at long last some positive news – Microsoft: Zune Services Are Safe, Don’t Worry

Microsoft: Zune Services Are Safe, Don’t Worry

Stay cool, guys. The Zune is here to stay.

While most of us are consumed with talk of Windows Phone 7 and Nokia, it’s easy to forget that Microsoft has another platform to look after: Zune. A coupe of years ago, the Zune HD was all we could talk about. However, as of late, all talk of the Zune has fallen by the wayside. This week, the rumor mill turned to the possibility that Microsoft may decide to ditch Zune devices and retain just the brand for media and music on Windows Phone 7.

Late last night, the Zune team took to its Facebook page to debunk any such rumors and assured users that the Zune brand wasn’t going anywhere. Not only that, but the team also said that Microsoft would continue to support the Zune brand whether it was on Windows Phone 7 or Zune devices.

Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley got a similar response when she asked about Zune’s fate, but despite this, still believes that Redmond could be preparing to rebrand Zune to something that better communicates Microsoft’s mission to compete in the same market as the iPod touch. Microsoft has said it wants to target the iPod touch with the Zune HD2. Considering Apple’s penchant for praising the iPod touch’s ability as a portable gaming device, Foley believes incorporating the ‘Xbox’ brand could be the answer to positioning the Zune HD2 as a portable gaming device. Cue the rumors of an Xbox Portable?