The price will need to be more like $299 to be competative with iPod.

Windows Mobile based mp3 players means one great thing

Bluetooth with A2DP and AVRC may be easily integrated and we can use Microsoft Voice Command to select songs. Sounds really awesome.

That’s an interesting idea that is will just be another Pocket PC (except with more storage space.) Here’s to hoping that it ships with a default shell that’s all about media, but there’s a way to turn on the stock Pocket PC interface.

Now if only we can get one in a Jam sized device with a fair amount of space, and a GSM phone inside.

if this can be used as a phone with 3g connectivity then it would be the best gadget ever.

In case anyone from MS is reading, here is my free advice…people only want 3 basic things: 1) Lots of space (160 GB would be a great top-end version) 2) great look and intuitive user interface (multiple colors and body styles) 3) reasonably priced and hassle free (replaceable batteries, scratch resistant, thin, good battery life, etc.)

Right now, a WM device with a skin isn’t going to cut it so I’m hoping that something is missing from this story.

Seems likely WM will be on it… as you note, it is “almost to the point of stability” after almost 10 years in development. Kinda late to start over! So then we need to ask, if it’s basically a WM device, in the same price range as the others, what’s the big deal? A different hardware interface? A slip-on software interface (a la the special UI provided with the UMPC)? Microsoft may end up competing with itself, not Apple.

I saw somewhere today that Microsoft has registered ZuneLive.com. I hope basing this on WM doesn’t overly complicate this for the end-user. The strength of the iPod/ iTunes is in the simplicity. You just turn it on and it works. Just plug it in and it syncs. No fuss no muss.