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Microsoft Dismisses Apple's iTunes for Windows
fewnorms writes "Microsoft's general manager for the Windows Digital Media division, Dave Fester, yesterday dismissed the new iTunes for Windows version, saying it was too limited for the average Windows users. Choice quote: "[Apple's music store] ... is a drawback for Windows users, who expect choice in music services, choice in devices, and choice in music from a wide-variety of music services to burn to a CD or put on a portable device." Of course Apple doesn't feel to worried about this, simply stating their products will (and have) lived up to the hype." The points made are all valid- but contradictory to standard Apple product design where simplicity always takes priority over flexibility. Besides, iPod is growing market share, and iTunes will be the best choice for windows users who own it.
I'm *definitely* gonna try it. In all of my time sitting in front of a box, I have yet to figure out Windows Media Player. Just getting shit to play is too damn complicated. A playlist? Forget about it. Winamp 2.8 is the only thing I use, but I like the idea of buying music too (stuff that I can't find on Kazaa Lite K++)
Dave Fester is just crying sour grapes as Microsoft has lost the "killer app" (Music). To see the real truth watch key Artists, Apple developers and Steve Jobs running on Windows, something he said he wouldn't do til "Hell Freezes over". Note music use in multiple formats on multiple devices (PC, Mac, iPod) even allowing interrupting on one device and picking up on another device. Microsoft has no clue how to accomplish this flrxibility, say nothing of market such capabilities to users at 99 cents/tune. Microsoft has lost the music battle, so they'd best to look for another "killer app", hopefully something other than the "supercomputer killer app" which VT/Apple's Big Mac also won.
This must be MS's response when some other company has snuck up on them as defined a standard. In this case, the "standard" is the iPod and the iTunes Music Store. Whether MS likes it or not, that's the standard (or yardstick) by which other music download devices and services will be measured. The only way MS can handle this kind of thing is fudmongering. Instead of trying to a) compete or b) comply with the standard, they have to attempt to tear it down. What's new?! It get tiresome after a while to watch the biggest company in the technology landscape perpetually play Big Bully against any innovation or new ideas. Criminy, I'm glad they don't get any of my money!
Maybe if they would sink some energy and resources into improving their pathetic WMA format, they might stand a fighting chance in a respectable manner. Instead, they choose to behave like children on a playground, calling names and pushing and shoving. This Dave Fester fellow (appropriate name, IMO) ought to be ashamed of himself for being the mouthpiece for this kind of childish attitude.
--Rick "If it isn't broken, take it apart and find out why."
Let's see, he runs the Windows Digital Media division, and his name is Dave Fester. Fester. Hmmm. Sounds like he should get promoted immediately to being in charge of all of their software business.