AfterDawn: News

Microsoft to launch 'iPod killer' by Christmas?

Sources close to Microsoft have told Reuters that the company will offer a digital audio and video player with wireless capabilities as soon as Christmas. One source said that the device will allow users to download music and video content "over the air", giving it at least one advantage over Apple's iPod players.

Microsoft is also apparently showing off new media software. "They're proposing an iTunes model approach," one source said. "They're now interested in controlling the whole vertical stack of technology from the device to the service to the software." He added that record companies are expecting prototypes to test in the coming weeks.



Launching an attempt by Christmas to dethrone Apple's iPod, which currently has over half the MP3 player market in the U.S. (NPD research), is vital according to analysts. Microsoft will need to copy several aspects of Apple's approach to be successful. "The success of Apple is that they've been able to create a very seamless experience", said Mike McGuire, analyst at Gartner Research. "That ability to control the hardware and software has given them an edge."

Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices division is reportedly working with J. Allard, VP of Microsoft's Xbox team on the unnamed digital media software/player project. The sources claim that Microsoft is preparing to throw significant marketing dollars behind the launch.

Source:
Reuters

Written by: James Delahunty @ 6 Jul 2006 16:45

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• 30 comments

• limelight

  I burn it to a cd. Done.
  
  On the go? No problem, i just pop it in my portable mp3 cd player that i bought for $40 bucks. And yes, i would LOVE to transfer these songs to another cd, or another pc!! How convienent is that??!

  6.7.2006 19:40 #1

• xhardc0re

  I hope Bill Gates dies & burns in Hell.
  Take his iPod killer with him, his DRM, and his Windows Vista sh**

  6.7.2006 20:45 #2

• DMW

  My guess would be that Apple will add wireless capabilities to their next model.

  7.7.2006 01:12 #3

• max777

  The only reason Microsoft will have an edge is they can install and advertise their service and hardware through Windows & Media Player. Apple is going to lose regardless, because they STILL think they control the hardware and software -- this hasn't worked for them in the PC market, and won't last in the MP3 player market either. Who wants to pay for music that only works on one device anyway???

  7.7.2006 06:30 #4

• gogochar

  Well, this is how it will look IF Micros*** tries to get their way: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0pXL5_RvGrs&search=microsoft%20ipod

  7.7.2006 07:24 #5

• max777

  Wow that video is smart. Video edit programs these days. Anyone know how to get the original high quality video?

  7.7.2006 07:39 #6

• jziman

  Since I hate the iPod and Apple more then anything I hope this thing takes off. But I am with limelight. Ill just keep puting my music on a cd that way I can use it in my car.
  
  That way I dont have to worrie about apples crappy DRM. Man I HATE the iPod.

  7.7.2006 08:21 #7

• s3a

  This better be an Xbox Portable... (XBP)

  7.7.2006 08:32 #8

• gogochar

  Maybe they'll call it MicroBox!

  7.7.2006 10:45 #9

• bobiroc

  As long as MS doesn't restrict it like apple does with their IPOD it should be good. I dislike apple too, but the fact that you can ONLY use iTunes with the iPod makes me like them even less.
  
  I get my music the old fashioned way. I buy CDs and rip them into MP3's. The nice thing is I have a friend that works for a book store (which shall remain nameless) that also sells a good selection of music and she gets me the promo CDs when the book store is done with them. These are the CDs that the book store can legally give away when they are done using it. They usually have 3 or more copies of these types of CDs and I get them from her. So FREE music and its all legal. I still have to buy a CD from time to time, but still beats paying 99 cents for a song that I can only play on my computer or in my ipod.

  7.7.2006 13:55 #10

• ChiefBrdy

  I like Apple. I like my iPod. It does everything I need it to. I like Microsoft. I admire Bill Gates. He's one of the most generous people on the planet. Period.
  
  

  7.7.2006 15:56 #11

• DarkJello

  Well a few of you apparently didn't read the article.
  Quote:"They're proposing an iTunes model approach," one source said. "They're now interested in controlling the whole vertical stack of technology from the device to the service to the software."That means it will be a lot like Apple is currently marketing their product. Which means you won't have any of that extra freedom you are all hoping Microsoft will provide. Microsoft wants there part of the pie, not to liberate everyone.

  7.7.2006 16:05 #12

• 2ndclass

  It's pretty likely Microsoft won't approach the iPod's success. People don't buy an iPod because it's good, or because they can get songs off of iTunes. It's because it has become a fashion accessory. It's cool to be seen with the stupid little white player and those crappy white bud headphones. They're a trend.

  7.7.2006 17:09 #13

• SamNz

  ipods are gay there are just a fashin assory as 2nd class said

  7.7.2006 17:25 #14

• ChiefBrdy

  That is outrageously stupid. I'm in the gym 4 to 5 days a week and wearing out my 3rd iPod. I listen to music while working out and watch videos in the sauna. Use it at the pool, before going out, in the car, on the treadmill etc. I play iTunes through my Roku and the sound rocks.
  
  When I went to Everest I used a Creative Labs cause it uses batteries. Complete garbage IMO. But it served it's purpose.
  
  If MS or anyone else came out with a more useful player with the same warranty and support, I'd buy that one.
  
  My iPod is anything but fashion. It has a black nylon case around the whole thing and it's covered in sweat.
  
  "It's pretty likely Microsoft won't approach the iPod's success. People don't buy an iPod because it's good, or because they can get songs off of iTunes. It's because it has become a fashion accessory. It's cool to be seen with the stupid little white player and those crappy white bud headphones. They're a trend."

  7.7.2006 18:15 #15

• megaBLS

  I believe if Creative began to adverise their MP3 player they would be in the lead. They have a better, cheaper product. Microsoft won't do as well as they believe because so many people already have an MP3 player. The main people that have an Ipod or other players are teens. Their parents won't want to buy them something that they already have. The only way they would sell is if it were a game system also (the XBP like someone earlier said.)
  
  I also agree with limelight cds are just as good to me. I was the last person to get an MP3 player. My mom, dad, and little brother got one first. But now that I have my Creative I wouldn't give it up.

  7.7.2006 20:14 #16

• pamsipod

  To young kids the iPod could be just an accessory, but to the adults out there, they are anything but. I think Steve Jobs is a genius, and the same goes for Apple, the iPod and iTunes! If you want to play your music from your iPod elsewhere, mmm...let's see...buy a set of audio and/or video cables duh! Play it in the car...duh again...fm transmitter. Sometimes I wonder if people posting comments have any real clue as to what they are talking about. It couldn't be any easier to rip a cd into itunes, and dvds aren't a problem either and neither are home movies, or any other media I have come across so far. I was a dedicated pc user, and even though microsoft makes me angry far more often than happy, I was semi-satisfied with all of it until I found the iPod, and realized that Apple offers a far superior product out there that doesn't crash and burn (me) regularly. Now, to be fair, I realize that Apple isn't perfect either, but nothing can be nearly as bad as microsoft, so I have become a convert. As soon as this piece of crap pc dies (soon I am sure)it will be replaced with an Apple product! I can't wait!

  7.7.2006 21:27 #17

• dfnyng

  BTW, I use winamp to add or subtract music to my mini ipod. I don't buy music from apple. Either I buy then sell on ebay or get them from LaLa.com.

  7.7.2006 23:37 #18

• blackader

  who needs an ipod, i just use my nokia with a 1gb card and put the mp3s and videos on that and also you can use the phone to make calls with, lets see bill gates beat that

  8.7.2006 02:20 #19

• emugamer

  MiPod

  8.7.2006 03:21 #20

• nitrous3

  I heard it has WiFi so you can download songs to it from your computer without any cables

  8.7.2006 06:12 #21

• Speedy16

  Alrighty then lets get started. WIFI, who actually want this? Yeah, I'll admit it is a prett cool idea, and you are getting rid of one more wire, but why? I use my laptop al the time, and it has WiFi and when it works, it is handy, but most of the time a pain. For example, if I have certain objects around (dont ask why), it messes my connection and i loose. Basicallythe wire less set up is just more "Iffy" and more problems can occur. This in return can cause computer illeterate ppl to become fed up and just switch to apple:P. Plus, look how unstabel windows is. Also, Itunes lets u dled songs from a P2P network and then add them to your itunes folder. You dont neccessarily have to purcahse songs from Itunes to use your ipod. Microsoft, being how gay BILLY can be, will probly create some dumb thing that only allows you to purchase his songs, putting MORE money inhis pocket. In the end, Microsoft might own the software section of the computer market, but Apple and other manufactures own the MP3 market. (even though more and more software is coming out for other OS). In the end, stick with Apple they are the original creaters of the hd mp3 player, and desrve our support. Billy, can just go be a deuche somewhere else, because he doesnt belong in the mp3 market.
  
  By the way, I own an Ipod, I'll admit it. I never purchased it because it is an "accesory" or "fad", but becuase it holds all my music, looks awsome, its very easy to use, and the fact that all the buttons are in one location for easy access.

  8.7.2006 08:04 #22

• ireland

  Microsoft denies mPod plans,
  
  p2p news / p2pnet: Are Bill and the Boyz coming out with an iPod killer? Or aren't they?
  
  Not, says Microsoft, quoted by the BBC.
  
  Rather, “Microsoft has said reports that the company is planning an MP3 player to rival the iPod are based on 'speculation and rumours',” says the story.
  
  The New York Times yesterday came out with a detailed exposé of Microsoft's plans to pip Apple with an mPod iPod Killer for Christmas, and with something the iPod lacks - Wi-Ficapability that would, “allow users to download music without being connected to a PC.”
  
  However, “The software giant and games console firm said it did not 'have anything to announce at this time',” says the Beeb.
  
  
  
  Also See:
  BBC - 'IPod rival' speculation dampened, July 7, 2006
  pip Apple - Microsoft iPod Killer is nigh, July 6, 2006
  
  
  
  (Friday 7th July 2006)
  http://p2pnet.net/story/9291

  8.7.2006 08:23 #23

• s3a

  "I believe if Creative began to adverise their MP3 player they would be in the lead. They have a better, cheaper product. Microsoft won't do as well as they believe because so many people already have an MP3 player. The main people that have an Ipod or other players are teens. Their parents won't want to buy them something that they already have. The only way they would sell is if it were a game system also (the XBP like someone earlier said.)
  
  I also agree with limelight cds are just as good to me. I was the last person to get an MP3 player. My mom, dad, and little brother got one first. But now that I have my Creative I wouldn't give it up."
  
  I mentioned the XPB..a little recognition plz..lol..anyway I agree wit u MEGABLS...xept for creative being in the lead..no they wont...BUT they will be getting far better results (sales) in the competition...here is what I think...
  Assuming the Microsoft device is not an XBP:
  1. Ipod
  2. Microsoft's device
  3. PSP
  4. Creative's device(s)
  
  Assuming it is an XBP..
  1. IPOD
  2. XBP
  3. PSP
  4. Creative
  
  I say this not bcuz I love microsoft much more than sony but bcuz according to the rumors the xbp will have better graphics and two analogs not to mention halo...the graphics/halo might not steal sony fans but the dual analogs will...taking with it the use of music as well...
  

  If I insult you...don't get offended...my insults are "friendly insults"...I know this sounds stupid (ridiculous) but I am fet up of writing, "no offense" in my posts...

  8.7.2006 11:30 #24

• emachine

  Idk sony has the homebrew and everything. If theres a xbox handheld it might do good but I doubt it. Unless people figure out how to hack it.

  8.7.2006 21:31 #25

• Hunter007

  Everyone knows that Bill Gates owns a fairly good sized chunk of Apple shares right? That means he gets money for iPod sales as well. Now, I particularly don't like Windows but I've become accustomed to it. I use it and don't think too much about it. I'm going over to a MacBook Pro, but not because I am that dissaspointed in Microsoft, but because it suits my needs better. I don't understand why everyone trashes either company. If you don't like it for whatever reason, why vent about it? Why attack a certain individual like Bill Gates? I by no means am defending the man, but he's a businessman. It's in his nature to make money.
  
  There's either a lot more kids posting on these topics because they're "rebelling" and feel cool that they're trying to get rid of copyrighted music or very misinformed people. You don't have to use iTunes to put music on an iPod, nor do you even have to purchase the music. There's lots of programs that support iPods and I think they've become a trend, but I didn't use mine for that purpose. I had a mini which was very good, but ended up selling it because I had to pay something off and later repurchased a Samsung player (kind of looks like the nano) but not because the iPod was bad. Just because the market changes and smaller and slimmer isn't always better in terms of technology. Just my two cents.
  
  Hunter007

  8.7.2006 21:41 #26

• Cinnjerm

  "...and wearing out my 3rd iPod."-
  
  That's saying something, isn't it.
  
  "I believe if Creative began to adverise their MP3 player they would be in the lead. They have a better, cheaper product."-
  
  Agreed, and that's based on consumer reports as well. Infact a friend of mine was advised by a retailworker not to purchase a video ipod unless he likes paying 400$ for a paper weight.
  
  Bottomline- only reason ipod is out in the lead is because( atleast in the us) the general public is pretty misinformed; especially on matters of electronics.

  9.7.2006 06:23 #27

• ChiefBrdy

  Wearing out probably wasn't the right term. I should have said using. My first one was an old 5 gb that ran out of space. I gave it to my daughter. My 2nd one was a 20 gb which is about to go to my daughter or eBay. I got the third one for the video. None of them broke.
  
  In any case. iPod bashing is as silly as praising it. It's nothing more than tool. Presenting facts is what counts. iPod is number one. Who knows or cares except for Apple and the hundreds of iPod offshoots if it stays that way.
  
  
  "That's saying something, isn't it."
  
  "...and wearing out my 3rd iPod."-
  
  

  9.7.2006 07:03 #28

• iwantLove

  i partly agree with 2ndclass abtou ipdos ebign an accessory. I think that they have indeed become that but also i think people buy them because they are easyt o use, simple, fun to play around with and look good.

  25.1.2007 08:53 #29

• ivymike

  iPod Killer? GOOD LUCK MICROSOFT!!!

  25.1.2007 21:34 #30