News
Motorola to make Windows Media phones alongside iTunes
Motorola said today that it plans to use Microsoft’s Windows Media technology in a new lineup of music phones that it will sell alongside its iTunes-compatible phones. Motorola will launch one to three Windows Media phones in the second half of 2006, according to an executive speaking at the 3GSM trade show. The company will keep the iTunes phones as a separate line of products.
“Motorola said the new Windows Media phones have been requested by many operators which want to open their own music stores,” reports Reuters. “Microsoft is willing to sell technology that enables this to operators, while Apple has its iTunes music store to protect.” The Windows Media phones will be able to download music over the air from operators, and also directly from a computer.
Related Stories
- Apple releases iTunes 11.0.3 with new Mini Player
- Microsoft: Don’t expect iTunes app on Windows 8
- Apple launches ‘A Decade of iTunes’
- Apple adds ‘download later’ option to iTunes
- Court rules iTunes songs can’t be resold
- Apple adds freemium app warning in App Store
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Apple WWDC Keynote set for June 10
- Apps: Foursquare 6.2, Hyper Breaker Turbo, Pandora 4.3 + Shazam 6.0
- Apple patent application details interactive AirPlay, TV
- Report: iWatch pushed to late 2014?
- Griffin releases iPhone 5 Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case
- OtterBox acquires LifeProof
- LifeProof debuts Frē case for iPad mini
- Logitech debuts Wired Keyboard for iPad
- New Apple online store design alters focus, hides deals
- Apps: ABC Aquarium, Disney Jr. Appisodes, Pinterest 2.4 + Pocket Informant Pro 3.0
Recent Reviews
- C4 Electronics Dolry HiFi Stone 30-Pin AirPlay Adapter
- Boombotix Boombot Rex Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Nuu Splash Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Scosche boomBottle Weatherproof Sport Wireless Speaker
- HMDX Jam Plus Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Wristband
- Cambridge Audio Minx Air 100 + 200 Bluetooth + AirPlay Wireless Speakers
- Mophie Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5
- Ultimate Ears UE Boom
- Trü Protection Trü-Fit Anti-Glare Film Set
Recent Articles
- iMessages showing as Delivered when iPhone is out of coverage
- Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
1
Oh, c’mon! Give us a phone with WM *and* iTunes!
Posted by Joel Pan on February 13, 2006 at 7:57 AM (PST)
2
keep dreamin’ bub!
Posted by Just me on February 13, 2006 at 9:07 AM (PST)
3
Competition is good. This is the kind of thing that could kill the 100 song limit.
Posted by mattwardfh in Texas on February 13, 2006 at 9:45 AM (PST)
4
I don’t think it will make a difference if they can’t make the software better than the iTunes phones. The iTunes software on those phones suck. If these WMP phones are anything like that, they’ll be irrelevant.
Posted by Jason Martin on February 13, 2006 at 9:48 AM (PST)
5
Have they even proven there’s a viable *market* for MP3 phones? I mean, the original ROKR tanked, didn’t it? Why even bother?
Posted by Moe on February 13, 2006 at 10:42 AM (PST)
6
I almost bought a fancy mp3 player/phone combo instead of an iPod, but I went with the iPod for 2 reasons. 1) I already have a cell phone, and 2) I can’t imagine the battery life on a cell phone with color screen with iTunes or whatever in there being very good. Does anybody have any experience with these things?
Posted by Werewolf on February 13, 2006 at 10:47 AM (PST)
7
It clarifies that the Apple Moto deal is not exclusive. Apple can do what it wants (and will, even if we don’t understand it)
Posted by iPodG5 on February 13, 2006 at 11:32 AM (PST)
8
I would definently buy the microsoft phone because it would be more functional then the itunes one is now.
Like the other person said competition is good. And that might just make the itunes phone more open
Posted by Jonathan Keim on February 13, 2006 at 1:42 PM (PST)
9
I have a feeling the Apple/Moto deal will break soon enough. Certainly when Apple releases their own cell phone.
Posted by Joshdude in Long Beach, CA on February 13, 2006 at 1:45 PM (PST)