With a huge marketing push, Microsoft plans to
release its own media player in time for the holiday season this year, as its partners have failed to make a dent in Apple's dominance of the online music world. In an effort to establish its own brand and technology in the rapidly growing world of online music -- one that Apple has effectively locked down using its own closed iPod/iTunes ecosystem -- Microsoft has been showing off its own media player and software to record companies over the last few weeks. According to
Reuters, the device will let users download music and videos over the air. The feature, which would give it an edge over the iPod, would enable users to more easily purchase music without being tethered to a PC.
Bloomberg reports that the rumored media player has a higher screen resolution for better image quality, and will be able to connect to a PC or other device via WiFi.
In addition, the Redmond-based company has also been showing a new media software application to develop a system akin to Apple's own software-hardware ecosystem. The report says that record companies are expected to begin receiving prototypes in the coming weeks and that Microsoft will be throwing significant marketing dollars behind the launch.
J. Allard, the executive responsible for launching Microsoft's Xbox, is working with Robbie Bach, appointed president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices, to help make the unnamed digital media player/software project a success, according to Bloomberg.
Filed under: industry
Other story tags: digital music/video
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I can't say I have ever been walking around listening to my iPod and been struck by the Urge to buy a song THAT MOMENT, nor can I imagine a portable interface that would make it a pleasant adventure, but I'd love to see someone try it.
Before easily criticising MS (like other apple kiddies), I for one hope MS would come out with something better than the current ipods. Its starting to show its age. Also I do hope this upcoming device would also be used in conjunction with the Xbox 360.
Seriously, I'm all for a refresh of iTunes.
Anyway, I have the next three days off of work, I am relaxed.
the iPod interface is the best. to best the iPod as it stands now will take some serious innovation and ingenuity.
heres the sour apple: MS /= innovation
What's next, Microsoft announces that it will build it's own line of desktop and laptop PCs, to better integrate with Windows Vista?