No $50 iPod Clone From Microsoft 206
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...""
Manufacturers.. (Score:2, Interesting)
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.
Re:I hope they bring such a product out (Score:5, Interesting)
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.
Re:No $50 iPod Clone From Microsoft (Score:4, Interesting)
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.
Since the choice appears to be (Score:1, Interesting)
Variety is good, folks
Then you had better hope Microsoft fails.
My idea, the LPod (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:I have a distinct feeling... (Score:4, Interesting)
Two in the hand... (Score:2, Interesting)
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."
Re:Manufacturers.. (Score:2, Interesting)
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.