Can Microsoft Create An iPod Killer?

My friend Chris just wrote up a lengthy diatribe about how the iPod just blows away just about every PlaysForSure device, and what Microsoft needs to do to get back into the park to play ball with Apple:

Microsoft *MUST* take control of this situation if they’re ever to come close to competing head-to-head (or hand-to-hand) with the iPod. As it stands, every single Windows Media Device (PlaysForAlmostSure or not) is downright pathetic. Not just pathetic - laughable. Apple controls the process from end-to-end, and that’s why it’s such a fantastic non-sucky experience for most folks. Microsoft, on the other hand, lets the vendors decide what’s best. OH MY GOD!!! Wake up, people!

If you have a much better, cleaner, faster, meaner, more awesome piece of media management software, I’ve yet to see it. The most frustrating part of operating in the world of Windows is having to deal with all these craptastic vendors who think their stuff is awesome. Ever *TRY* to use Creative software before? OH MY GOD!!!

Here’s what you do, Microsoft - you take it all in-house again. And before anybody starts shaking their finger at such a “monopolistic” move, remind them who has the lion’s share of the portable media device market today. You’re *ALL* getting your asses handed to you right now, and the only way to shake things up is to provide fair competition in the marketplace. In this case, I believe it’s imperative that Microsoft set the quality bar for others who develop for Windows platforms.

While I don’t completely agree that all PFS DAPs suck - just take a look at the iRiver H10 - he makes a great point. Microsoft should at least be a contender in this race, shouldn’t they? Is it too late?

Read More | Chris Pirillo