Microsoft iPod rival out by Christmas

[aussie1st]

Microsoft will start selling a digital music and video player to compete with Apple's iPod by Christmas, according to sources close to the matter.

The company is also said to be planning to have a wireless feature on the new player to enable the downloading of music and videos over-the-air by users, according to one source.

Microsoft has been touting the new player to record companies in the last few weeks as well as a new integrated media software application developing a system akin to Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod/iTunes integrated ecosystem.

"They're proposing an iTunes model approach, another source told Reuters. "They're now interested in controlling the whole vertical stack of technology from the device to the service to the software."

Both Apple's iPod player and iTunes Music Store are runaway leaders in their respective market sectors. The iPod has more than half of the digital media player market, according to research company NPD, while iTunes accounts nearly 70 per cent of digital music sales in the U.S.

Analysts believe that the Apple's simple approach to providing an integrated seamless ecosystem for digital media has been key to Apple's success and think that Microsoft now wants a more significant stake in that market.

Reuters

http://www.smh.com.au/news/digital-...ut-by-christmas/2006/07/06/1151779047880.html

This will be interesting seeing how well this sells. The brand is the only thing that stands out for me over anything new from other companies. But for mind probably too late for Microsoft to dip into this market.

 

[F4rrukh]

oh well we all know Compete Compete Compete thats business . Lets see what the great difference will be, i really like the apple's ones Ipod, its a very good device

 

[Brett_Lee]

It should be interesting competition. Microsoft mostly win on most things against Apple I wander what it will look like! Microsoft may be better in computers but i think the Ipod will be ahead here

 

[F4rrukh]

Imagine Microsoft making an Ipod of a PSP size

 

[blackleopard92]

for those intrested in techo details, would point out that iPod has already been rivalled in tech specs by namy companies.There are much beter products in the market that iPods.

however, nobody can match the forbidden fruit lure of Apple.

 

[sohum]

Technology-wise iPod's aren't the best. But despite so many people having them, they still make their own sorta style statement. It'll be hard for Microsoft to get into this market, I think.

 

[blackleopard92]

Technology-wise iPod's aren't the best. But despite so many people having them, they still make their own sorta style statement. It'll be hard for Microsoft to get into this market, I think.

that reminds me of something.

What happened to the case about MS having the license of iPod's revolutionary control button?

I remembered that MS had licensed that button, as apple were too late in filing copyrights.
very funny, considering that MS would sue Apple of stealing tech for use in iPod.

 

[kmk1284]

for those intrested in techo details, would point out that iPod has already been rivalled in tech specs by namy companies.There are much beter products in the market that iPods.

however, nobody can match the forbidden fruit lure of Apple.

absolutely true
most ppl go with the ipod cause it dosent alienate from their co ipod user users and a great service known as itunes
btw:does the psp have a itunes like service.

 

[aussie1st]

It's all about the 'in' thing. When you think MP3 players you don't think of those other brands which have better features, instead you think Ipod. Hence it will be hard for Microsoft to break in but if anyone can do it, it is them.

 

[sohum]

It's all about the 'in' thing. When you think MP3 players you don't think of those other brands which have better features, instead you think Ipod. Hence it will be hard for Microsoft to break in but if anyone can do it, it is them.

You also think about your wallet, and you're paying a lot for Apple's style.

 

[SaiSrini]

Definitely! These days, people do a lot of research before buying anything...

When I dreamt of buying an mp3 player, my choice was the Ipod because of the hype surrounding it. But once I did research on Ipods, I found much more negative comments on the Ipod than the positive ones..

Thats where I decided to drop off my idea of getting an Ipod. Instead I have now got Creative's Zen Sleek Photo 20gb mp3 player! And mind you, it sounds amazing than an Ipod (which I have traded from my friend for a few days!).

I will wait to see what Microsoft does in competition to Apple. After buying my latest pet Zen Sleek photo, I am more hooked onto trying out new mp3 players! Waiting for Microsoft!