Microsoft's iPod Killer

So, Microsoft finally pushes away all the rumors of an mp3 player to counter the iPod by announcing a joint deal with Toshiba, JVC, and NTT-Domoco. Microsoft will push software, while the rest will manufacture it. Bill Gates was tired of tossing and turning in bed having nightmares of Steve Jobs dancing around the iPod, so what does he do? What everybody knew he would do – make his own. Will this ever work? Probably not. Apple gained the lead so early in the contest, its nearly impossible to imagine Microsoft, or anyone else catching up. Microsoft and its co-conspirators will have to give something amazing to beat Apple. Here’s a list of things that the player will have to have to compete with Apple: 1) A friendly user-interface. Apple has mastered this art while un-technical people shy away from anything that says Microsoft on it. 2) It will have to be ‘hip.’ The iPod is still the ‘in’ thing to have. The Microsoft player will have to have a sleek-design, be thin, and just look overall cool. If Microsoft was smart, I think they would try to lure some major Apple employees over to help with this one…Microsoft just can’t seem to do this job on their own. 3) Microsoft must block iTunes from working on Vista. Yes this is a long shot that probably will never happen. And of course some court battles will ensue. And sure there will be some pirated versions of iTunes for Vista. But if any legal form of iTunes is not compatible on Vista, it will be impossible to legally use your iPod with your PC. Microsoft could now finally use the advantage of practically owning the operating system world. Windows Media Player would become the new iTunes. The iPod would return again to its underground roots with the Apple fanatics. And that’s exactly what Bill Gates wants.