Apple has had total control of the handheld MP3 market since the birth of iPod in 2001. Competitors are not giving i though and are coming out with their handheld MP3 devices to go against iPod all the time, but none of them really ever take the lead at the moment. We have seen Sony trying hard to take the lead against Apple but failed, what to say with Microsoft? I’m sure some of you have heard about Microsoft is going to come out with their latest high-end handheld MP3 devices which will be the "iPod killer".

As heard from the rumors, the secret weapon device will only be announced in November. It should be the right time for Christmas when it reaches the market with glory. It should be a good news but what Apple has in hand? Apple is going to come out with the next model of iPod and probably will hit the market at the same with so-called Microsoft iPod Killer. According to rumor, the former head of XBox division will be in charge of this project, Robbie Bach. Will the Microsoft new music player break into this market in the same way that the XBox broke into the video game market?

We heard that Microsoft new portable media player is going to have a built-in wireless communication capability for music downloading. A Wi-Fi function could also enable localized ad transmission and ad hoc short-range networks. I’m very sure during the next released of new iPod model, Apple won’t miss these two capabilities as well. If they come out with Bluetooth headset, then Microsoft iPod Killer will turn out to be Microsoft iPod Loser. The new device is definitely going to have a larger screen size than the current iPod but will it be thinner and lighter as well?

Rumor says that Microsoft's service will scan your iTunes library and grant you a free licenses to any music you've already purchase. That's mean you will be able to get the music for free of charged for the Microsoft new audio device. Still Microsoft have to pay for it but they think having this service for someone to transfer to a new portable audio device is worth a cent. Microsoft have the money but Apple have the design in hand. Microsoft could invest billions of dollar for the undergoing and Apple could easily comes out probably with a touch screen iPod with integrated Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. Who will win this match? Will know till then...only time will proof it!

[via blogcritics]