06 Jan 2006
Microsoft unveils rival to iTunes

I wouldn't be too worried if I were Apple... knowing how Microsoft has crafted their code in the past, it wouldn't surprise me to find that clever hackers could embed executable content to hijack your machine in a Windows Media file. Won't that be fun! And the subscription model they've gone with here is doomed in the long haul - your music only plays as long as you maintain your $14.95 (or whatever) per month subscription. Drop the subscription and your computer empties itself. It's a great way for companies to attempt to lock in consumers, but I think most consumers are smart enough to not turn over the keys. For an example of how this is currently playing out sans M$, just compare the results for the "new Napster" and iTunes.

Bill Gates aims to take over your living room and late Wednesday he unveiled a new music service and new software to do it.

(link) [CNN.com]

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