Microsoft is determined to take a bite - a huge bite - out of Apple.
Word is already out that Microsoft, Toshiba, Victor Co of Japan, NTT DoCoMo and five other Japanese companies are building an iPod killer, with Microsoft handling the audio and video playback software for Toshiba / Victor portable music players.
But things are further advanced than may have been expected and indeed, the mPod could be on the shelves in time for Christmas.
And to increase the pressure, "Microsoft's digital device would be equipped with at least one feature the iPod lacks," says The New York Times, "wireless Internet capability that would allow users to download music without being connected to a PC.
"Microsoft's device, which is similar to an existing player that uses the company's software, would also have a more advanced video screen, according to the executives, who did not want to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the device.
"The company has also held negotiations, the executives said, with major record companies and some major television networks in order to settle on terms that would allow it to sell music and video content online through a service similar to Apple's iTunes Music Store."
Microsoft hired music-industry executive Chris Stephenson, "who is among Microsoft officials who have met with music and Hollywood companies to seek licenses for their content, according to industry officials with knowledge of the plans," says Bloomberg News, going on:
"Microsoft Xbox Vice President J Allard is overseeing the development of the company's digital player, the people familiar with Microsoft's plans said. It also is being developed under the supervision of Robbie Bach, who leads the unit that produces the Xbox video-game console. Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer last year tapped Bach to take on the added role of overseeing Microsoft's music strategy."
The move will probably anger Samsung, Sony, Creative Technology, "and other manufacturers that were persuaded to use Microsoft's software in their devices, because a Microsoft player would compete with theirs," adds The New York Times.
Also See: The New York Times - Looking to Take On Apple's iPod, Microsoft Plans Its Own Hand-Held Player, July 6, 2006 already out - Microsoft iPod rival?, June 17, 2006 Bloomberg News - Microsoft plans for iPod rival to be launched by Christmas, July 6, 2006 continues to grow - P2p file sharing escalates, July 3, 2006
