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No $50 iPod Clone From Microsoft

Posted by timothy on from the or-anyone-for-that-matter dept.

dncsky1530 writes "In a previous Slashdot story, the Denver Post ran an article talking about a portable music player that would have the look and feel of an iPod. Microsoft stated that they will not be manufactoring such a device, Mehdi, "I've spent time with a bunch of hardware manufacturers who will launch hardware products when we ship our service that will look and feel as good as the iPod product. And they will undoubtedly be a little bit less expensive and so head-to-head against Apple...""

8 of 206 comments (clear)

  1. Manufacturers.. by ackthpt · · Score: 2, Interesting
    I've spent time with a bunch of hardware manufacturers who will launch hardware products when we ship our service that will look and feel as good as the iPod product. And they will undoubtedly be a little bit less expensive and so head-to-head against Apple...""

    No doubt some of the nameless companies in Taiwan and China which are nearly impossible for Apple to sue on look/feel or other infringement issues.

    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
    1. Re:Manufacturers.. by Socket+Scientist · · Score: 2, Interesting
      Fortunately, Apple's grandiose notions of protecting their "look and feel" have also been soundly defeated in the US.

      The ancient history lawsuit whose entry you linked to was an attempt by Apple to seek redress based on the nebulous concept of software copyright. These days Apple looks to the admittedly fucked up (but nevertheless easier to litigate) patent process to protect their IP. I'm no fan of the US Patent and Trademark Office, but they're the real reason you're not likely to see another mp3 player with a scroll wheel/pad.

  2. Re:I hope they bring such a product out by JWSmythe · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Microsoft co-branded hardware has always been top notch.

    Make sure you get your statements right. :)

    They've licensed good equipment to put the microsoft name on. They haven't manufactured anything good themselves.

    If I had a company with the budget to sell in major retail outlets, I could co-brand almost anything out there and call it my own too.

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  3. Re:No $50 iPod Clone From Microsoft by ctr2sprt · · Score: 3, Interesting
    You can't get on MS's case too bad for some of those. In the first case, they probably really did want to support all those platforms - but sales and reality intervened and forced them to change their plans. In the second, as far as I'm concerned, IE is a key component of Windows. You can remove it, but it will break a ton of stuff. What you're left with may be an OS in your opinion, but it's not in mine (or in MS's).

    As far as Palladium goes, I wouldn't start panicking until you can actually buy machines that require it. Who knows what it's going to look like if/when it's actually rolled out?

    And for the last, well, if I make a claim I genuinely believe is true, then I'm telling the truth to the best of my ability. This means I can make tons of truthful claims which are just wrong. Ever worked for a company of any size at all? The PR and management types make all sorts of claims based on incomplete or flat-out wrong information. They aren't a credible source of technical information, but unfortunately, they are the company's public face... so they're the ones who have to deliver whatever technical information there is.

  4. Since the choice appears to be by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    between Apple having a monopoly and Microsoft having a monopoly, then yeah. The market has already made it clear that online music stores that sell unencumbered mp3s are just not going to be an option.

    Variety is good, folks

    Then you had better hope Microsoft fails.

  5. My idea, the LPod by Orion+Blastar · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Use Linux for a cheap hand held device. Use VideoLAN to play media files. Hack the interface to work on a B&W 640x480 LCD screen, with optional S-Video output jack to play on a TV set or other media device. Use buttons to control the interface, but provide USB ports to plug in mice, keyboards, etc. Use Firewire or Ethernet to communicate with a PC to transfer files. Find cheap PIM software to use it like a PDA as well. Perhaps it can be priced under the cost of an iPod?

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    Remember, Slashdot does not have a -1 disagree moderation, and no, troll, flamebait, and overrated are not substitutes.
  6. Re:I have a distinct feeling... by InternationalCow · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I do have an iPod. Thing is, I use it with my macs. No crashes ever. Your problem must be windows . I meant the device itself, not any other device it is being attached to.

    --
    ----- One learns to itch where one can scratch.
  7. Two in the hand... by joebolte · · Score: 2, Interesting

    What the hell is up with microsoft fanboys getting excited that something coming out in the definite futue will be better than what apple has now? Longhorn will be soo much better than Panther, by the time we have Tabby or whatever it will be in 2069.
    Somehting coming out soon will be better than the concept Apple came out with years ago. There are rumors that Apple is going to support video play-back and hosting your home directory, so you can have all your files and prefs from any mac. Then Microsoft will come out with something thatthat has some craptastic file-syncing interface for fifty bucks less and call it "the same look and feel."