From the "Wait for us- we're the leader!!!" department....
It's official now. Reuters confirms the rumors that [a href="vny!://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articlehybrid.aspx?storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20060721:MTFH11805_2006-07-21_20-19-03_N21273248"]Microsoft wants to take on Apple's iPod and iTunes[/a].
From the article: 'Microsoft Corp. said on Friday it plans to release a new music and entertainment player and accompanying software under the "Zune" brand this year, in a belated attempt to challenge the dominance of Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod player ... Microsoft sources said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, is working with J. Allard, vice president of its Xbox team, on the digital media player/software project.'
Apple officials could not be reached for comment, as they were busy "laughing too hard" to return phone calls.
(Okay, I admit I added that last bit.)
Honestly, how long before Microsoft comes out with its own brand of dishwasher detergent?
(Answer: As soon as they realize people are buying the stuff.)
