Microsoft's Music Store Launches

[Joe Matt]

Well, it's here.

http://beta.music.msn.com

Now, here is something FUNNY to read:

http://beta.music.msn.com/help/ipod

[Max Lobovsky]

Hahahah, that is funny. Apple doesn't want to pay Microsoft for a license to play WMA files (which are somehow the "PC standard") so its Apple's fault.

[Jeff Rodriguez]

WMP10 was also released.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10/default.aspx

[Austin]

Microsoft needs to wake up and smell the wav, mp3, aiff, etc. wma is NOT the "PC Standard." In fact, i refuse to use it...well, maybe that's just b/c i'm an apple fan.

[Greg McCoy]

Microsoft needs to wake up and smell the wav, mp3, aiff, etc. wma is NOT the "PC Standard." In fact, i refuse to use it...well, maybe that's just b/c i'm an apple fan.

Yeah, if I remember correctly, wav, mp3, and AAC files were all developed by open-source multi-company groups of people working together to develop a standard. WMA is Microsoft's attempt to create a monopoly in the media department of PC's too. Apple has embraced open-source technology in recent years, so for Microsoft to accuse them of not sharing is fairly ridiculous.

It's also interesting how these (http://beta.music.msn.com/music/Devices) devices look strikingly similar to the iPod.

I've got a feeling Apple is making/is going to make a comeback over the next five years. There is absolutely no reason you can't use an Apple to do anything you can do on a PC, especially with MS Office and Virtual PC for Mac. Period.