14 DAY TRIAL // Speculations surrounding Microsoft's iPod rival are becoming increasingly focused on similar details, enhancing the feel of a level of authenticity supporting all the rumors, the context having even converged on a name for the product. Argo, Jason's warship in the Greek mythology, is also the market vessel planned to take on iPod just before Christmas, although there are some questions pending on Microsoft's ability to successfully bring ashore such a project in such little time.
The main issue is that Argo will bundle together a complex line of digital media products. The portable conglomerate will comprise a music player, a video player and an online media service. Furthermore, Argo will feature an ace in the sleeve characteristic that will eventually distinguish and individualize it from all competitors, but especially Apple Inc. This because Argo will also serve as a portable game platform, steeping in a market dominated by Sony and Nintendo.
The fact that the product is wireless is also a big plus compared to the wire-bound Apple, but not the Nintendo or Sony technology that have already successfully implemented similar technology.
Analysts also suggest the Microsoft's move is a way of ensuring its competitiveness on Windows non related markets, decentralizing the company's strategy from the OS in pursuit of more diversified approaches of consumers. Furthermore it seems that Vista and Office's delays into the beginning of 2007 have ignited and fueled the Argo project even as a means of keeping alive projections for the final quarter of 2006.