Microsoft Developing iPod Killer

[D_o_S]

Source close to Microsoft are confirming that the Redmond, Washington based company is developing its own rival to the hugely popular iPod music/video player. Apple has ruled the portable audio scene for years and has successfully fended off attacks from a number of strong competitors, but can they withstand a full assault from the 800 pound gorilla?

The sources point to Xbox guru Robbie Bach as the project leader for the music player. There is also word that Microsoft has held some closed door talks with representatives for the music industry to work out licensing deals. The new music player would be joined by a Microsoft-backed music service separate from the recently announced URGE music service co-developed with MTV. Reuters reports:

Most iTunes rivals charge monthly fees to access a catalog of entertainment, but some allow consumers to buy individual songs for about $1 each. Microsoft's service will emphasize the pay-per-download, or a la carte, model, the sources said. A subscription component will also be offered, according to early accounts of the planned service. One source, who has seen a demonstration of the service, said it was an improvement over iTunes. "They have been developing technologies that have really good music discovery and community," another source said. "iTunes is the 7-11 (of music stores). You don't hang out there."

Source: Daily Tech

[Jimmy 2004]

I think it's going to be too late for M$ to overtake Apple now, they just have too much dominance in the portable audio market. But you never know - with a budget like Microsoft's anything could happen.

[wazzledoozle]

Look at how well the Xbox has done... if they market it right, it could destroy the Ipod/Itunes model. Lots of people are becoming irritated at only being able to use Itunes with their Ipods

[Jimmy 2004]

Originally Posted by wazzledoozle

Look at how well the Xbox has done... if they market it right, it could destroy the Ipod/Itunes model. Lots of people are becoming irritated at only being able to use Itunes with their Ipods

I've learnt to like iTunes now, but I haven't tried the new media player yet. The Xbox does seem to have beaten the PS3 now, it's just coming out too late. I've decided not to get either now and concentrate on PC upgrades... hoping to get an X800 GTO so I can mod it in the next month !

[Steevo]

Originally Posted by Jimmy 2004

I've learnt to like iTunes now

And that my fine sir is like saying ass seks is ok, as long as you are in prison and can't get any other.





I recently downloaded soem stuff from Sony and have been completely appaled at the closed up approach to burn the music to a CD unless if you use thier software. So much in fact that I transfered the music by recording the playing audio PCM stram as it no longer contains the copyright and retains the full digital clarity.

Like they can stop me.

[Azn Tr14dZ]

Originally Posted by wazzledoozle

Look at how well the Xbox has done... if they market it right, it could destroy the Ipod/Itunes model. Lots of people are becoming irritated at only being able to use Itunes with their Ipods

That's why there's other software...

[Jimmy 2004]

Originally Posted by Steevo

I recently downloaded soem stuff from Sony and have been completely appaled at the closed up approach to burn the music to a CD unless if you use thier software. So much in fact that I transfered the music by recording the playing audio PCM stram as it no longer contains the copyright and retains the full digital clarity.

iTunes isn't so bad really, not as bad as I've read about the software. To get past Apple's copy protection I can just use the build in "What u hear" recorder on my audigy, not sure about the loss of quality that way but it sounds good to me. It will be good when Daemon tools becomes capable of mounting virtual CD-Rs so you can burn music to them somehow and import them back really quickly.

[Dippyskoodlez]

Originally Posted by wazzledoozle

Look at how well the Xbox has done... if they market it right, it could destroy the Ipod/Itunes model. Lots of people are becoming irritated at only being able to use Itunes with their Ipods

Ypu arent factoring in the fact the xbox now has no competition and wont until the wii comes out. the ps3 is already long gone out of the game.

Apple, however has a soilid foundation and a good track record of supplying quality products.

Microsoft tends to supply a satisfactory product, then attempt to throw money at making it look better while making it worse.

Dead end, IMO.

If you're irritated about usint itunes, use an alternative program. Unlike most vendors, apple doesnt send cease and decist letters to people making em. Such as ephpod. Hell, apple ene endorsed it for windows use before itunes for windows was released.

I personally find Itunes an excellent program....

[Dippyskoodlez]

Originally Posted by Jimmy 2004

iTunes isn't so bad really, not as bad as I've read about the software. To get past Apple's copy protection I can just use the build in "What u hear" recorder on my audigy, not sure about the loss of quality that way but it sounds good to me. It will be good when Daemon tools becomes capable of mounting virtual CD-Rs so you can burn music to them somehow and import them back really quickly.

You can use a nero plugin to "burn an image" to the hdd, then mount that image..

Or just use a cdrw

[wazzledoozle]

Originally Posted by Dippyskoodlez

Ypu arent factoring in the fact the xbox now has no competition and wont until the wii comes out. the ps3 is already long gone out of the game.

Apple, however has a soilid foundation and a good track record of supplying quality products.

Microsoft tends to supply a satisfactory product, then attempt to throw money at making it look better while making it worse.

Dead end, IMO.

If you're irritated about usint itunes, use an alternative program. Unlike most vendors, apple doesnt send cease and decist letters to people making em. Such as ephpod. Hell, apple ene endorsed it for windows use before itunes for windows was released.

I personally find Itunes an excellent program....

Lol what world are you living in, the last time a major company tried to add Ipod support, Real Player, they got a cease and decist letter. For music-stores, you are locked into Itunes unless you want to burn every song you download to a cd, and then rip it again. Pain in the ass IMO.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...&type=business

[Jimmy 2004]

Originally Posted by Dippyskoodlez

You can use a nero plugin to "burn an image" to the hdd, then mount that image..

Or just use a cdrw

But can you use the Nero Plugin to burn the iTunes protected files to an Audio CD image?