Saturday, October 18, 2003
The Mac Observer - Microsoft Offers A Thumbs-Down To iTunes, Calling It "Limited"
The Mac Observer - Microsoft Offers A Thumbs-Down To iTunes, Calling It "Limited": "[3:15 PM CDT] Microsoft Offers A Thumbs-Down To iTunes, Calling It 'Limited'
by Bryan Chaffin
This won't come as a surprise to anyone, but Microsoft thinks that iTunes for Windows is just too limiting for discerning Windows users. This was revealed in an 'interview' with Dave Fester, General Manager - Windows Digital Media Division, titled 'Q&A: Choosing a Digital Music Service for Windows Users.' In the interview, Mr. Fester says that Windows users 'expect choice in music services,' something which iTunes does not provide. The interview with the Microsoft executive was conducted by Microsoft's PressPass PR arm.
Fortunately, Microsoft also has the solution for all those Windows users who are looking for choice in music services: The company recommends just about any service that relies on Microsoft's Windows Media 9 technology."
No, no-one's going to die of shock at Microsoft's opinion of iTunes. However, let's not slam the door on this discussion.
Having signed up for the Windows version of iTunes soon after the launch, I can say that Microsoft has a few valid points. I hope you were sitting down when you read that. It's true that the Windows version of the iTunes client has a few things that could have been done to make it better. The major point where I have to take exception with the Microsoft representative is that yes, iTunes is limited to working with the iTunes site, but so what? I've looked closely at a number of other, Windows-based services and every one has some kind of proprietary client to make sure that your downloads are tracked and paid for.
Then there's the comment that iTunes doesn't have every piece of music ever released. Well, who does? If there is any such (LEGAL) site, I have yet to come across it. I wish it were otherwise, but it isn't. Get over it.
by Bryan Chaffin
This won't come as a surprise to anyone, but Microsoft thinks that iTunes for Windows is just too limiting for discerning Windows users. This was revealed in an 'interview' with Dave Fester, General Manager - Windows Digital Media Division, titled 'Q&A: Choosing a Digital Music Service for Windows Users.' In the interview, Mr. Fester says that Windows users 'expect choice in music services,' something which iTunes does not provide. The interview with the Microsoft executive was conducted by Microsoft's PressPass PR arm.
Fortunately, Microsoft also has the solution for all those Windows users who are looking for choice in music services: The company recommends just about any service that relies on Microsoft's Windows Media 9 technology."
No, no-one's going to die of shock at Microsoft's opinion of iTunes. However, let's not slam the door on this discussion.
Having signed up for the Windows version of iTunes soon after the launch, I can say that Microsoft has a few valid points. I hope you were sitting down when you read that. It's true that the Windows version of the iTunes client has a few things that could have been done to make it better. The major point where I have to take exception with the Microsoft representative is that yes, iTunes is limited to working with the iTunes site, but so what? I've looked closely at a number of other, Windows-based services and every one has some kind of proprietary client to make sure that your downloads are tracked and paid for.
Then there's the comment that iTunes doesn't have every piece of music ever released. Well, who does? If there is any such (LEGAL) site, I have yet to come across it. I wish it were otherwise, but it isn't. Get over it.
Comments:
Post a Comment
#
