[Windows Media Player 11]
So I don’t know about you but I’ve been at arms length with Windows Media Player ever since I’ve had my iPod/iTunes. This is all about to change with the release of Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP SP2. While you still can’t sync your iPod with the software (I assume this has more to do with Apple than Microsoft) the software itself is head and shoulders better than iTunes or any other media player on the market today. The interface is fresh, clean and dear I say it, idiot proof.
I know this may sound like a big call but next time I’m in the market for an MP3 player, I don’t think I’ll be looking to Apple for a solution. While the iPod is a good bit of hardware the main problem is once again the same issue with all Apple stuff, compatibility. If I could purchase music from the iTunes store (which I can’t because New Zealand is the country Apple forgot) I can’t use it on my Xbox 360 or any mp3 player outside of an iPod. That’s just stupid! So now that Microsoft and partners have a great music app with WMP11, online stores available in NZ, and loads of great mp3 player hardware options (Creative Zens or most anything from iRiver) what is the value of iPods to the end user in NZ? Cool factor will only go so far…