Free Republic

Never before has the Windows music environment looked so appealing. Microsoft, MTV and iRiver announced what we’re calling the Windows Media ecosystem, which consists of Windows Media Player 11, MTV’s Urge service and iRiver’s Clix player. If you’re looking for the Windows Media answer to iTunes and the iPod, this is it. Windows Media Player 11 Cnet rating: 8.0 out of 10 (Excellent) The good: Simple and visually effective interface; excellent performance, especially with large media libraries; solid integration with Urge, its de facto music service

"The IT industry is well aware that the short product life cycle and the rapid pace at which new technology comes up can drive them out of the market in the twinkling of an eye. MP3 player manufacturer Reigncom, which became famous with its iRiver hit product, just two years ago earned almost W1 trillion (US $1 billion) in annual sales but recorded its worst-ever performance this year, with only W37.9 billion (US $40 million) in sales and W18.8 billion (US $20 Million) net losses in the first quarter," The Chosun Ilbo reports. "Established in 1999, the firm had been...

iRiver, acting out of desperation may have hit an all time low by using porn star Jenna Jameson in some of their advertisements. "Chosun Ilbo reports that Korean OEM manufacturer Reigncom (manufacturer of the iriver device) has enlisted Jenna Jameson to snare the testosterone set. Pornography can be an effective fuel in the uptake and advance of new technology (still photography, VCR, the Intarweb) and can represent the shortest path to profitablity - this is no news." While there is no doubt that sex sells, do we really need to use porn stars for promoting MP3 players - I...