Several sources are reporting that Microsoft is considering manufacturing their own competitor to Apple's iPod which currently controls 75% of the portable player market.
Microsoft has always taken a hands-off approach to manufacturing allowing others to build players and only offering software. This strategy, however, has led to a 
disjointed consumer experiences in portable players with various conflicts between hardware and Microsoft's software emerging. Synchronization was often unreliable, and many players had problems with PlaysForSure technology. Apple on the other hand offers a virtually flawless experience with total compatibility between the iPod and iTunes.
BusinessWeek reported that any Microsoft-branded player would do more than just play music. In an interview, Xbox head Peter More suggested the company would leverage its successes in gaming. Calling the brand an "opportunity," Moore suggested such a device might carry the Xbox logo.
It's certainly too early to know if the mighty Microsoft can dethrone the craftier Apple, but it is exciting to see that the race to create a worthy alternative to the iPod may have finally begun.
