According to CNBC sources, Microsoft could unveil a completely new Zune device in early 2009. A prototype could be shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.
The new device is said to combine elements and technologies from its recent Danger Inc. acquisition and current Zune. Codenamed “Pink”, it could use the Nvidia Tegra platform and offer telephony capabilities.
Let’s assume for argument’s sake that the rumours are all true. It will be very interesting to see how Microsoft will position Windows Mobile next to this new mobile phone. Will it get pushed further into the commercial space, leaving the consumer market to Pink? And how would Microsoft’s hardware manufacturers react? It could be quite the tightrope walking feat!
With CNBC reporting that Pink could be as much as a year away from hitting the street, we will have plenty of time to see how this story unfolds.