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Computer giants Apple and Microsoft are racing to develop a wireless digital music player in time for Christmas, it emerged today. The new gadget would enable songs to be downloaded without having to plug the equipment into a personal computer. Apple, the market leader which currently sells around 3million iPods - its brand of portable music player - every month, is said to be creating a wireless version also boasting a 'funky' aluminium design. Current iPod owners have to sit in front of a computer to download music onto the gadget. But with the wireless version, they would be able to download new songs anywhere and at any time - as long as there is a wireless network in the area. Microsoft, which wants to topple Apple's massive market share, is also said to be developing its first digital music player which will also be wireless. As well as playing songs, insiders say it will double as a portable games console. Gadgets expert Stuart Miles, editor of the website pocket-lint.co.uk, said: "The big rumour that is getting everybody excited is that Microsoft is creating a wireless MP3 (digital music) player that will combine a music player with a hand-held games console. "The main fact from a music point of view is that the new product will go up against the iPod, because at the moment Apple has about an 80 per cent share of the market. "But Apple is said to be fighting back and not only planning a wireless version so you don't have to connect to a personal computer, but which will also be made of metal to match its new range of MacBook Pro computers. "With the current iPod, users have to stand in front of a computer with an Internet connection and download songs from the iTunes music store and then transfer them to the iPod. "With a wireless version, you could be sitting in Hyde Park chatting to a friend about music, and as long as there was a wireless network there, you could download a song there and then. "The company will get more money this way because people will be able to download music on the spur of the moment." The development in the market is bound to make the new players one of the most sought-after Christmas gifts. Microsoft, industry insiders believe, could be ready to unveil its new product by the autumn. Last Christmas, sales of MP3 players soared alongside popular flatscreen TVs and digital cameras. But while the digital music players have become a 'must-have' gadget, their portable nature, small size and price tag of between £70 and £310 means they have become a tempting target for thieves. Apple is also said to be planning a new version of the video iPod, as well as closing in on a new product launch in collaboration with Research in Motion, the maker of the Blackberry. Today, both teams were refusing to confirm anything about the 'new products'. A spokesman for Apple said: "We do not talk about our future products and staff are kept very much in the dark too. We have got no comment or information." A spokesman for Microsoft added: "We don't have anything to announce at this time." Hamish Thompson, spokesman for Currys, Dixons and PC World, said: "I would not be at all surprised if we saw a considerable amount of innovation in the music market before Christmas. "Wireless makes an awful lot of sense - it's like being able to use your laptop out in your garden. MP3 players and iPods are really popular, so I would imagine a wireless version being a particularly sought-after stocking filler." Gregory S. Williams [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply with a "Thank you" if you liked this post. _____________________________ MEDIANEWS mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
