Microsoft To Phase Out Zune Franchise?

Microsoft is reportedly set to abandon its Zune MP3 player franchise due to poor demand as consumers opt instead for Apple's iPod and smartphones that can play music as well as perform numerous other functions.

Citing sources familiar with the situation, Bloomberg on Monday said Microsoft will continue to support existing Zunes but will not release any future models once current inventories are exhausted. Microsoft officials did not deny the report categorically, and conceded that Zune is set to undergo an "evolution," according to a spokesman