Don't Expect A Zune Phone, Says Ballmer

It looks like Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is finally showing Apple's iPhone a little respect.  After initially tearing into Apple's device when it was first announced, Ballmer has now conceded that the iPhone and BlackBerry have a pretty firm grasp on the smartphone.  Along with that, Ballmer also said that we shouldn't hold our breath for a Zune Phone.

Microsoft's approach to Zune features on a smartphone reminds me of Apple with the Motorola ROKR E1, a phone that packed iTunes synch in as a feature.  We'll see if this strategy works for Microsoft or, if like Apple, they decide they're better off releasing the hardware on their own.

[via AppleInsider]