If Bloomberg's report is correct, Xbox VP J Allard’s iPod rival will be on the shelves in time for Christmas.
Microsoft’s version of the portable music player will offer some features the iPods don’t, too, sweetening the deal for those who choose to buy it. It seems the Microsoft version of the player will come complete with a wireless Internet connection that will let users bypass the computer for downloading tunes and other content.
Microsoft is so serious about the project it hired music industry exec Chris Stephenson to help it get licenses for content. Allard himself is heavily involved in the device’s creation along with Robbie Bach, who was instrumental in the development of the Xbox 360.
So far, it seems as if Microsoft has talked with a whole lot of music labels, including EMI and Universal, and has chatted up TV networks, too, such as NBC and FOX.
It’s reported the Microsoft device will be designed to have a better viewing screen than the iPod. That combined with the Wi-Fi connection could really put a hurting on iTunes, which according to the Bloomberg article, seems to be exactly what a lot of industry officials would like to see happen. Right now, Apple has a bit of a corner on the market for downloadable music and it’s not doing too badly in the TV market as well.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer would like to see the tables turn here. He’s been quoted as saying Microsoft is “committed to doing what it takes to succeed'' against Apple.
A Wi-Fi connection, downloadable music and television, and I’ll bet they’ll come up with some kick butt games, too. Just imagine, Halo to go. Now that would be something.
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