Microsoft's Zune portable media player has, despite a general lack of retail penetration, been well received by critics and users alike.
But the player hasn't been without its faults; the hardware is still not available to purchase in the UK, and the software is still incompatible with Apple Mac computers.
Fortunately, it seems both the aforementioned obstacles will soon be overcome. This week's new Windows Phone 7 handsets will be bringing integrated Zune functionality to numerous countries around the globe, and with Microsoft hoping to creep its way back into the smartphone arena, it won't want to be leaving out any potential customers - be they of the Windows or Mac variety.
Mac software support for the Zune has of course always been on the cards, but things are now beginning to get a lot clearer. Earlier this week, Oded Ran, Microsoft UK’s head of Windows Phone marketing, revealed on Twitter that "Mac users would be able to use Zune on their Macs to sync with WP7".
The tweet has since been pulled, but a Microsoft spokesperson has followed up by confirming to tech blog Engadget that "Microsoft will make a public beta available of a tool that allows Windows Phone 7 to sync select content with Mac computers."
The beta tool is expected "later in 2010", but despite Stephen Fry's own admissions, are many Apple users going to be willing to swallow their pride by picking up a Windows Phone 7 handset? Stranger things have happened.
