Originally published February 23 2006
Microsoft may be the only company that can topple the iPod
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Chris Seibold discusses why so many MP3 players have failed in their attempts to challenge the Apple iPod. He concludes that Microsoft may have a shot if it develop its own iTunes, but for now, Apple reigns supreme.
None of the iPod killers are actually doing any iPod killing because they're too busy trying to be more iPodish than the iPod.
The more rational mp3 player producers are intent on scooping up the lion's share of the crumbs left by the market dominating iPod.
For all the bluster and imitation the competition has consistently failed to dent the iTunes/iPod stranglehold, few expect that to change.
What's going to happen is that Microsoft is going to have to get into the hardware business of making MP3 players.
He reasons that since iTunes and the iPod use the vertical integration model that Microsoft could use the same tactic to finally relegate the iPod to the technical trash bin.
That notion gives people a little too much credit for desiring slick interfaces and elegant design.
Likely, any audio player designed by Microsoft wouldn't match the iPod's streamlined looks but would remain desirable.
Suddenly, these manufacturers would find themselves competing directly with Bill Gates and his well-paid minions.
Were Microsoft to jump headlong into the digital audio player market there would be strong incentive to Apple to begin licensing FairPlay.
The players that license FairPlay would have access to the iTunes store, backwards compatibility with the songs consumers have already purchased, and a chance to compete on a perfectly level playing field with the iPod.
It is feasible that Google, or some unidentified third party, could begin challenging the iPod/iTunes dominance through some heretofore unthought-of bit of innovation but the end result, Apple licensing FairPlay, would remain the same.
In reality, it is simply a tacit admission that competing directly with the iTunes Music Store is too much to ask of even Microsoft.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml