Microsoft Finally Discontinues the Zune

After over 9 years of unpopularity and minimal sales, Microsoft has finally decided to discontinue production of the Zune.

Originally meant to compete with Apple's iPod, Microsoft's Zune mp3 player never quite caught on, and Microsoft actually stopped making the Zune in 2011, though the digital subscription service for the Zune lived on. However, Microsoft decided yesterday to put the Zune out of its misery by discontinuing all services related to the device. According to Billboard, people who still own Zunes can continue to use it as an mp3 player, but they will no longer be able to download or stream music to the Zune.

Microsoft has not announced whether it will create a new product to compete with Apple's famous mp3 player, but it seems quite unlikely.