Friday, April 2, 2004
C|NET: "Micrsoft's iPod Killer?"
Posted by Kent Pribbernow in "NEWS" @ 10:00 AM
"Microsoft is expected to unveil copy-protection software this summer that will for the first time give portable digital music players access to tunes rented via all-you-can-eat subscription services--a development that some industry executives believe will shake up the online music business."
Hmm. I'm happy to see Microsoft take initiative, but I don't believe music subscription services are going to rival online music stores like iTunes or Napster. Generally speaking, I think most consumers would rather buy music as apposed to renting. I don't see how this technology will "kill" the iPod.
On the other hand, Microsoft and it's growing list of partners are set to unleash what could indeed become a very formidable threat to Apple: Portable Media Centers. These digital devices are wholly integrated hard drive-based media players capable of both video/audio playback, featuring large color LCD screens. PMC devices can serve the role of digital audio player, video player, even digital photo album. I truly hope Apple is prepared to meet this challenge, or PMC could become the next device(s) of choice among serious audiophiles.
Hmm. I'm happy to see Microsoft take initiative, but I don't believe music subscription services are going to rival online music stores like iTunes or Napster. Generally speaking, I think most consumers would rather buy music as apposed to renting. I don't see how this technology will "kill" the iPod.
On the other hand, Microsoft and it's growing list of partners are set to unleash what could indeed become a very formidable threat to Apple: Portable Media Centers. These digital devices are wholly integrated hard drive-based media players capable of both video/audio playback, featuring large color LCD screens. PMC devices can serve the role of digital audio player, video player, even digital photo album. I truly hope Apple is prepared to meet this challenge, or PMC could become the next device(s) of choice among serious audiophiles.
