Microsoft to Take on the iPod

[Audioholics]

<A href="http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/MicrosoftMP3players.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 100px; HEIGHT: 100px" alt=[microsoft_logo1] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/microsoft_logo1_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>According to the NY Times rumor mill Microsoft plans to jump into the MP3 Player market and go head to head against Apple. A marketplace struggle between Microsoft and Apple, could it be the good old days will return? Apple's iPod has long owned the portable media players market and Microsoft wants in. The rumor of Microsoft getting into the portable media player business have long circulated but most would agree that such a move risks Microsoft stepping on the toes of companies like Samsung, Creative and Sony who agreed to use Microsoft's software in their devices.

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[Buckeyefan 1]

I think they'll do well, as there are many issues with the Ipod. I also think they stepped into the game a bit late, as we are being told new multi-tasking cell phones could take over the Ipod, as well as higher quality compact digital cameras.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

I don't think they will do well and I don't think Apple is worried. I also don't think that Apple should just sit around either. They need to innovate even more. It's going to be very difficult for Microsoft to take any real market share away from Apple in this area; even die hard PC zealots own Apple iPods and they like them.

 

[j_garcia]

A day late and a dollar short. Unless they do it very cheap or come up with some feature that really improves on the iPod, they have no chance to overtake Apple. The market is already pretty much saturated with both cheap and quality players of all descriptions. Sony already found this out, so you would think Microsoft would see that mistake and learn from it.

 

[RMK!]

A day late and a dollar short. Unless they do it very cheap or come up with some feature that really improves on the iPod, they have no chance to overtake Apple. The market is already pretty much saturated with both cheap and quality players of all descriptions. Sony already found this out, so you would think Microsoft would see that mistake and learn from it.

Never underestimate that little company from Seattle. When they see a market they want, they usually get it.

 

[Wayde Robson]

I really think the wi-fi feature in a DMP could set it apart from the new breed of Smartphones with deep storage. Being able to connect to the Internet through wi-fi is so much cheaper than your GSM or CDMA carrier. The real hurdle is wi-fi security, many people with delusions of hassle free wi-fi are going to be stumped by security imposed on nearly any wi-fi hotspot they'll encounter.

The Smartphones that can connect to both wi-fi and their mobile network carrier are much more expensive than an iPod. Not to mention the subscription commitment to use most of those features. Kids all over use MP3 players but most of them aren't toting a Palm Treo.

A recent J.D. Powers study says that the average consumer is buying stripped down phones. We like 'em cheap and easy to use - the study concludes.

So, while it's possible that cheaper wonder devices that do it all are available soon. I see the straight digital media player having a long life before it.

 

[Sheep]

A day late and a dollar short. Unless they do it very cheap or come up with some feature that really improves on the iPod, they have no chance to overtake Apple. The market is already pretty much saturated with both cheap and quality players of all descriptions. Sony already found this out, so you would think Microsoft would see that mistake and learn from it.

Easy. Add a 5 band EQ.

WINNER!

SheepStar

 

[Hi Ho]

I have always like the looks and user interface of the Ipod. I have never liked the fact that it really only works with Itunes, the battery is not user replacable, and it does not have a customizable EQ. That's why I have a Zen MicroPhoto.

It will be interesting to see what Microsoft comes up with. If they get the design right, it will probably have a chance. According to THIS article, the MS player will be compatible with Itunes. I can see the WiFi feature becoming a hit and if they get rest of the feature set, and most importantly, the price, right they may have a winner. Even if it doesn't completely overtake the Ipod, it may give it some actual competition.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

My 2003 iPod has an EQ ......

The iPods only real problem? No gapless playback.

 

[Hi Ho]

My 2003 iPod has an EQ ......

Is it a 5 band user adjustable EQ? I don't believe any Ipod has that. I haven't heard of it anyway. I normally don't care about EQ's but the EQ on my ZenMicro saved my inexpensive Sennhieser earbuds from the trash can.

 

[genesis471]

My 2003 iPod has an EQ ......

The iPods only real problem? No gapless playback.

That problem would be with MP3's, not the iPod.