The beta version
of the Microsoft M-Pod
is a little big,
but Gates promises
to get the form factor down
by 50% . . .
Posted on 02/13/2006 7:08:46 AM PST by stainlessbanner
REDMOND, Wash.--Microsoft and its hardware partners will continue to develop new digital media devices aimed at challenging the dominance of Apple Computer's ubiquitous iPod music player, Chairman Bill Gates said on Friday.
"I don't think what's out on the market today is the final answer," Gates said, speaking to a group of minority students. "Between us and our partners, you can expect some pretty hot products coming out over the next few years."
The Microsoft founder praised Apple's iTunes music store and said the software giant was talking with hardware partners to create media devices that can be less expensive and easier to connect and can handle pictures and video better.
Gates said the market share for digital music players compatible with Microsoft software is around 20 percent, a figure that is lower than he would like.
Microsoft's strategy has been to allow various device manufacturers to create players that would be compatible with its software, arguing that it offered consumers more options.
However, BusinessWeek reported last week that Microsoft is mulling its own media device in an effort to cut into Apple's nearly 70 percent U.S. market share. The company declined to comment on the article at the time.
Gates did not disclose any plans for a Microsoft-branded device on Friday and alluded often to working together with partners for future media devices.
Can it play OGG files?
I've been using my PDA for a couple of years now with mp3s and video. It also has MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer and I use it to keep track of my checkbook. It seems like Microsoft has been competing.
Microsoft is good at being the second mouse, as opposed to being the early worm.
Gosh, Sony never was a subject of such a lawsuit when the various walkman type devices came out several thousand years ago. Ear buds are not new . I had something very similar with my transistor radio.
The iPod also has the following feature in common with the Walkman, it's called a volume control.
iPod is no different than my Walkman in terms of hearing loss. Sure trial lawyers will try. I can't see why someone would be cheering them on though.
I meant the 'early bird' (got my cliches mixed up)
And it'll ship with a crude and bug-raddled version of the OS, so you'll be paying 300 bucks or so to beta test the software. By the time a halfway stable OS is released, it'll require so much processor power that you'll have no choice but to buy a new player.
The lawsuit would have to happen with Sony first, since they are the inventors of the portable music device... the sone walkman... I think any lawsuit against Apple is a non-starter...
Mac: AAC (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR), WAV, AIFF, Audible.
Windows: AAC (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR), WAV, Audible.
Guess I won't be purchasing one of these, then....
The beta version
of the Microsoft M-Pod
is a little big,
but Gates promises
to get the form factor down
by 50% . . .
Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark ...
We know what you meant, dfwgator.
It'd be nice though--the OGG format seems to be a lot more cleaner and nicer-sounding, IMO.
On the plus side; If they're concentrating on iPods and Xboxes then they won't be constantly screwing with Windows.
Better late than never .... this could pass as Microsoft's vision statement
NOW ALL THEY NEED IS A PRODUCT!
iPod video patent just filed... touchscreen... larger version screen, with ability to buy all types of imports from iTunes.
I sold my AAPL holdings a couple weeks ago, and made a killing. I bught some back this week! I expect to make another...
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