Could it be Microsoft's iPod Killer? > Hmm

Hmm

Already lots of ipod killers. People just fall into fads and don't research.

reply to CPM
Actually it's the new portable Phantom.

reply to CPM
Yes we shall see - but I doubt it.

Assuming it is real - and why wouldn't MS want to get into this market? - just because it's a Microsoft product I will venture these (rather obvious) predictions:

* Windows Media formats will be heavily favored (as in, easier to use on the device than anything else) or maybe even the exclusive formats.

* It will be hobbled with extensive DRM.

* It will be locked into Windows and/or some Microsoft music store, tighter than iPods are linked to iTunes.

reply to markopoleo
What's the term I'm looking for?

Ah, GORILLA MARKETING.

Whats with the antenna looking thing? Stylus?

Well at least the exif data checks out.

File size: 24027 bytes
File date: 2006:06:04 12:34:20
Camera make: SANYO Electric Co.,Ltd.
Camera model: C6
Date/Time: 2006:06:02 20:45:17
Resolution: 425 x 307
Flash used: No
Focal length: 31.5mm
Exposure time: 0.500 s (1/2)
Aperture: f/4.7
ISO equiv.: 117
Metering Mode: center weight
Exposure: program (auto)
Comment: AppleMark

reply to HMS1

reply to CPM
the downside to itunes is that its music is unplayable on someone else's player. thanks to the DRM unless you own an ipod you may as well pirate.
--
[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports

What many Apple bashers fail to note is that the iPod can play plain ol' MP3 files with no DRM whatsoever. I have 20 gigs of music on my iPod and not a single track was bought through iTunes. They all were either ripped from CDs I bought, or they were downloaded through P2P.

My general practice is to download for free any song I think I may like. If after a few listens I really love it, and if further research shows the album is worthwhile, then I attempt to buy the CD. That is, unless I see a label indicating copy-protection. If that's the case then I immediately vow to never purchase any music from said artist and instead make the slight added effort to find and download the highest quality MP3s off P2P.

Back on topic, though, nobody buys an iPod because they love the iTunes music STORE. People love the iPods, and they love the iTunes software and how seamlessly they work together. The iTunes store is just a tag-along.

reply to tacoma

reply to BuriedCaesar

reply to HMS1
That's the problem.
Microsoft wants into every market.

Why? so they can continue to half ass everything?

reply to smcallah
have it windowsCE based, since there is allready a working copy of it, just enhance the media abilities.

and in terms of locking and DRM, MS doesn't sell music to the extent apple does(ipods are locked for tunes, weak), so there would be no point in making it DRM ridden like a sony product.

personally i forsee moble internet and media capibility with tie-ins to the live system.

reply to freediverx
Most regular Ipod users buy their music through Itunes actually. That aside, the best thing about the Ipod is the shiny back, and small size. I guess if you like the click wheel, that's a plus too. But there's nothing special about Ipods; in fact their screens are quite sub-par. Take a look at a Vision:M if you want to see why..

reply to smcallah

said by smcallah
[/bquote :

And, they wouldn't really care about getting to people with Macs. Their marketshare is still very small compared to Windows. And if the people are already Apple customers, why would they chose this over the iPod?

reply to manfrommars2
LOL

reply to tacoma
Guerrilla marketing