WMP 10 + Napster = Microsoft's Answer to iTunes?

Dom · Jun 5, 2004, 03:04 AM

"The next version of Microsoft Corp's Windows Media Player looks set to be the company's answer to Apple Inc's iTunes and RealNetworks Inc's music services, featuring a built-in music and movie store for the first time.

Microsoft released a "technical beta" of WMP 10 this week, and said it features a streamlined interface and a Digital Media Mall comprised of storefronts provided by partners Napster LLC, MusicNow LLC and CinemaNow Inc.

The company is also saying that WMP simplifies the process of transferring tracks from PCs to portable devices and synchronizing playlists. WMP 10 will automatically detect compatible devices and synchronize via a new Multimedia Transfer Protocol.

MTP is described as a Microsoft-built extension to the industry standard Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP). The company says MTP is available free to device vendors, and allows driverless compatibility with WMP 10.

The launch looks like Microsoft's effort to mimic the recent runaway successes of Apple, which has seen its iPod playback devices become something of a cultural event, while its iTune's store sold 70 million songs in its first year of operation."

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Source: CB Online

Jun 5, 2004, 03:04 AM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	WMP 10 + Napster = Microsoft's Answer to iTunes? "The next version of Microsoft Corp's Windows Media Player looks set to be the company's answer to Apple Inc's iTunes and RealNetworks Inc's music services, featuring a built-in music and movie store for the first time. Microsoft released a "technical beta" of WMP 10 this week, and said it features a streamlined interface and a Digital Media Mall comprised of storefronts provided by partners Napster LLC, MusicNow LLC and CinemaNow Inc. The company is also saying that WMP simplifies the process of transferring tracks from PCs to portable devices and synchronizing playlists. WMP 10 will automatically detect compatible devices and synchronize via a new Multimedia Transfer Protocol. MTP is described as a Microsoft-built extension to the industry standard Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP). The company says MTP is available free to device vendors, and allows driverless compatibility with WMP 10. The launch looks like Microsoft's effort to mimic the recent runaway successes of Apple, which has seen its iPod playback devices become something of a cultural event, while its iTune's store sold 70 million songs in its first year of operation." _______________________ Source: CB Online