If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em

Microsoft, dominates the operating system market in a way that makes even Exxon and Mobil oil envious of market position. However, pesky Apple somehow took the online music business right from under Bill Gates' nose, and dominates it in a very "unApple" way.

For years, the idea has been kicked around of a Microsoft portable music player. Just like with the X-Box line, Microsoft just might be willing to make a piece of hardware to facilitate selling more of their software.

When Microsoft intoduced their code named origami product line a few months back, just about everyone was, well, more than a little underwhelmed. If it won't fit in my pocket easily, than I'd rather it be larger and fully functional (like a notebook computer), or smaller, and optimized for one or two uses (like an iPod, Palm device, or smartphone). They were trying to invent a niche that is so small, for all intensive purposes doesn't exist. Perhaps the boys and girls in Redmond have something else under their sleeve?

In a recent story from CNET, I found this:

Microsoft plans to make the beta of Windows Media Player 11 available for free to Windows XP users on Wednesday, but some consumers got an earlier look by scooping up a portable device optimized for the new jukebox.

Is Microsoft going to face reality here? Most of the Windows based music players are dismal, and can't compete with the iPod. They also don't have the cool factor that the teenage crowd craves. If they want something done right, they just may have to do it themselves and make the player as well as the software.

But online music, as the article points out, is in its infancy. It is too ripe an apple for Microsoft to just ignore. And don't forget they have a ton of cash to throw into anything they choose.

Curiously, the article focuses on Windows Media Player 11. This is the new software interface that Microsoft hopes to be able to compete with Apple's iTunes. It makes no further mention of the "portable device" and if it is Microsoft's or someone else's. I think that Microsoft is working on their own version of the iPod for Windows, and may be even willing to manufacture it themselves to keep Apple from continuing the dominance here.

Slip of the CNET keyboard, or leaked info...you be the judge.

--Jonas