, 04:02 PM	#6
Denmaru Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Vienna Posts: 182	Paul...Who? Mr. "Oh, The Press is so Anti-Microsoft" Thurrott? Mr. "I have no clue, but like to make believe?" Thurrott? Quoting him is pathetic, just like his "I use Macs, too" excuse. His whole site is just a big marketing-campaign for Microsoft - too bad they don't even pay him. Now running on a 20" aluminium iMac (Fall 2008), as well as a Macboook Pro 13" (mid 2009) and an iPhone.

09-02-2009, 04:36 PM	#12
Robin Huber Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: The OC Posts: 181	Squircle Talk about burying the lead. The tease puts "squircle" out there, but the article never mentions it much less explains what the heck it is. Now MS will have only two branded items for sale in their new stores, one model of Zune and Windows 7. Oh, and all those mice and keyboards. And I suppose all those different versions of Windows can fill a couple more shelves.

09-02-2009, 04:38 PM	#13
Robin Huber Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: The OC Posts: 181	Duh Just got it, the squared circle input pad on the front. Still, might have mentioned it in the article.

09-02-2009, 03:55 PM	#4
elroth Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 379	Please, a 240 GB Classic with no camera. After that you can discontinue it, but give us one last shot to get a dedicated music/video player with a lot of storage. Please no camera on the Classic.

09-02-2009, 04:23 PM	#9
rnp1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Portland Posts: 151	Zune do bee dizcontinued!!!

09-02-2009, 04:23 PM	#10
slapppy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 138	"The products will only remain available as long as supplies last." So that would mean by 2015, the remaining supplies should be gone. Better hurry up Zune fans.

09-02-2009, 04:42 PM	#16
Quadra 610 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,055	Should have been killed off a long time ago. (Formerly LTD on Neowin.net) (currently *LTD* on Macrumors.com) Mac OS users have made a conscious technology choice and are therefore typically better informed than their peers. -- Paul Thurrott, winsupersite.com, December 06, 2004

09-02-2009, 04:44 PM	#17
Robin Huber Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: The OC Posts: 181	But can it squirt without the squircle? Sounds like cartoonish porn, doesn't it?

09-02-2009, 06:04 PM	#22
iVlad Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Reston, VA Posts: 367	Classic I think Apple will change Classic to be something different. Like a storage device or mini Time Machine or something. I don't think its time to discontinue them yet. Can Apple make classics with Flash Memory? iWant new iProduct

09-02-2009, 08:15 PM	#24
bigdaddyp Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lost somewhere in the deep south. Posts: 170	Its BROWN like POO!!! Fat drunk and stupid may not be the best way to go through life but it is my preferred modus operandi. You are coming to a sad realization...cancel or allow?

09-02-2009, 09:43 PM	#27
doyourownthing Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 142	also to all zune fans, don't forget to get zune 3.0 software LOL http://www.zune.net/en-US/software/default.htm the site looks like a bad copy of the ipod site, it's just beyond pathetic...if apple were as obnoxious, cheap and desperate as they are, they'd sue for plagiarism...

09-02-2009, 10:48 PM	#28
xwiredtva Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 369	"Classic" - did I miss something? How many revisions of it have there been to be a "Classic" rendition. Either way, nobody cares. Although I'm willing to bet in 10-20 years the Brown turdZune will be worth more than the toilet paper it came in. That will be a "classic" even though the Zune store will be long gone rendering the unit unusable like their "Glance" watch, BOB, and everything else they do besides office and windows.

09-02-2009, 11:33 PM	#30
huntercr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 44	Classic slow interface? Anyone that has a classic, can you tell me is it noticably slow to navigate with? I have a Nano and my wife has an old 4th gen ipod. I went to an Apple store look at the 6th gen classic when it first came out and it was soo.... sluggish. Stuff that you could just fly through on the nano ( flipping through photos for instance ) or simply songs on the my wifes old 4th gen device, were noticably ...laggy. The Apple sales guy said that it was because of the harddrive, but my wifes 4th gen ipod is obviously harddrive based as well and doesn't have those problems. Was that just a coincidence?

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