 Yes, news of the ZunePhone continues and this time it is regarding Microsoft sending the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) a prototype for a wireless device that is simalar to the iPhone.
 Microsoft describes the wireless device as one that uses OFDM, which is generally regarded as a 4G wireless technology. OFDM allows the use of digital TV, Voice call among devices and the ability to share files across the network. OFDM is being tested and deployed for cell phones by Sprint Nextel Corp. and should have rising coverage in the coming year. However, OFDM is not going to be as widely used as 3G technologies for now, which infact has only been in the US for a short time. So while it provides better speeds and more possibilities, it won’t be available to everyone for awhile. However, if US adopts the technology faster than they adopted 3G then it is possible.
 However, it appears that the phone will use VOIP to make the calls. So it is accually quite abit different from other phones and the iPhone. From my understanding it appears that Microsoft will use the internet connection via the phone to access the VOIP service. Regardless, it will be quite interesting to see how this is rolled out.
 Also in this report Google Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Intel Corp are all mentioned in submiting the device for testing. So it may be indication this is indeed the Zune Phone. Microsoft also said that they would avoid partnering with large cellular providers who would make demands. So I think it is possible Microsoft is going to go the way of Mobile Virtual Network Operator or at the least not offer the phone exclusively with a certain network.
 CrunchGear is also reporting that we can possibilly hear an announcement on the ZunePhone in March and possibly even have it in store by May. But I will have to disagree because it take quite abit of time for FCC to process the work and also 4G cellphone technolgies are fairly new in the US and will probably cover only 15% of the population.
 However, I think there is a strong possibility that this is the ZunePhone, and my prediction is that it will launch it late 2007. And lastly there are rumors that with the ZunePhone, you will be able to share music from anywhere. But considering that it is 4G technology full access to the Marketplace will already be included, so is wireless sharing really needed?
This news came from MarketWatch and also CrunchGear. If you’d like more detailed information check out the above links.
Microsoft Corp. has hired Omniture Inc. to analyse ways to improve Zune’s online music store. Omniture Inc. is a provider of online business software and their other customers are Nike, PayPal and Sears.
“Omniture helps us understand what our customers care about, continually allowing us to improve the online experience and provide the best possible content and services,” said a Microsoft spokesman.
It’s good to see that Microsoft remains commited in improving the service of Zune Marketplace. I personnally think that Zune Marketplace has more features than iTunes, but lacks content such as movies and TV shows. I’ve also noticed that Zune Marketplace takes up quite abit of resources, which usually causes ‘lag’ in older machines. Has anyone had an issue like that or anything else that should be improve with the marketplace?
Read the Press Release
 Earlier we reported that a Global Sky, a Philippine-based call centre issued a press release regarding a new Wi-Fi phone from Microsoft. Apparantely this is NOT a Zune Phone, but instead a service called ‘One Follow Me’.
 The press release fails to note the name of the service, but if you visit the One Follow Me website, you will get a better feeling of the service. The website for the service is www.onefollowme.com. This service fits the description of the service indicated in the press release which probably means that it is more likly this than the Zune phone.
 As noted earlier the remour mill is in full action regarding the ‘Zune Phone’ and it is very likely we will see more of this in the next couple of weeks. Just be cautious when news arises because they usually have to do with the release of Windows Mobile 6.0 (Crossbow) and services like this than the Zune Phone.
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 Cesar (Microsoft employee) from ZuneInsider has basically debunked the rumours of a ‘Zune Phone’ or ‘Breaking Screens’ that we reported earlier today. He states that this is basically ‘rumor and speculation’, but in the past some of the things he labelled as rumors happened, while some didnt. So it is hard to know whether either of these are true.
However, he does imply that both sources are ‘fake’ (as seen below):
“BTW, if you are the imaginary friend ”source” cited in the story, can you email me? We should go pretend bowling. And we can invite the “friendly tipster’s buddy” (from yesterday’s rumor), too.”
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 He has also stated that the Zune is about connecting people to music and that a phone may be a part of that experience, but as of now they still haven’t begun working on it. This is indication that a Zune Phone is on Microsoft’s mind and that we very well could see it on shelves by late 2007.
  In a article by CrunchGear, it looks like Microsoft will be adding a Phone to the Zune brand as early as next November. Yet again however, CrunchGear is reporting that this is a tip (but go on to say it is as definite as tips can be) . Apparantly, Microsoft executive will be meeting today to discuss the details, strategies and timescale for the release.
 There are few other details known about the phone, but the following is being reported by CrunchGear:
- It will work with the Zune MarketPlace
- It will likely not run Windows Mobile, and rather use something similar Zune interface
- Connect to XBOX 360 and stream video to the phone wirelessly
- If things go as planned should be in stores for 2007 Holiday Shopping Season
  And I personnally think that there is a strong chance of them using the design of a existing phone like how Zune is like Toshiba GigaBeat S and iPhone is like the LG KE850.
 Some may believe that this is inspired by the iPhone, which is set to launch this summer. However, Microsoft talked about the ‘Zune Phone’ as early as September 2006, as we report earlier. Below is what the general manager of global market for Zune said in September.
“Microsoft Corp. said on Thursday a Zune-branded phone is part of its future plans to expand in the digital music market, now dominated by Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod. “A Zune phone is definitely part of the future of this brand,� Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Zune, told reporters at a news conference. He did not give specific details.� (from September 2006)
 So the ‘Zune Phone’ is nothing new, however it’s a shame Microsoft didnt announce this earlier because now the general public will see it as a ‘copy’. It also leads me to wonder what the Zune Phone have that the iPhone doesn’t.
 Engadget is reporting that there have been Zune screens that are getting cracked while charging. The information was provided to Engadget by a tipster who’s friend works for a call centre that handles Zune issues (Engadget has not mentioned the credibility of this tipster). The call centre has supposedly recieved many calls regarding to the Zune screens cracking after being left to charge.
 The tipster’s friend has also said that the issue is due to the lithium ion battery in the Zune. The issue seems to be that the battery expands when overheating and therefore causes pressure on the screen causing it to crack. It is huge issue for Zune owners because it is not covered by Zune’s warranty and ultimatly means their Zunes are dead unless Microsoft begins covering repairs for the screens.
 However, I do not believe this story to be true. My biggest issue with the story is that it was provided by a tipster’s buddy, so there is a number of people that could be lying even the customers that call in. Also, until now I haven’t heard of any issues like this happening and Zune has been out for awhile now.
 Have any of you had this issue with the screen breaking while charging?Â
 If I were to compare the iTunes Store and the Zune Marketplace right now, the clear winner would be the iTunes store. I say this simply due to content such as Movies, Tv Shows and a large library of songs. But some of that may change very soon. It is likely that some time in 2007, Microsoft will release TV shows on to the Zune Marketplace. And movies may follow. There is speculation that Microsoft will possibly release these downloads as early as February.
 TV shows on iTunes grabs alot of downloads and it is safe to say that some iPod buyers bought it simply because iTunes offers TV shows. The typical person doesnt have time to watch all their favourite TV shows, yet theyspend countless hours doing nothing on the bus, during the lunch break and many other odd times. So people would much rather connect their iPod to sync their TV shows the night before so can watch that new episode of ‘Heroes’ and dont mind paying that 2 dollars.
 Microsoft could take the same direction as Apple is doinig with iTunes right now and charge people for each download. Or they could integrate it with the new xbo 360 IPTV system so that consumers could get their shows on their Zune without paying a fixed price. It could also enable user to transfer HD movies to their Zunes, but I doubt the picture quality would be good.
 Either way Microsoft will be releasing shows on to the Zune in the near future because to be frank the success of Zune is impacted greatly by the content avaiable at the marketplace. Microsoft already has CBS, ABC, NBC and The CW aboard for Xbox 360, so it shouldnt be too much of a pain to get them on Zune. Hopefully Fox begins selling their shows, so that next year when the service is action we can be watching some ‘24′.
 A couple years ago people would have be scepticle about watching TV on a 3.5′ screen but it seems to have great success so far.
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