Easyrider
08-11-2006, 23:49 PM
MS "iPod Killer"...just in time for Christmas
Microsoft confirmed rumors it planned to launch an "iPod killer," saying its challenge to Apple Computer's dominant MP3 player would hit the market this year.
Zune, Microsoft's new "music and entertainment project", is aimed at taking market share away from the massively successful and overwhelmingly dominant iPod MP3 digital music player, according to the software giant's marketing manager Chris Stephenson.
"We see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow customers to explore and discover music together."
Microsoft planned to go head-to-head with Apple's iPod player and iTunes online music store, most likely in time for the Christmas shopping season, said Jupiter Research vice president Michael Gartenberg, who was briefed on Zune.
"This is a much bigger war than a specific digital music player," Gartenberg told AFP. "It is about the flow of information into the digital home."
The iPod has helped Apple introduce its own digital technology into homes and automobiles, and the exclusivity of the iPod-iTunes linkup has created a "logjam" in Microsoft's path into the market, Gartenberg said.
Microsoft's previous MP3 strategy was to rely on partners such as Creative Technology, SanDisk Corp., and iRiver America to break Apple's grip on the MP3 player market.
"Microsoft has consistently delivered a message that competition in the marketplace would beat the iPod," Gartenberg said. But instead, he said, the iPod maker's power only grew.
Apple has parlayed the iPod popularity into sales for its Macintosh computer line, whose operating system has long been portrayed by devotees as a David standing against a global Goliath -- Microsoft's dominant Windows.
Unofficial word that Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft was gearing up to market a hand-held digital music and movie player in time for the Christmas shopping season set the Internet abuzz earlier this month.
The Microsoft device, dubbed "iPod killer" by the media, would do what the iPod can't: allow users to wirelessly download music, according to executives quoted.
However, customers don't all value wireless connectivity because it gobbles battery power, costs more, and isn't an easy way to search for music, according to industry research.
"Just adding wireless into the device isn't going to be enough given Apple's reputation for style and attention to detail," Gartenberg said.
Apple executives have anticipated the Microsoft would step into the ring with iPod, according to public statements from executives including company co-founder Steve Jobs.
Company executives this week said Apple isn't "sitting on our hands" and that there are iPod innovations in the pipeline.
"There is no doubt Apple has expected this move for quite some time," Gartenberg said. "They have been prepared for this."
"This will be an interesting fall, that is for sure."
Microsoft confirmed rumors it planned to launch an "iPod killer," saying its challenge to Apple Computer's dominant MP3 player would hit the market this year.
Zune, Microsoft's new "music and entertainment project", is aimed at taking market share away from the massively successful and overwhelmingly dominant iPod MP3 digital music player, according to the software giant's marketing manager Chris Stephenson.
"We see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow customers to explore and discover music together."
Microsoft planned to go head-to-head with Apple's iPod player and iTunes online music store, most likely in time for the Christmas shopping season, said Jupiter Research vice president Michael Gartenberg, who was briefed on Zune.
"This is a much bigger war than a specific digital music player," Gartenberg told AFP. "It is about the flow of information into the digital home."
The iPod has helped Apple introduce its own digital technology into homes and automobiles, and the exclusivity of the iPod-iTunes linkup has created a "logjam" in Microsoft's path into the market, Gartenberg said.
Microsoft's previous MP3 strategy was to rely on partners such as Creative Technology, SanDisk Corp., and iRiver America to break Apple's grip on the MP3 player market.
"Microsoft has consistently delivered a message that competition in the marketplace would beat the iPod," Gartenberg said. But instead, he said, the iPod maker's power only grew.
Apple has parlayed the iPod popularity into sales for its Macintosh computer line, whose operating system has long been portrayed by devotees as a David standing against a global Goliath -- Microsoft's dominant Windows.
Unofficial word that Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft was gearing up to market a hand-held digital music and movie player in time for the Christmas shopping season set the Internet abuzz earlier this month.
The Microsoft device, dubbed "iPod killer" by the media, would do what the iPod can't: allow users to wirelessly download music, according to executives quoted.
However, customers don't all value wireless connectivity because it gobbles battery power, costs more, and isn't an easy way to search for music, according to industry research.
"Just adding wireless into the device isn't going to be enough given Apple's reputation for style and attention to detail," Gartenberg said.
Apple executives have anticipated the Microsoft would step into the ring with iPod, according to public statements from executives including company co-founder Steve Jobs.
Company executives this week said Apple isn't "sitting on our hands" and that there are iPod innovations in the pipeline.
"There is no doubt Apple has expected this move for quite some time," Gartenberg said. "They have been prepared for this."
"This will be an interesting fall, that is for sure."