Is this Phil Spencer's final test for Microsoft? Is his job on the line?

[sethnintendo]

VideoGameAccountant said:


If you want another example of this, look at Zune. Microsoft pushed Zune as their media player until Apple ended the iPod. Then no more Zune.

Microsoft simply couldn't compete against the ipod with the Zune.  Apple hasn't ended the ipod line yet.

Zune Retail availability

November 14, 2006; 10 years ago
- June 13, 2008

Discontinued June 2012

"The Zune hardware players were discontinued in October 2011. In June 2012, Microsoft announced plans to discontinue all "Zune" services"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zune

Basically the Zune might have been superior to the ipod but it was Microsoft's lack of marketing the product and Apple being the what "cool kids" bought at the time.  Microsoft simply couldn't win in the cool factor which doomed the Zune.