Microsoft kills Zune media player line after 5 yrs

NEW YORK (AP) — Microsoft is discontinuing the Zune media player, which it launched five years ago in the hope of taking on the iPod.

The player was well reviewed when it launched in 2006, and it grabbed as much as 10 percent of the market for media players. But enthusiasm faded, and the Zune has become one of many failed iPod wannabes.

Microsoft Corp. hasn't released a major update to the line in two years. Some of the look and functionality of the Zune has been moved over to Microsoft's smartphone software, which it says "will be the focus of our mobile music and video strategy."

Microsoft says it will continue to support existing players.

App turns any Windows Phone into Xbox 360 media controller

Nipping on the heels of the announcement for an expanded library of television and movie content for the Xbox 360, Microsoft announced the Xbox Companion App for all Windows phones. This new application allows Windows phone owners to discover content through the interface and the app will be completely free once released. The primary function of the app allows users to locate games, music, movies and TV shows through access to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace via the touchscreen interface. Similar in design to the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update, users can search through featured content on the marketplace or simply type in a search query to locate the media.

In addition to finding content to play or watch, the app allows users to learn more about the media. Users will find a plethora of information about the media such as the cast in a movie. Very similar to IMDB, users can simply tap the name of a cast member in a movie or television show and locate all associated content that’s available on Xbox Live. Once the user is done reading about the content, the app can be used to select the media and control moves to the Xbox 360. Through the app interface, the user can control video playback similar to a remote control for a Blu-ray player. Users can also opt for the normal Xbox 360 controller or Kinect and seamlessly switch between the two devices.

While no release date has been set for the Xbox Companion App, it’s likely to coincide with the release of the new Xbox 360 dashboard rumored to be available next month. There’s also no indication that the Xbox Companion App will be able to work directly for video playback with other popular applications on the Xbox 360 such as Hulu Plus, Netflix or the barrage of cable programming coming soon. 

Intel Corporate Social Media Training…Remixed!

Corporate training is so very essential to be successful and responsible in our jobs, but is it grabbing and keeping our attention? I understand that we all have to be trained rock stars in our respective professions, but why does training have to put me to sleep at times? After five minutes, I’m either back to my work, Tweeting, or Instant Messaging with a colleague on how I wish this would speed up!

So, I had a great opportunity to do my part to keep Intel employees engaged the entire way through a 30-minute required training course with one objective in mind…MAKE IT FUN! After all, this is social media, and it’s cool.  What’s more, as you journey through the world of Social Media @ Intel, equipped with your GPS, you’re given a quick overview of Intel’s strategies for all social media networks and three guidelines that by the end of the training, you won’t forget…DISCLOSE, PROTECT, and USE COMMON SENSE!

And now we want  to share our training with the rest of you: our fabulous customers, great partners, and others who are passionate about social media. Take this journey with our executives and social media strategists – we hope you’ll enjoy it! If you do, leave us your thoughts!