Microsoft first released the Zune as its competitor to Apple’s iPod in 2006. While the device looked promising at the time, it just didn’t work out. It was discontinued in 2011, but the brand and some associated capabilities have lingered around in the meantime.
That ends now. A couple months ago, Microsoft announced the official retirement of the Zune brand. From Microsoft Support:
As of November 15, 2015, Zune services will be retired. You will no longer be able to stream or download content to your device from the Zune music service. However, Zune devices will still function as music players and any MP3 content that you own on the Zune device will remain there. You’ll also be able to transfer music to and from your Zune player.
Note Content that was purchased with DRM may not play if the license can’t be renewed.
Existing Zune Music Pass subscriptions will be converted to Groove Music Pass subscriptions.
Note If you’ve received a 25-digit code and it doesn’t work, wait until the day of the month your subscription began before trying again. If you don’t know what day that is, you can find it in your Microsoft account, or you can contact Xbox Support. (For example, if your annual subscription began on February 5, then it would be the 5th of the month.)
If you’re still clinging to your Zune, I’m afraid the time has come to loosen your grip and evolve with the times.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
