A few days ago Microsoft bought Danger the maker of the popular T-Mobile’s Sidekick smart-phones.
“From the beginning we have talked about one phone for life,” said Scott Rockfeld, group product manager for Microsoft’s mobile communications business. “No longer do we have the Wild West of mobile phones,” where consumers have to carry a holster loaded with everything from a cell phone to a music player.
Microsoft’s Rockfeld downplayed that interpretation, saying that Danger doesn’t make hardware. He also deflected a question about whether consumers might one day see a “Zunephone.”
“We obviously will react if consumers ask for it,” Rockfeld said, “but at this time, there’s no plan to make hardware.”
So, for the time being there will be no iPhone, but I would be willing to bet there will be one within a year. The Zune seems to be upgraded each November just in time for the holiday seasons. If I were a betting man I would expect to see a Zune phone start to take shape in a few months with a launch this November.
 It appears that there is more information in the FCC document itself. The most important information that comesis that this device appears to emphasize TV Channels rather than phone capabilities. The document also doesn’t give any real confirmation that there will be phone capabilities (traditional or VOIP) in this device.Â
 This is the image that was provided with the document:
 It doesn’t give away much detail other than that it will also use a UHF TV Band Antenna and also be using 4G technologies. It also appears the use regular WiFi which is the Network Processor at the bottom of the image and it shows the 2.4GHz modem signal. I am not sure what the purpose of the CR scanner is in this model, but the other parts seem logical in transfering TV channels as it saws.
 Below is a screenshot of Questions and Awnsers regarding the device in the document.
 So this information continues to point out that it is targeted towards recieving TV signals and there is really nothing there that says this device is a phone. So could this just be the next generation of Zunes? Or maybe some other device that is totally irrelevent to the Zune? To me this seems to be quite similar to Sony’s LocationFree TV’s.
 Full FCC Document Available Here
 There have been many question in regards to the phone application that has been sent to the FCC by Microsoft. As I began addressing the issues, I learned abit more about the FCC filing and now there are even more questions regarding this and some doubts along with it.
 One of the biggest questions raised on the subject is why are Google, HP and Intel involved. Later on I went to learn that Microsoft, Dell, Google, HP, Intel, and Philips were also mentioned as Coalition Partners of the product. Which leads me to thinking. Could the ZunePhone possibly an addition to the Windows Mobile family? Could the ZunePhone be more software from Microsoft, than hardware?
 If we are to believe that this is the ZunePhone and all these companies are partners, then we are left to wonder what they would do with the product that competes with the iPhone. It is imaginable that Dell, HP, Intel and Philips could incorporate this device in one way or another. But Google confuses me, mainly because they aren’t into the hardware scene as the other coalition members are and are mainly focused on searching tools. But if Microsoft wants search tools why wouldnt they turn to Live Search? Then it got me thinking. Google also is behind Google Video and YouTube the leaders of Online Video, so maybe Microsoft is looking for video streaming to be integrated into the device. It seems as the only logical possiblity for a ZunePhone, and to an extend any phone this becomes.
 The others can obviosuly be seen as Hardware producers, so it appears that this device will be produced by a number of manufacturers. I hope that we will get more news about this device and if the other reports are correct that could be next month. Regardless of whether this is the ZunePhone, it is a product that has me intrigued and Im guessing that Im not the only one.
 Does anybody have other theory’s of why these companies are named in this project? And what part Google will have on the whole project?
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 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.
 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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Well now that all the hype and rumor spinning is over with the Apple iPhone seems we are moving over to the Zune Phone which yes is rumored to be in production. To add to these rumors a company called Global Sky, an outsourcing center in the Philippines this morning is grabbing credit for “providing customer service and research support”
A press release from the company had this to say:
“Microsoft recently awarded Global Sky - a Manila-based call center outsourcing company, the task of providing customer service and research support for their latest project: the launching of a mobile phone device that operates anywhere users can get Wi-Fi access. …
Microsoft has selected Global Sky, one of only two approved Microsoft call center vendors in the Philippines to spearhead the customer support and product researching efforts. Global Sky must answer customer queries and get detailed information that will help Microsoft further evolve this concept. If the concept works, Microsoft may make it accessible to the 95 million+ overseas workers worldwide and even make it available to businesses worldwide as a way to cut cell phone bills or ensure reliable & private communications. Microsoft partners are pleased with the way the project has been handled so far and have assured Global Sky of ongoing relations as they evolve this concept.”
I also tried to talk to the company and get some more info but no luck. So take into that as you will but I am sure will be seeing allot more rumors flying around about the Zune Phone.
