| Microsoft | Apple | |
|---|---|---|
| Music Software | Media Player 11 | iTunes |
| Runs on | Windows only | OS X & Windows |
| Download Services | Multiple Partners | Apple iTunes Store |
| Media Players | Multiple Partners | Apple iPod |
According to Paul Thurrot, Windows Media Player 11 "is a microcosm of the wider Windows world. There's a lot of hand-holding, multiple wizards to wade through, and some silly how-to videos to fumble with when you connect a new device for the first time (assuming you use the device's install CD)...the WMA-based world is getting better, but it's nowhere near the effortless sophistication of the iPod." (SuperSite for Windows http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/wmp11.asp).
It actually appears that Microsoft wants to become the next Apple, case in point is the Zune. Don't be surprised if Microsoft cuts partner support on Media Player in the future, just as they have for any other 3rd party products that become merged into Windows. Microsoft already states that 3rd party DRM-enabled content cannot be exported from Media Player into the Zune software (http://www.zune.net/en-US/products/zunesoftware/default.htm).
The previous comparison can now be shown as this:
| Microsoft | Apple | |
|---|---|---|
| Music Software | Zune Software | iTunes |
| Runs on | Windows only | OS X & Windows |
| Download Services | Zune Marketplace | Apple iTunes Store |
| Media Players | Microsoft Zune | Apple iPod |
The latest Zune players are noted in the press to be a very competitive offering. If the Zune takes off, don't be surprised if you have to go back to the OS-level to copy your media files to/from your non-Zune media player. Windows Media Player will either go back to becoming only a media player or will not be updated for new third party media player support. The Zune Software will become Microsoft's flagship product for media player integration, but only for its own players. In turn, Microsoft will have a closed solution just like Apple with iTunes/iPod.
Posted to Internet Revolution, 12/17/2007
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