The great thing about Apple is there’s always something exciting going on with them. I mean, it’s the secrecy that really makes it interesting. On that note, speculation about the fabled “true” video iPod coming out as soon as next week has begun to emerge, and its gathering steam. Yeah, I remember that. So many rumors, going as far back as January, all with the same details, wireless, widescreen, touchscreen, and so one. Almost everyone, including me, thought that this rumored iPod would be released at the September event, but oh no, all we get is a 5.5G ‘pod. But, it does seem like the stage may seem set for a widescreen iPod to be released, as the iPod’s 5th birthday is only a week away, there’s no iPod currently priced at $300, and of, course the Zune is soon on it way, with a larger screen and WiFi. Speaking of the Zune…
Today, Microsoft began taking pre-orders for its Zune iPod killer digital music player. Why should you care? Well, if you want a taste of the latest iPod competition, or you just want to laugh at how cruddy a device Microsoft can make.
If Apple releases the Movie iPod with 4" or bigger screen with uncrippled Wifi (Airport, whatever) and a touchscreen...
Zune is screwed. Otherwise Zune will do ok to start off, then the Movie iPod will crush it again, while Microsoft struggles to release a Nano and Shuffle competitor and falls further behind.
I wouldn't count my eggs.
Microsoft have a LOT of money to push into the Zune.
The main issue that Microsoft will have to overcome isn't technical. It's the idea in peoples heads that digital music = iPod+iTunes
Since Microsoft currently hold an estimated 95% of the desktop computer market, they will undoubtedly use that as a leverage to coax users into opting for the Zune. (Yes, that could be considered monopolistic practices.)
The Zune doesn't have to be the best, it just has to be the music player people think about when they want to take music with them.
However, I have a notion that Microsoft may be joining the iPod party a bit late.
It would seem that just as Microsoft start pouring millions of dollars into an mp3 player, their intended audience is looking towards mobile phones as their next personal stereo of choice.
This story is far from over.