Next "iPod Killer" To Come From Microsoft?
I'm loathe to report on every new rumored "iPod killer" that comes around, which is why I haven't said much about the Microsoft-branded unit that is supposedly in the works.
However, Engadget is reporting one feature of the new product--or rather Microsoft's rumored rollout of it--that just might let it gather a lot of steam, really quickly: Microsoft's desktop software, with it's built-in iTunes-like store, will give users free Windows Media copies of all their iTunes Music Store purchases.
This would undoubtedly cost Microsoft plenty of money (since they would still have to pay the labels & artists royalties), but it would also remove a major hindrance to the few people who might consider switching from the iPod.
The plan wouldn't be entirely foolproof though, because (a) whatever Microsoft comes up with, it won't be an iPod, and (b) there are some songs in the iTMS from indpendent artists that won't be available in Microsoft's store. Piper Jaffray agrees.
The new product suite is rumored to be released before the 2006 Christmas buying season. (Which means if Microsoft is consistent with their software releases, expect it next year at the earliest.)
However, Engadget is reporting one feature of the new product--or rather Microsoft's rumored rollout of it--that just might let it gather a lot of steam, really quickly: Microsoft's desktop software, with it's built-in iTunes-like store, will give users free Windows Media copies of all their iTunes Music Store purchases.
This would undoubtedly cost Microsoft plenty of money (since they would still have to pay the labels & artists royalties), but it would also remove a major hindrance to the few people who might consider switching from the iPod.
The plan wouldn't be entirely foolproof though, because (a) whatever Microsoft comes up with, it won't be an iPod, and (b) there are some songs in the iTMS from indpendent artists that won't be available in Microsoft's store. Piper Jaffray agrees.
The new product suite is rumored to be released before the 2006 Christmas buying season. (Which means if Microsoft is consistent with their software releases, expect it next year at the earliest.)