Twitter Sparks Zune Phone Rumours

Is Microsoft planning to release a Zune smartphone for this June?

In April, Microsoft’s John Starkweather, director of social marketing and mobile experiences, responded to reports that it was developing a touch-screen, multimedia phone, code-named “Pink,” with Verizon Wireless by saying: “Microsoft is not building a Zune-specific phone.”

However, 12 May Tweets coming from a Microsoft Twitter account, promoting Microsoft’s Office 2010 launch, have said: “June 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers.”

Which was followed by yet another cryptic line: “New product launch, that’s all I’m allowed to say. Hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre.”

June is slated to be an excellent month for smartphone shopping. Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone or two at its World Wide Developers Conference, which opens on 8 June in San Francisco.

And Palm will launch what it hopes will be its “iPhone killer,” the somewhat iPhone-like Palm Pre.

If the Tweets ring true, prospective buyers may have a third big contender to browse before buying.