Microsoft has allegedly been developing a digital media player to contend with Apple Computer’s uber-popular iPod device for some time, and a recent report in The Seattle Times seems to solidify previous reports. The Times says the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant is indeed developing an iPod challenger under the name “Argo”—in reference to Greek mythology’s Jason and his gigantic warship—and it will not only release a media player, but it will also sell a full product line of Xbox-branded digital media offerings, including the player, its corresponding software and an online content download service.An early image of the Argo player has also surfaced on the Engadget.com, though the site was careful to note that the image is only “one possible form” the device could take.Last week, various media sources reported that Microsoft has been making rounds to a handful of music labels to foster support for the product’s release, and it has sunk hundreds of millions of dollars into Argo’s production and marketing. It was also reported that Microsoft hopes to have the device on the market by the upcoming holiday season, and analysts agree a pre-holiday launch will be crucial to its success. According to the Times, Xbox cofounder J. Allard and his team are working on Argo’s development, and it will feature Wi-Fi capabilities to allow users to download content wirelessly. The Wi-Fi device will not only compete with Apple’s iPod, but it will also take on wireless video game devices from Sony and Nintendo that feature media players, Web terminals and communications mechanisms, according to the Times.Microsoft did not provide the Times with an official comment. Related Links: Microsoft Preps iPod Challenger, Download Service Microsoft, Toshiba, Victor to Build iPod Rival for JapanThis article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content brandpost Sponsored by SAP When natural disasters strike Japan, Ōita University’s EDiSON is ready to act With the technology and assistance of SAP and Zynas Corporation, Ōita University built an emergency-response collaboration tool named EDiSON that helps the Japanese island of Kyushu detect and mitigate natural disasters. By Michael Kure, SAP Contributor Dec 07, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by BMC BMC on BMC: How the company enables IT observability with BMC Helix and AIOps The goals: transform an ocean of data and ultimately provide a stellar user experience and maximum value. By Jeff Miller Dec 07, 2023 3 mins IT Leadership brandpost Sponsored by BMC The data deluge: The need for IT Operations observability and strategies for achieving it BMC Helix brings thousands of data points together to create a holistic view of the health of a service. By Jeff Miller Dec 07, 2023 4 mins IT Leadership how-to How to create an effective business continuity plan A business continuity plan outlines procedures and instructions an organization must follow in the face of disaster, whether fire, flood, or cyberattack. Here’s how to create a plan that gives your business the best chance of surviving such an By Mary K. Pratt, Ed Tittel, Kim Lindros Dec 07, 2023 11 mins Small and Medium Business IT Skills Backup and Recovery Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe