The Seattle Times has run a piece by Brier Dudley that takes a look at what details are known about the 'iPod killer' and makes it clear that Microsoft is aiming to do more than just take down the iPod. A whole line of Xbox-related items are being planned, software that plays media and integrates with media company's offerings, a device with wi-fi that plays media, and an online media service.

Sounds awfully a lot like an emulation of iPods + iTunes + iTunes Music Store. But as Brier Dudley notes with Apple and other companies becoming more than just software creators, Microsoft has to keep up. The big difference that the 'iPod killer' does have over the media combination already in place by Apple is that it looks like it will be able to play games. Something the iPod can't do. But that puts the iPod killer in competition with things like the PSP, which can already play games and do iPod-like things.

Which brings to mind this question? What is this new project exactly? The media has grabbed a hold of 'iPod killer' as a quick handle, and Microsoft is no doubt helping that along. But the PSP can do many iPod like things, but is not a direct competitor, as it is a portable game system primarily. I wonder if we're not seeing a well executed attempt to unseat Apple's media dominance, but another massive attempt by Microsoft do create a device that does everything all at once and competes with both Sony and Apple.

That might sound sexy from the get go, but it really misses the point. The iPod does well because it focuses on doing one thing well first, playing music easily. It has built on others from there. Microsoft's device sounds a bit confused about what exactly it might be focusing on doing well, while also battling two very media-savvy companies. That could be an interesting mistake.

[Disclosure: I own Apple stock at the date of this post]