The inevitable death of the Zune marketplace has been a long time coming, and it looks like we'll finally be able to put the platform to rest this E3. The moment Microsoft announced its all too futile attempt to rival Apple's iPod and iTunes business model back in 2006, every tech-savvy person with a brain knew that the Zune would dead on arrival. Now that the device itself is no more, Microsoft is finally laying the Zune name to rest and will allegedly be unveiling their new music service, codenamed Woodstock in June.
As one might expect, the platform will work across a wide array of devices, including the Xbox 360 and Windows 8 – obviously – as well as Android and iOS based devices. The Verge is reporting that the platform will in fact be browser based, but won't require plugins.
The service itself is expected to go live alongside the launch of the first set of Windows 8 powered devices later this year. Expect more details – including actual confirmation from Microsoft – in just a few more weeks when Microsoft takes the stage at E3.
