1. Microsoft can't design it
"Putting together a phone with a media player raises many design questions, including how to manage various inputs, the optimal screen size and battery life, Bach said.
"You have to find out what it's great at. Is it great as a phone or is it great as music player? If it's great as a music player, then it's just another iPod trying to be a phone," said Bach."
Selected references:
Leading eBook on Creativity and Innovation in Business
Creativity and Innovation Best Practices
Creativity and Innovation Case Studies
The Innovation Index
Top 50 innovative companies in the world
2. Microsoft doesn't believe this to be a top priority
"Bach said it too is considering a mobile phone integrated with its Zune digital music player, but launching such a device is not at top of its priority list.
"It's probably on the table of things for us to look at, but not the number one thing we are focused on," said Bach, speaking to analysts at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas."
3. Microsoft still has work cut out with Zune
"The longtime Apple rival plans to come out with new Zune models later this year, but Bach said do not count on a phone model just yet."
Zune's initial estimates of selling a million units within the first year of introduction is in jeopardy.
4. Microsoft doesn't have a network partner (much less design and technology to integrate a phone)
"Bach said MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) phones often have difficult relationships with the mobile operators. One of the few successful MVNOs in the United States so far is Virgin Mobile."
On the flip side, Bach believes that "Historically, working with partners hasn't been a strong point for Apple, so maybe it will find a way to work around those relationships."
Of course, Bach is telling the media that iPod phone is going to be a challenge for Apple, and Apple can't really pull this off! NOT!!
The question though is what if Apple does introduce an integrated, great looking iPod phone that combines the best of both worlds: music and wireless phone, video and messaging, with a top service provider tomorrow at MacWorld! Remember, Apple has past experience when it designed and introduced the Rokr along with Motorola in 2005.
Would Microsoft give up on Zune all together upon learning of Apple's new iPod phone?
Microsoft and the world will be watching as Apple CEO Steve Jobs takes the floor at MacWorld and makes the announcement tomorrow. Bach would be all ears.
Apple and Microsoft are two of the top 20 Innovators on The Innovation Index.
References:
Reuters story: iPod phone a challenge for Apple
Selected references:
Leading eBook on Creativity and Innovation in Business
Creativity and Innovation Best Practices
Creativity and Innovation Case Studies
The Innovation Index
Top 50 innovative companies in the world
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