Posted on 01/27/2006 2:43:26 PM PST by nickcarraway
Tired of being an also-ran in the digital music arena, software giant Microsoft is reportedly considering offering its own device.
Redmond won't confirm it is discussing a new device, telling publications like Business Week that no decision has been made. Microsoft did not respond for comment as of this writing.
But the company ignited the discussion with its December shift of its digital media software division and the MSN Music service to the Entertainment & Devices division, which experts agree is the likely umbrella group to make a push against the iPod.
Analysts believe such a product would likely will center around Microsoft's XBox 360,
XBox sales, the brightest point in yesterday's Microsoft's earnings report, ensure future customers.
"If you get the kids young, they are less likely to defect to Apple," Laura Didio, a Yankee Group analyst, told internetnews.com.
A digital music device could boost Microsoft's lack of success entering the home entertainment market. "So far, the results have been less than stellar," Didio said.
While challenging Apple is always sport with Microsoft, "it's not enough to go off on flights of fancy," warned Didio.
The XBox 360 is a perfect platform to launch a digital music play, according to Mike Goodman, an analyst following the game console market for Yankee Group.
The XBox "is built from the ground up to be home entertainment," Goodman says. For example, with a multimedia port, the XBox can play audio CDs, download content, even connect to the iPod.
"The features are already there. It's easy to adapt the 360," for digital music, Goodman told internetnews.com.
But hardware has never been Microsoft's strong suite. Instead, it has distributed its software with hardware made by other vendors.
"The hands-off approach hasn't been successful" in the home entertainment market, according to Didio.
Microsoft knows it cannot take on Apple's lead in digital music head-to-head. Microsoft can emulate Sony's PSP. While targeting the same markets of portable video, "Sony PSP is not competing head-to-head with the iPod," Goodman says.
However, Microsoft can't wait long before making a move. The longer Redmond waits, the more entrenched will become Apple's dominance. "The market is not going to stand still," according to Goodman.
Although the current rumors surrounding Microsoft's intentions amount to "reading tea leaves," Redmond could tip its hand by filing for patent names or registering Web site domains.
Earlier this month, Apple registered the "Mobile Me" phrase with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, fueling speculation the computer maker is planning to embark extending its reach into the mobile phone market.
How will Apple respond to news the software giant is considering moving into the digital music turf?
"If you're Apple, your response is 'bring it on,'" said Goodman.
I think Laura Didio's previous job was as a marketer of Camel-brand cigarettes.
 |
iPod |
| Send FReepmail if you want on/off iPing list | |
| The List of Ping Lists | |
LOL, Is that a touch screen?
What's the hurry?
First thing I thought of: The Blue Tune of Death.
LOL, Is that a touch screen?
-----
No, it's a Micrsoft first! A squeeze screen!
Can computer viruses travel through ear buds?
That's ironic becuase I consider people with iPods hanging out of their ears square.
STEVE: "Well Bill, it is behind XP and Vista, not to mention the X-Box, but how about we stick it in an iPod like device, and call it MsPad?"
Microsoft's device will be guarenteed to require unending security patches and bug fixes.
True enough; for those with the technological knowledge, the iPod isn't all that great. But it doesn't change the fact that it's become a vital fashion accessory for young people (I know, I'm attending night courses at a local university).
"... and call it MsPad."
Other than sounding more than just a tad like some sort of feminist-targeted feminine hygiene product, you mean?
Microsoft had been holding out until they could figure how to combine a computer, MP3 and cellphone. Since someone else has already done that, I don't know what Microsoft will do about it.
LOL...............too funny.
Hey Ray Ozzie, you suck.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.