Microsoft to Launch iPod Competitor by Christmas

Microsoft to Launch iPod Competitor by Christmas

Mith on 06 July 2006 - 00:23 · 45 comments & 12342 views

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

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 Corp 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."

News source: SMH

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(2 replies) #1 scsgoal31 on 06 Jul 2006 - 00:27

I like the wireless feature a lot

#1.1 Iguana on 06 Jul 2006 - 00:34

Quote - scsgoal31 said @ #1

I like the wireless feature a lot

Yeah, thats what caught my eye as well.

#1.2 guinnessman on 06 Jul 2006 - 00:34

As do I, but wireless kills battery life in a hurry.

I guess it would be useful for those times when you just have to a particular song, but nowhere near a PC.

(2 replies) #2 macrosslover on 06 Jul 2006 - 00:35

I actually feel sorry for MS in this area, because they were in a damn'd if you do damn'd if you don't situation. if they had released their own branded player and did the same integration Apple did when they first came out then you would have had 3rd parties like Creative complaining, Apple complaining, real etc. So when they "try" to be nice and hold back and allow their windows partners and others to release their own branded players, Apple takes advantage of hteir vertical integration and basically destroys the competition and indirectly MS. Hopefully this isn't too late for MS, i'd loveto have some real competition in the mp3 player market, but alas I think Apple may just be too entrenched in this area.

#2.1 werejag on 06 Jul 2006 - 07:44

how about they not integrate for once in microsoft's life not try to use monopolistic bs and apple didnt integrate at all. last i checked microsoft made the os. please stop talking bs about that which you do not know.

#2.2 Colin-uk on 06 Jul 2006 - 08:49

Quote - werejag said @ #2.1

I think hes talking about the fact you have to use iTunes to update the iPod

if microsoft tried to do something like that for windows media player and thier device, there'd be uproar.

I dont see how intergration is "monopolistic", people still have a choice.

#3 icecaveman on 06 Jul 2006 - 00:38

Uh Microsoft already has the same level of intrgration with Windows Media Player 10/11 with PlaysForSure as Apple does with iTunes.

#4 altermind on 06 Jul 2006 - 00:54

this will ether be amazing.. or a total dud..... I hope its good.. need some actually fun compition to apple.... then again... the new gigabeat looks nice >.<

#5 Smigit on 06 Jul 2006 - 01:01

Id consider getting one if it was good. I do like the iPod (not an owner but) although I'd rather not have to use iTunes in order to use it since wma shops are more prevalent and I dont like the iTunes software. That said I could deal with it. Still, It'll be interesting to see how they go. Hopefully the controls are good, its the one area noone has been able to beat apple in (and hd size vs device space ratio).

Currently have an iAudio X5L which does the job well although its fairly bulky.

Wireless sounds like a great idea but may be an indicator this wont exactly be a cheap device. We shall see. Hopefully such a feature isnt added at the crompromise of the players overall size.

(1 reply) #6 yukycg on 06 Jul 2006 - 01:11

if you also allow to sync the device with your friend via wifi that would be great.

#6.1 MioTheGreat on 06 Jul 2006 - 01:48

You'd have the RIAA patrolling around in vans with little wifi strength meters.....

#7 OceanMotion on 06 Jul 2006 - 01:45

I would get one if its good. An excuse not to use iTunes. I'll take it. Still, hope its as smooth and easy to use as an iPod.

(3 replies) #8 Flae_qui on 06 Jul 2006 - 01:46

How cam MS make there own iPod... thats a mac name. unless they buy out MAC. now if they release their own MP3/WMA player that makes more sense. i hate how all MP3 players magicly become iPods WTF

#8.1 NeoTrunks on 06 Jul 2006 - 02:00

If they bought the Mac properties, Apple would still own everything iPod. Hate how everything Apple magically becomes Mac...

Just poking fun... if you can't tell

#8.2 mko on 06 Jul 2006 - 02:15

Microsoft is making their own MP3 player but obviously the writer at SMH has no clue that MP3 players are iPods.

#8.3 Smigit on 06 Jul 2006 - 09:25

well on a same boat you could say they should be called "Digital Audio Players" since very few are confined to MP3.

#9 SimNet on 06 Jul 2006 - 01:55

To me all that matters is price.

I'd buy it if it's cheaper than the ipod but i think maybeit'ls gonna be like around the same or $20 cheaper what do guys think

(5 replies) #10 Romario Brazil on 06 Jul 2006 - 03:22

Why Microsoft can't accept the sucess of various products? Why this crap company need compete in other areas? To protec the future of Windows? Meh...

#10.1 Embermage on 06 Jul 2006 - 03:36

I agree... to an extent... they are trying to be a jack of all trades but master of none :-/... it's sometimes best to just stick with what you're good at. *cough* GOOGLE *cough*

#10.2 n30w1n on 06 Jul 2006 - 03:44

Maybe before making observations on what a "crap company" Microsoft is from behind your little Mac screen, you should do your research first and find out how many millions Bill Gates invested in Apple to save the company when it was on the verge of collapse.

#10.3 strekship on 06 Jul 2006 - 04:00

So, you are for the Apple MP3 player monopoly?

#10.4 Smigit on 06 Jul 2006 - 09:28

"I agree... to an extent... they are trying to be a jack of all trades but master of none :-/... it's sometimes best to just stick with what you're good at. "

With an attitude like that the iPod would never have been released, nor would gmail. Both forefront runners in their respective fields (although Gmail does share the podeum with a few others). Nothing wrong with competition. If the product bombs the consumer looses nothing, if its good its then a viable option or may lead to lower prices.

#10.5 Neomac v6 on 06 Jul 2006 - 16:07

Quote - n30w1n said @ #10.2

MS needed to keep Apple alive to continue providing its R&D. Where do you think all your Vista features are coming from?
Anyhoo, what's that got to do with this discussion? You seem too defensive.

(2 replies) #11 DrunkenMaster on 06 Jul 2006 - 03:44

I think based on MS coming out with another product, they will either hit or miss in version 1.0. Ver 2.0 might fix all the bugs in the previous or make it worse.

I have a crappy sounding MP3 player right now (RCA Lyra). I've been looking forever to replace it. I'm sooo close to buying the Sandisk Sansa but it has the Windows Media only sticker on it. And the rechargeable I bet is not cheap.

Why can't someone come out with a decent flash-based MP3 player that works on AA or AAA batteries. I'd still be using my MiniDisc player if: a) it worked on my Mac b) didn't have to use crappy software and c) didn't have to convert every damn song I have over to their format. 60+ hours on ONE AA battery. Beat that

#11.1 rIaHc3 on 06 Jul 2006 - 10:12

Why can't someone come out with a decent flash-based MP3 player that works on AA or AAA batteries.

Because AA/AAA batteries suck for electronics.

#11.2 Neomac v6 on 06 Jul 2006 - 16:10

You must drop a lot of chump change on batteries. Why not just give in to the power of integrated li-ion?

#12 trip21 on 06 Jul 2006 - 03:51

So MS will have something out by Xmas, just none of their software.....

I'll stick with my Creative Zen Vision M

(2 replies) #13 SeaCow on 06 Jul 2006 - 05:16

Quote -

...system akin to Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod/iTunes integrated ecosystem.

iPod/iTunes ECOSYSTEM? Does that really make sense? I wasn't aware iPod and iTunes were there with marine and desert... :-/

#13.1 SeaCow on 06 Jul 2006 - 05:19

#13.2 Neomac v6 on 06 Jul 2006 - 16:12

"Ecosystem" has become an accepted term for a host platform which spawns third-party manufacturers in a symbiotic relationship. Part of the reason the iPod is unassailable is because of its ecosystem of accessory makers.

#14 slimy on 06 Jul 2006 - 05:43

What it comes down to: competition is good for consumers. So rejoice guys, rejoice

(1 reply) #15 wicker_man on 06 Jul 2006 - 07:13

I guess that might be another flop from MS side. Reason: owning a player with Windows logo on it isn't as cool as the one with Apple logo. Apple has created a fashion with iPod, and I know a lot of people buy it just for that (sad, I know): a housewife that got an iPod to listen to during her 3-hour shopping wouldn't be interested in a played that has umm... wireless? what's that? I don't know how to use it! - and sticks her white headphones back on because she looks 'with it' like that...

#15.1 Smigit on 06 Jul 2006 - 09:35

When the iPod 1st came out Apple was not a cool company. Infact quite the opposite, it was anything but cool. Advertising is what changed that. If any company can afford to market a product it's MS. Creative has some good hardware but its advertising has been very innefective. I do personally doubt MS will have a campaign remotely as effective at apples (which basically changed their company image in a 12 month period) but if anyone has the money to do it its them.

It depends how they do it but, I can really see them playing the "features" card which usually leads to things getting technical and it all going over a consumers head. A bare bones approach to advertising seems to have worked wonders for apple. Basically reminds me of the spoof ad they did for the "microsofts ipod box".

#16 Chicane-UK on 06 Jul 2006 - 07:49

Good news for competition, etc but I just can't see this taking anything away from Apple at this stage. I think Microsoft have left it too long. And they'll just end up making some stupid decisions (like not supporting MP3, but only DRM'd WMA or something silly) and it'll end up taking a slow slide into obscurity.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

#17 Smigit on 06 Jul 2006 - 09:31

Hmmm, I wonder if they can use the wireless as part of their live anywhere scheme. Syncing between an Xbox, phone and other medias could be quite cool and handy. Shall have to see where they take that but for my mind Xbox integration seems a no brainer. Let ppl without PC's dload media via their console and sync using that, eliminating the need for the PC.

Anyway I'm very interested to see what they can do. iPods good but it can be improved apon in many many ways.

(3 replies) #18 Tim Wong on 06 Jul 2006 - 09:44

Go, Microsoft! =) I love their company. I worked there this summer and it was awesome

#18.1 rIaHc3 on 06 Jul 2006 - 10:13

Um whats up with posting the freaky picture in all of the news comments?

#18.2 Tim Wong on 06 Jul 2006 - 10:18

Quote - rIaHc3 said @ #18.1

Um whats up with posting the freaky picture in all of the news comments?

It's me!

Well i thought it would make a good smiley.

#18.3 Colin-uk on 07 Jul 2006 - 08:14

Quote - Tim Wong said @ #18.2

Quote - rIaHc3 said @ #18.1

Um whats up with posting the freaky picture in all of the news comments?

It's me!

Well i thought it would make a good smiley.

no, its just retarded.

#19 m-head on 06 Jul 2006 - 10:06

I'm not sure how this will go, so I'll just wait and see.

#20 Stunna on 06 Jul 2006 - 10:58

Put the same specs or more specs than the iPod and sell it 100 dollars cheaper

(1 reply) #21 C_Guy on 06 Jul 2006 - 15:51

If anything this will help wake people up to the concept that, hey, you can have portable music players that don't start with the letter "i".

There have always been better music players than ipod, they were just never marketed as aggressively.

The first generation iPods didn't even have a display or controls! It was pretty much just a memory stick with an on/off switch. How a device like that could manage to take off I will never understand.

#21.1 Neomac v6 on 06 Jul 2006 - 16:16

Er, you wouldn't be talking about the iPod shuffle would you? You seem to know nothing of iPod history.
And by "better" you must mean "more features". The market seems to have decided that "better" means well-designed and easy to use.

#22 Veyron on 07 Jul 2006 - 01:02

I have 2 iPods, and after all those misses to kick the iPod off the throne from... hummm almost everyone in the planet... if anyone can, is Microsoft! Lets see...

#23 Beckett on 07 Jul 2006 - 14:15

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5157516.stm

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