If the Windows Phone 7 series are successfull, my guess is that Microsoft will integrate most of what makes the Zune so great into their new smartphone devices, together pairing up with the Zune service that they have provided in existing WP7 models.

But lets take a step back just a second. Just last month we heard a few rumors that Microsoft were secretly planning a new Zune HD that would battle the iPod Touch — as well as lots of ‘secret’ projects revealed by Microsoft themselves. We still do not know what they are.

No matter which way you look at it, the Zune HD was a very good piece of competent hardware. It’s stylish, sleek, good looking, easy to use and most importantly, it just works. Unfortunatly, it has been shadowed by the success of the Apple iPod range which could see Microsoft convert to a new strategy where they would dive into their biggest strength to continue the Zune service — software.

Software is where Microsoft excel, and what better way to promote Zune than on their sexy new smartphones. It would make sense to focus on the phones themselves for now and incorperate the Zune service into it because one thing is for sure — Apple have won the MP3 player war. Creative, Samsung, and even SanDisk have given up hope, now it’s time for Microsoft to change their tactics to be able to compete.

These are just a few of my personal views (with a little help admittedly), but what do you think Microsoft should do? Is the Zune dead? Will the service live on in WP7?

Source: PC Mag

Strangely enough, we have not heard much from Microsoft lately regarding the Zune HD, and what direction it would be going next. But one thing we can say about it is that it is definitely one of the best digital music players currently on the consumer market.

It looks cool and stylsh, and even the interface and features are sleek along with enough power under the hood to put a big smile on our face. This is a few reasons why we don’t want Microsoft to push the Zune HD aside in the near future, but rumors suggest otherwise with something new on the horizon.

An article over on ZDNet suggests that some sources have told her that a new, remodelled Zune HD is in the works.

While details are scarce, we predict that it would continue in the fashion of Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Phone 7 series while other speculation suggests that an ARM CPU could also be involved.

The new Windows Phone 7 devices are definitely giving out some love to the Zune, and therefore its only certain that we can expect an upgrade in the near future.

Source: SlashGear

This new version equals Apple’s highest iPod Touch version, however currently the 64GB iPod Touch will set you back $399.99, whereas the 64GB Zune HD is priced at just $349.99.

Recently Microsoft have released quite a few updates for the Zune’s OS, this has given the portable media player extra codec support along with an improved Smart DJ and the new ‘Picks’ feature.

Do you think it is worth spending an extra $50 for a 64GB iPod Touch?

Source: SlashGear