Since Apple led the portable digital audio player market with its iPod, Microsoft has tried several methods of making its Windows DRM technology 'superior' to the iPod's FairPlay DRM used on its iPod's and iTunes music service. The main one Microsoft thought would work well was its Janus Windows Media 10 technology, which allows one to download music to their heart's content so long as they keep paying the flat monthly subscription fee.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts to make Windows Media devices lead the market, Microsoft has confirmed that they are considering its own plans to build a digital audio player to compete with the iPod, rather than keep relying on its partners. So far, the iPod accounts for roughly 75% of the US market, with its iTunes service leading even further at about 83% of the US market.
Microsoft has already reorganised its operations into three divisions last September, with one of these alone covering Entertainment and Devices. The aim here was to help with its product and services decision making and when to go ahead.
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BusinessWeek reported Thursday that the Redmond, Wash., software maker was working on plans to develop its own device, rather than just rely on partners to take on Apple, which is becoming a dominant player in entertainment on the Web. Quoting sources inside the company, the magazine reported that Microsoft had put together a team to consider the business behind such as initiative. |
To date, despite all Microsoft's past announcements that its technology will be the next 'killer' to iTunes, it looks like they are just barely putting a dent into the iTunes sales, never mind the iPod sales with even its partner's Windows Media DRM devices put together. :p In my opinion, Microsoft is probably better of looking after their existing bugs and other issues with its Operating System, Office suite and other software products rather than keep trying to take over the markets covering entertainment devices.
Source: Information Week
