Microsoft To Release 'iPod Killer' at Christmas?

ShellFish writes "According to a report from Engadget, Microsoft is poised to finally take on the Apple iPod this holiday season. Tired of uninspiring offerings from its hardware partners, Microsoft is getting into the ring itself. The new media player from Microsoft will feature a bigger screen than the iPod Video, have built-in WiFi for downloading music without a PC, and Microsoft will work with music and TV content providers to build an iTunes Music Store competitor. In what may be the crucial competitive stroke, Microsoft will also allow you to download from its store any song that you've purchased from Apple, unlocking users from iPod's vendor lock-in."

Not only that...

[Anonymous Coward]

It'll be built with the reliability and simplicity you've come to expect from Microsoft.

Ipod killer? Not unless...

[SoCalChris]

Not unless it has wireless, and more space than a Nomad. Otherwise it's just lame.

Does it literally kill ipods?

[CrazyJim1]

Can I point it at someone dancing around like an idiot in public, and it explodes their ipod? I'll take two for dual wield.

also..

[solidtransient]

But wait, there's more! Microsoft's iPod killer will also: - double as a powered beard trimmer (small fees apply per trim) - provide a conveneint space to store change (small fees apply per coin) - allow you to pause time and move really fast (small fees apply per pause) - allow you to transport from one place to another (small fees apply per transport) - melt competitor iPods within 30 feet of the device (free of charge!)

Re:Not only that...

[tehlinux]

It'll be built with the reliability and simplicity you've come to expect from Microsoft.

If you want something that's built to last, get an iPod. ;)

Re:Not only that...

[ScottLindner]

When they say by Christmas, do they mean RC1, RC2, SP1, SP2? :-)

Re:Oragami

[sdpuppy]

"What ever happened to that Oragami thing?"

It was folded.

And Steve B. was quoted as saying

[R2.0]

Cue Ballmer "going to fucking kill...throw chair" jokes.

Re:Not only that...

[MarkByers]

Obligatory link to Microsoft designs the iPod package [google.com].

Re:Not only that...

[Anonymous Coward]

The Atlantic Coast Conference is proprietary?

Re:Stop saying iPod Killer!

[DaveM753]

There is no such thing as an "iPod killer".

Oh, yeah?

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=0093 8358000&vertical=Sears&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes [sears.com]

Re:Woah

[Jtheletter]

I just wonder how/if MS will get the music cartels to agree to it, other than wholescale bombing of their headquarters' into submission by the Windows Air Force.

"Why those are some real nice computers you got there at the RIAA, running some fancy Windows OS too. Sure would be a shame if WGA suddenly listed them all as pirated...."

Re:Not only that...

[Anonymous Coward]

Damn NCAA basketball lockin.

Do I need to input password...

[cyfer2000]

Do I need to input password every time I

• play a song
• change volume
• display lyrics
• rank a song
• display a piece of artwork related to the song
• upload a song to the player
• ...

What their iPod killer will be...

[CherniyVolk]

You know how you can order an iPod from Apple with a custom etching on the back?

Microsoft just placed an order for a few thousand blue iPods with "Microsoft" etched on the back. Internal reports suggest they won't even bother opening up the boxes as they come in the mail, instead just redirect them to their "customers".

Re:Not only that...

[exp(pi*sqrt(163))]

Unlike my iPod nano which just rebooted because I pressed 'play'.

Re:Not only that...

[killjoe]

Yea right!. MS hates proprietary formats. They would never adopt one, ever!.

Re:Not only that...

[buswolley]

Quick! Get this man a beer! His sarcastic recognition and storage buffer is failing!

Re:Not only that...

[soft_guy]

I have one - which I bought in 2002 and it still works perfectly fine.

Next time, don't leave it in your pocket when you wash your clothes.

Re:Not going to buy it

[Awptimus Prime]

I have no interest in a video or audio ipod, nor do I have interest in this. Why should i? If I want an MP3 player I'll get a much cheaper generic one that is less likely to be stolen and doesn't involve brand name price inflation. If I want a portable video player I'll get a PSP and hack it.

If by 'hacking', you mean: insert a memory card with a movie on it and click 'play', then by all means, hack away mr. hacker!

Re:Survey of High Schoolers: iPod not built to las

[Ohreally_factor]

Dodgers baseball is always on my slow jams playlist.

Re:Not going to buy it

[voice_of_all_reason]

That does sound like a good deal, but now that I think about it, perhaps the sheer ubiquitous usage of Ipod did play a small part in my purchase.

Sort of "the beast you know is better than the beast you don't..."

Re:Not only that...

[sharkey]

...when you wash your clothes.

Umm, just what part of the Internet do you think you're in? You seem a little lost.

iPod Killer? Misquoted Microsoft representative...

[Centurix]

The actual quote was:

"We're going to fucking KILL the iPod"

Buzzword Bingo

[nstlgc]

"Microsoft".. Check!
"iPod".. Check!
"Killer".. Check!

Hmm, this is missing "Google".. Wait, I'll throw in a link to a nice iPod commercial spoof hosted there! http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5791932445 888437378&q=soulwax [google.com] - hurray!

And best of all

[jandersen]

It will run Linux!