Support Our Site
Get Better Gear!
- Poldera’s iKeep Holds Your iPhone Close from Poldera LLC, US$19.99
- Mediadevil’s Easyscreen Screen iPad Protector Is Unusual from Mediadevil, £16.97 (US$22.09)
- ecodock Brings a High-Tech Megaphone to the iPhone 4 & 4S from K-Array, US$19.95
- Mediadevil’s Magicwand Stylus Has A Twist from Mediadevil, £9.97 (US$12.73)
- Chris Robertson’s Story Book App Updates Tooth Fairy from Chris Robertson, US$2.99
Top 5 Free Apps
iTunes New Music Releases
Top 5 Paid Apps
Discover New Music
- Phish
- This quasi-concept album (the only of its kind) from these Vermonters finally showcased their ability to convey a message with a studio album, whereas previously they only succeeded in doing so live.
- Wolfmother
Black Sabbath, The White Stripes, The Stooges. There aren't many bands worth their salt that want to be compared to other bands, but when I listen to Wolfmother's self-titled American debut, I can
- The Who
Quadrophenia is everything that Tommy wanted to be, a rock opera that told a story, but one where every song could still stand alone. It was also Pete Townshend's farewell tribute to the Mod
- The Redwalls
- Wow! Perhaps my 5-star rating is simply because the Redwalls are not only new and fresh (none of them older than 22!), or perhaps its because -- despite their ages -- they are able to totally capture
- The Damned
- Punk rock is mostly associated with three chords and a bad attitude, but the Damned were one of the few bands of the era bent on bringing musicianship and a good sense of humor to the scene. And while
Reader Specials
Visit Deals On The Web for the best deals on all consumer electronics, iPods, and more!
News
Microsoft Teams Up for "iPod Killer"
Wednesday, May 31st, 2006 at 3:00 PM - by Jeff Gamet
Microsoft is teaming up with several companies in an effort to create a video and music distribution system along with media players designed to go head-to-head with the iPod and iTunes Music Store. Toshiba, Victor Co. of Japan, NTT DoCoMo Inc., and five other companies will be working with Microsoft to produce a portable music and video player that will initially be available in Japan, according to Bloomberg.
The software for the new portable media devices will be developed by Microsoft, and the hardware will be built by Toshiba and Victor. DoCoMo also committed to producing a cell phone that is compatible with the software and will transfer Windows formatted music files from a PC to the hand set.
Apple's iPod holds the lion's share of the portable music player market, and the iTunes Music Store is the most popular legal media download service.
Microsoft's biggest obstacle to tackling Apple's market dominance is that, unlike Apple, it won't control its product completely from development to customer delivery. Excluding the successful Xbox gaming console, Microsoft relies on other companies to produce products based on its software and concepts, which usually results in product compromises - compromises that Apple doesn't have to make.
There is no official word yet on when to expect Microsoft's service or players to hit the market.
Recent Headlines
- Apple Addresses iBooks Textbook Issues with App Update
- 3 Free Panorama Apps for iPhone
- Apple Clarifies iBooks Author EULA, Excludes Claim on Content
- Germany Overturns Injunction, Apple Resumes iPhone Sales
- Reader Discussion: Apple, iPhones & NFC
- German Court Gives Motorola iCloud Injunction
- Motorola Ruling Halts Some iPhone Sales in Germany















Post Your Comments