After downloading and messing around with the New Xbox Experience I noticed something; it looked quite similar to the layout of the Zune. It wasn't identical, but there were striking similarities in terms of design. This isn't uncommon in the world of design and technology for branding purposes (how the PS3's XMB looks identical to the PSP's), but a recent article on CNET points this idea in a different direction. On their website, Microsoft is apparently "...looking for a strong, collaborative designer to work closely with the creative directors to propose innovative designs and content solutions for the Zune Device UI, Zune Xbox and Zune PC Application." 

Zune Xbox? That's a new one. There have been rumors for a while of Microsoft bringing it's MP3 player and game console together, and this is the first confirmation of any sorts. It might blend with the earlier promises of "Xbox Live Anywhere," which is also supposedly tied to a Windows Mobile updating coming in the future. Take all of that, mix it with the constant speculation about a Microsoft branded Zune Phone, and you have one hell of an idea.

But what could it actually be? Xbox Live accounts already spread onto the Zune Marketplace, sharing a friends list and Microsoft Points between the two, but the integration could be better, possibly allowing for more connectivity between the two, maybe in the way of a portable hard drive. It would work, especially if the Zune was more of an extension of the NXE and your Xbox Live account than a thumb drive.

Microsoft's Zune hasn't taken the strides it needs to take to combat Apple's iPod - that's well known. It's sold well, and held its own, and on the software side, few would argue that the Zune Passport isn't better than anything on iTunes, but it's still missing something to send it over the top. If anything comes of these rumors it might be the spark needed to at least push the Zune in the right direction towards actually competing with the iPod.

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