If the rumors surrounding the plans for new generations of portable music players from Microsoft and Apple are true, then the future of the digital music market is set for significant changes.
Recent reports on the Internet suggest that both tech giants will unveil new music player lines just in time for the upcoming shopping season. Currently, Microsoft and Apple are enhancing their products with many new features and functions not available in previous models.
The most talked-about rumor is regarding Microsoft’s potential launch of an MP3 player. This development would mark a crucial shift in the business strategy of this software giant.
Previously, Microsoft had acquired licenses for hardware production technology and digital music services. To date, no MP3 player manufacturer or service provider has utilized Microsoft’s technology in this market. This indicates that Microsoft’s music player could have the potential to surpass Apple’s iconic iPod and iTunes store.
Microsoft has yet to respond to these rumors.
Microsoft Eyes a Slice of Apple’s Pie
Analysts suggest that Microsoft will challenge Apple’s current leading position. The software company promises to introduce devices and services that surpass what the iPod offers. It is predicted that Microsoft will integrate Wi-Fi connectivity into their music players, allowing users to directly download songs and other content onto their devices without needing to go through a computer.
However, analysts remain skeptical about Microsoft’s prospects of a “changing of the guard.” “Wi-Fi alone may not be enough to attract a large number of users,” emphasized Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at Jupiter Research. He noted that while Wi-Fi consumes a lot of battery, reducing playback time, the idea of searching and discovering songs on a music player is not ideal. According to Gartenberg, the elements that contribute to the “iPod syndrome” are design, features, and marketing strategy.
Rumors suggest that the Xbox production team – Microsoft’s popular gaming console – will be directly involved in the software company’s entertainment device project. Analysts believe that Microsoft has the potential to make a mark with attractive designs and extensive marketing strategies.
Meanwhile, Apple is not “resting on its laurels.” Sources indicate that the “Apple” is also producing a Wi-Fi-enabled iPod. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster predicts that the new generation iPod will hit the market this winter.
Last week, the online world buzzed with a rumor that Apple is developing a “talking” iPod that allows users to execute voice commands and the iPod would also “respond” vocally.
A Turning Point…
These are all positive signals for the entertainment industry. Microsoft and Apple are striving to create superior products to replace older generations of music players. “If these rumors are true, we will soon witness new devices that promise to attract more users to download music,” said Michael McGuire, an analyst at market research firm Gartner G2, expressing optimism.
