Microsoft is trying a “Plays-For-Sure + WMP11-Urge-iRiver” hybrid strategy in Japan, where iPod is the dominant music player (though not as much as U.S.). Anyway, it is tying up with Toshiba, Victor Co. of Japan, NTT DoCoMo and five other companies to offer music and video distribution services and media players in Japan. The “iPod rival” thing is cliched but obvious. Microsoft will develop the software while CE makers Toshiba and Victor, will make the portable device. Napster Japan, NTT DoCoMo and Aoyama Capital will provide content and other services. NTT is also expected to come up with a music/video phone.
The numbers at stake are big: The value of music downloads in Japan rose to
Subscriber content
?
Subscriber content comes from Gigaom Research, bridging the gap between breaking news and long-tail research. Visit any of our reports to learn more and subscribe.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Comments have been disabled for this post