The second largest maker of mobile phones, Motorola is all set to launch a whole new range of mobile phones that will be packed with Microsoft’s digital music software, announced Motorola yesterday at the 3GSM congress in Barcelona. This feature will place Motorola ahead of its strongest contender in mobile phones – Apple Computer You can get the Motorola phones loaded with Microsoft’s Window’s media format from in the later half of 2006. Motorola said it introduced handsets with Microsoft’s media support in response to demand from network operators, and that together with Microsoft it would sell handsets tailored to music download services from individual network operators. Motorola is eyeing the future with his attempt of coming out with, high-capacity mobile phones that will become the music player of choice.
Microsoft
TagMTV & Microsoft target Apple with new online music & video store
MTV Networks Inc. has finally decided to get out of the shell and give Apple some heat with the launch of its latest online music and video download service. Joining hands with Microsoft, the new service, URGE, integrated with the latest version of Windows Media Player, will be launched on Wednesday armed with around 2 million tracks for 99 cents individually. Users can even download unlimited music for $9.95 monthly and even transfer them to any of the PMPs for $14.95. The supremacy of Apple’s iTunes Music Store will definitely get some jolt and so will other providers like RealNetworks’ Rhapsody and Napster Inc., especially when URGE is not compatible with the ubiquitous iPod.
Latest update on mpod!
We all have heard about Microsoft going for a killer ipod clone (but better) by this Christmas. Well I just laid my hands on some interesting news regarding the ‘mpod’. The portable player will be WI-FI enabled allowing the user to download the songs over the air, share songs with other users forming an ad-hoc network as well as receive ads which once viewed would result in a 10% discount. It doesn’t end here as Microsoft plans to capture the majority share of the portable player market by providing a tool which would scan the itunes library and allow the user to listen to these songs on mpod for free(although Microsoft would have to pay the right owners of these songs.) It all sounds very dreamy and perfecto…but I am sure it would be far from smooth sailing for the computer giants. For one, a WI-FI network from Microsoft is sure to send shivers down their user’s spines as in typical Microsoft fashion we will have more Virii than the players manufactured itself(probably even before the launch). Secondly, Apple is going to try their asses out to protect their Itunes library from falling into Microsoft’s hand. But rest assured, expect a million dollar publicity campaign for the ‘mpod’ by Holiday season. Apple are you listening?
Zune to play the tune in October!
For the past month or so, Blogosphere has been overcrowded with news regarding Microsoft’s portable media player which is intended to dethrone ipod from the music player market. Well, I am going to crowd it with one more blog based on speculation and unconfirmed reports (that is what we do!) Earlier, we got the news of its Wi-Fi capability and the capability to scan the itunes library for re-use on Microsoft’s player. This player is supposedly going to be named Zune (rhyming to tune, I suppose) and if reports are to be believed, would be ready for a mega launch in October. According to BetaNews, Microsoft most probably will not be using its joint venture sevice :URGE (along with MTV) and instead would be going for a fully controlled service which is believed to be codenamed ‘Alexandria’. Any concrete information is still hard to get by but there are some reports regarding simultaneous launch of another player code named ‘Pyxis’ which would be targeting the market share of Ipod Nano. This mega secret project has been initiated under the codename ‘Project Argo’. Nobody would be surprised if it was to be found out that leak of this secret information and codenames was a work of the Giant Software company itself to intrigue and excite potential customers before the mega launch of the ‘ipod killer’. Let’s see if the product can live up to the hype surrounding it!
Dell Says Goodbye To MP3 Market
It’s the high time for the Dell to seek heavenly blessings as troubles are pouring like rain on it. After announcing the largest battery recall in the history of laptops, Dell has moved out of the MP3 market now blaming the losses in the business. The last MP3 player from the house of Dell was DJ Ditty. The whole contents of the MP3 player have now been removed from the company’s website. That is the clear indication of the departure. Microsoft is indubitably going to have a nice time with its upcoming Zune line-up.
Is It The Microsoft Zune Or…?
Is it the Microsoft Zune? Hmm…No! It is actually Toshiba 1089 portable media device that has got the same appearance like that of Microsoft Zune. You guys must be aware of the fact that the hardware supplier for the Microsoft Zune is Toshiba itself. The key specs are whooping large 3-inch LCD screen, 30GB hard drive for massive storage, USB 2.0 interface and built-in FM tuner. Moreover the Toshiba 1089 is configured with wireless 802.11b/g that enables broad access to the player. I really admire this smart move Toshiba.
Venzero ONE Media Player Ready For Release
So guys, you must be waiting to lay your hands on the Microsoft’s beast named Zune. Well, the brand new Venzero ONE media player is also heading for a release close to that of the Zune. So, what the Venzero ONE is going to offer for the music-savvy guys? The WiFi DAP, Venzero ONE features 12GB of storage space and capacity to record audio clips and then sync them with a system. You will also get the video (AVI) support, FM radio and RSS reader. The data transfer is quite straightforward, thanks to the dual USB port. I don’t think you will have to wait a longer for the Venzero ONE as it is expected to be seen in the stores very soon.
Meizu M8 miniPlayer in the making?
Before you lay your hands on the Meizu M6 miniPlayer, the company if setting the digital music market on fire with its another sizzler – the new Meizu M8. The new player in the making features a 2.6-inch VGA screen and version of on a 533 MHz ARM11 processor, is in the air and even been published on the front page of iMP3.net. Other features that separate Meizu M8 from its predecessor are its non-detachable battery and it is devoid of extension card slot. However, there is nothing much sizeable about the supposed information; you may remain in touch with professional dealers around.
Who will be the eventual winner in handset DRM battle? OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) or Microsoft!
The two giants, Microsoft and the OMA (Open Mobile Alliance), are once again in the front line, confronting each other, over DRM (Digital Rights Management) scuffle. At present OMA has a clear edge over Microsoft since Windows DRM can easily be hacked, for the reason loosing its appeal, on the other hand, Apple could expand in the fledgling movie download segment because of FairUse4MW, a hack that eliminate the DRM (Digital Rights Management) from .wma records. However, OMA is riding the arena effortlessly, without too many contest, at the moment, Microsoft is looking forward to patch up DRM real quick. No doubt, with improved Windows Media DRM, battle between the two giants is going to be interesting.
Pre-loaded a new fad in iPod market
As the iPod market is getting hotter and competition increases with every new launch the companies are trying everything to gain an edge over others. The latest fad being pre-loaded music in your iPods the pioneers of this strategy Sandisk in combination with Rhapsody are planning to release a Sansa e200 player that will come with 32 hrs of music. If Sandisk is there how can Microsoft with its launch of Zune be far behind, it also announced that the player will come preloaded with 9 audios tracks, 12 music videos and three short films and images of rock stars. The music companies are ready but only if it prohibits further sharing of the files. There is no news on who all are included in this list but it only sounds good for customers if only the individual can get his type of music in these pre-loaded versions. The idea says Sandisk came when retailers complained that the buyers had no option of comparing two iPods and then buy the one they like.