iPod & .wma is doable...

octane

octane

I have issues, OK!
According to these guys it is:

According to DanceFrontDoor.co.uk the PortalPlayer chip used in the Apple iPod (PB5502B-C) is capable of decoding WMA (Windows Media Audio) by default. (but this functionality is obviously not enabled in the iPod)

Certainly, Apple's decision not to allow the iPod to play WMA-formatted songs has always been strategic one rather than a technical hurdle.

With HP's recent adoption of the iPod, there was some speculation that the iPod would support the Windows format, but HP clearly stated that WMA support was not planned. As well, reliable sources had indicated the same.
Click to expand...
 
This was reported a while ago. It doesn't make any difference to Apple's strategy and isn't really surprising given that most of the iPod's features aren't hardwired. Of course we'll just have to see what happens over the next year or so in the marketplace but I wouldn't count on Apple enabling wma compatibility. With any luck the reverse will happen - with Real's system running AAC too, maybe they, and others will go with FairPlay, or at least make a similar compromise with Apple when it comes to DRM.
 
monktus said:
... With any luck the reverse will happen - with Real's system running AAC too, maybe they, and others will go with FairPlay, or at least make a similar compromise with Apple when it comes to DRM.
Click to expand...

Well this is something I've been vocal about before now.

I think Apple could do much worse than getting into bed with Real. I'm reminded of an old, old adage: the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

I think Apple would have specifically asked for an open-ended architecture that they can modify via a simple firmware update. It gives them options, and we know how Steve Jobs likes options!

Besides, to the best of my knowledge, large chunks of the iPod are made up from standard off-the-shelf stuff.

The OS isn't Apple's handy work, I think some firm in the south of England did that.

My guess is that Apple have put the iPod together in such a way that should the iTunes Music Store begin to flag a little, they could quickly open the iPod up to the greater unwashed of the Microsoft crowd...
 
Apple won't open it up to wma. The window of opportunity arose with the HP deal and HP quickly scuttled rumors of WMA-compatability.
An Apple-Real alliance would be great since Real's own products are lacking. Plus that would give Apple a leg into content on the Palm platform, further eroding the wma presence.
 
Yes, the ability is there, but for Apple to adopt .wma support would be a little confusing and maybe even counter-productive for Apple.

I think there's an equal amount for Apple and Real to gain from a relationship, but clearly the winner here would be the format itself -- .aac

DRM standards not withstanding, it would be a bitter blow to Microsoft to see its main rivals get together...
 
Yep, this news is no or at least very old news. The iPod OS is made by Pixo, which doesn't make it for the iPod exclusively. Other companies that make use of the OS might want to enable WMA support (and might disable AAC support, for example). This has no political inclinations on Apple and supporting WMA. However: Yes, it _would_ be technically feasible for Apple to support WMA. And this is good. Why? Because in 2008, WMA _might_ be the only viable music format. We don't want it to, but why close out other case scenarios from the beginning? One case: Apple would _still_ sell the best digital music player out there and it would be compatible with online music stores around the globe.
 
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