After years of trying to keep up with Apple’s iPod line, Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft will stop introducing new versions of the Zune music and video player because of tepid demand, letting the company shift its focus to other devices.
Zune, introduced in 2006, never managed to break the iPod’s grip on the music-player industry and became the brunt of late- night talk-show jokes. Apple’s iPod led the market with 77 % of unit sales last year, while the Zune failed to crack the top five, according to NPD Group Inc.