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.”

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However, May 12 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 June 8 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.