iPod Alternatives from Microsoft and Samsung

Apple's iPod may still be King of the Hill when it comes to downloading music or watching back episodes of the show King of the Hill on an electronic hand-held device, but it is by no means the only device available. Other electronics manufacturers have gotten in on the act hoping to catch up, including Microsoft.

While alternatives to the iPod will for many reasons be less popular than those seeking an alternative to Microsoft software for its often anti-competitive practices, there are people who may still want to use an Apple product. (As someone who likes Linux and uses Windows mostly for gaming, I am ashamed to admit that I find myself using the Windows version of Safari more and more. Someone at Apple will release a Linux port soon, I hope.)

Microsoft's answer to the popular mp3 player is the Xune, which comes in as slightly less pricey and has easier time accessing with the more popular Microsoft Windows interface, but the Xune is not the only alternative for the consumer. Samsung has unleashed what it hopes will be two serious competitors in the arena of hand-held devices. The new electronic gadgets, the YP-P2 and YP-PT10 will both be capable of playing mp3 files and wma videos. Each device will also be compatible with existing Bluetooth technology. The YP-P2 will include an array of features including a graphical user interface that uses touchscreen technology.

Unlike Apple's latest technological offering, the iPhone, Samsung's new players will not be able to receive or take calls and surfing the Internet will not be an option as it is on Blackberrys and other PDAs. However, limited voice recording and of course file storage will be available with each device. New users can . A portable FM radio is also built into the device. Users will be able to store over five hours of movies or about a day and a half's worth of music.

For those who wish to purchase non-Apple devices that are capable of playing both video and audio formats, the major options right now are still Microsoft's Xune and Apple's iPod. Those looking to give the new Samsung products out as Christmas gifts need only wait a few months longer. Their new mobile media digital players will hit retail shelves late fall this year.

Sources:

http://tech.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1349228.php/Samsung_rolls_out_two_more_supposed_iPod_killer