European Zune delay 'lost in translation'

Microsoft is denying a report in German business magazine Wirtschafts Woche quoting chief executive Steve Ballmer as saying that the European launch of the Zune media player has been delayed. 

A summary of the interview (in German) on the Wirtschafts Woche website states that " contrary to expectations, there will be no European launch this Fall". 

The Zune is currently available only in the US, and Microsoft has not provided any guidance about its plans to launch the device outside the US.

A Microsoft spokesperson told vnunet.com that Ballmer was "emphasising that we do intend to launch into Europe, but there is no time and no date".

The company blamed the mistake on a faulty translation between Ballmer's English comments and the German story.

According to the German text of the full interview, Ballmer did not mention an Autumn launch. 

When asked when the Zune would launch in Europe, Ballmer said: "Our primary goal was to get into market, offer some innovation and do some learning.

"The US is always an easy place to practise, because it is our home market. Over time, we will have various versions of Zune. And it is obvious that we need to have new services, not just an internet music store.

"So far, we have lost money in this business because of our investments. That is why we decided not to enter new markets so far.

"It will only pay off after we have reached some of the goals outlined. When this will be the case, I cannot tell you today."