Microsoft To Release Ipod Killer By Christmas

Microsoft is planning to have a portable music and video player out by Christmas in a challenge to Apple Computer's iPod.

The digital player will have a wireless Internet connection, enabling users to download music without being linked to a computer, a feature the iPod doesn't offer, according to people briefed on the company's plans.

Microsoft is seeking to take away market share from Apple's iPod, which commands 77 percent of the $4 billion U.S. market for digital music players, based on figures from market researcher NPD Group. Apple's iTunes music store is used for 72 percent of music downloads. Since Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs introduced the iPod in October 2001, the company has sold more than 50.8 million players.

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