If the iPod can make the transition to the iPhone (and the reverse could be said for its new line), can the Zune make the transition to the mobile industry? Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Mindy Mount says that it's not unreasonable. Not a yes, but definitely not a no. The comment was made during a global technology conference held by Citigroup.

A Zune phone is not unfamiliar. Around the same time last year, Microsoft was all thumbs up for the idea saying that "a Zune phone is definitely part of the future of this brand." Also, an FCC filing earlier this year was filed by Microsoft (and others) that indicates a "Zune derivative" phone. Perhaps they have changed their minds with the arrival of the iPhone?

Rumors have been circling around that Microsoft may buy the company who makes the Blackberry phone line, Research in Motion (RIM). Microsoft denies this though, saying that their strategy is to integrate the Windows Mobile into its products while RIM  (according to Microsoft) focuses only on its handsets.

But to clear up any confusing notion, Mount's complete quote ran like this: "It wouldn't be unreasonable to think at some point there might [be] some integrated thing." It's probably not hinting at anything and might have only been said as a passing comment. However, it does mean the Microsoft is not closed to the idea, and there's still the FCC filing, so it could still be something.