Microsoft Plans to Release IPod Rival for Christmas

Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft (MSFT) plans "to have a portable music and video player out by Christmas in a challenge to Apple's (AAPL) iPod." According to the article, "the digital player will have a wireless Internet connection, enabling users to download music without being linked to a computer."

Michael Gartenberg at JupiterResearch said, "None of Microsoft's partners are doing the job that needs to be done,. Apple has set it up so Apple music flows only to Apple devices. It locks Microsoft out and gives Apple more of a hold."

The article details Microsoft supposed efforts led Robbie Bach and J Allard to bring the portable player to market. Gartenberg said, "This would not be the first time Microsoft has decided it needed to take control of its own destiny with regard to hardware. Not coincidentally, the last time they did that it was in video games and the guys doing it were named Robbie Bach and J Allard."