A Microsoft executive had considered offering incentives to Apple iPod rivals to improve their products, before creating the Zune, a leaked email has suggested.
Windows Vista development chief Jim Allchin sent an email to Microsoft consumer media executive Amir Majidmehr stating his disappointment with Windows-based digital music players made by Dell and Creative.
The email also gives evidence of a plan to "talk with [Steve] Jobs" about the possibility of supporting the iPod, as Mr Allchin was concerned it would drive people away from Windows Media Player.
Referring to meetings with Creative, Samsung and Rio, Mr Majidmehr replied: "We are putting incentives on the table in the form of cash, technical support, direct interface to developers, early access code for Windows Media Player 9.1 etc."
He added that if none of them would listen, "then it is time for us to roll up our sleeves and do our own hardware".
Meanwhile, three years later, Microsoft is hoping to sell one million of its new Zune players in the first half of 2007.
The Allchin email was one of 3,186 made public online by plaintiffs in the Comes v Microsoft antitrust trial, according to Computerworld.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
Leave a comment