Windows Phone 7 will sync with Macs
Windows Phone 7 will be able to sync with Mac computers, Microsoft has said. But what kind of software this will be is open to question, with Microsoft's marketing guy tweeting it will be Zune.
Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 will be able to sync with deadly rival Apple's Mac computers by the end of the year. "Later in 2010 Microsoft will make a public beta available of a tool that allows Windows Phone 7 to sync select content with Mac computers," the software behemoth said in a statement.
Windows Phone's UK head of marketing, Oded Ran, earlier tweeted that Mac users could sync using a version of the Zune software for Macs, Neowin reported. "I'm glad to confirm that Mac users would be able to use Zune on their Macs to sync with," he wrote.
The post has since been deleted, possibly because it's not an English sentence any adult would be happy putting their name to. But if it's accurate, it seems a rather forlorn hope to think Mac users will try something other than the iPhone.
A full Zune media player for the Mac has been considered in the past, but never released due to low sales of Zune devices. With Windows Phone 7 integrating Zune technology, this changes things somewhat -- it could conceivably make it worthwhile for Microsoft to create music software for the Mac.
Zune Pass could be the key -- a service that lets you stream millions of songs for a £9 monthly fee. Apple's iTunes doesn't offer a similar service, so it's possible this could tempt Mac fans. Who knows? Maybe we'll also see a Zune app for the iPhone similar to the one from Spotify -- but we won't hold our breath.