Portal Media Centers Set for August Debut
By the end of this summer, Microsoft partners Creative and Samsung are expected to be among the first vendors to particiate in rolling out the first generation of Portable Media Center (PMC) devices. The PMC takes an evolutionary leap forward past music-only playback to include next generation features such as video and still imagery.
To clear the all important synchronization hurdle, Microsoft has developed what it calls Smart Sync technology which synchronizes PMC handhelds with Windows XP series desktops. The Smart Sync-enabled Windows Media Player 10 is the default application used to manage, transfer and sort media files.
While Microsoft's European customers were offered premium content from partners EMI music and Napster, stateside Portable Media Centers are stepping into the bullpen with Major League Baseball. MLB.com will make full games, highlight clips, weekly bloopers, condensed games and classic footage available for playback on PMC devices.
Microsoft has previously claimed that the compression technology found in Windows Media 9 Series would permit up to 175 hours of video, 10,000 songs, or as many as 100,000 pictures to be stored on a single 40 GB drive device.
"Microsoft is trying to put a stake in the ground in the digital media market," Yankee Group Senior Analyst Laura DiDio told BetaNews. "Digital media is a high priority for Microsoft so you can expect that they will be putting their full resources behind it."
DiDio applauded Microsoft for making the right move at the right time, but speculated about how well the company will execute and gain consumer acceptance.
"They have not experienced the same level of success as with core products," said DiDio, "but are getting more competitive with Bill Gates as Chief Software Architect."
Amazon.com is now accepting preorders for the Creative Zen Portable Media Center and the Samsung YH-999. Both devices are equipped with a total of 20GB storage and each retail for $500 USD; however, the Creative Zen will ship a month earlier than the YH-999, which is due out in September.