Dell’s Zing hopes to rival Apple in ecosystem, launch two players early next year
From the article:

Dell’s hoping to partner up with Apple’s rivals to build a new ecosystem that will create better interoperation between PMPs, phones, cars, satellite radios and the multitude of online music stores out there. From the looks of things, that ecosystem is in good hands: with the acquisition of Zing’s Tim Bucher, formerly of Apple fame, and the 120 person team he’s built to help Dell put Apple in its place.

So, let me get this straight. Apple has created the most successful media management software (iTunes) and the highest selling media player (iPod) through a closed-source ecosystem where they tightly develop and integrate both these ends (software and hardware) – BUT somehow, Dell hopes to do this through partnering with a bunch of other “rivals” (oooooh) in hopes of creating a better alternative?
Listen, this isn’t like Voltron. Dell’s not going start connecting itself with other companies to form a MegaTechBot and wield its blazing sword of mediocrity at the evil Apple.
Based on my subway ride every morning, people seem to really, really, really like iPods. And iPhones. I think maybe they use Apple products because Apple focuses on making technology that people like to use. Crazy idea I know.
I also love the fact there are still some people DYING for Apple ‘challengers’. It’s not impossible people. Apple is not perfect by any means. If these companies start focusing on making great products and turn their attention off of Apple, they just might end up giving Apple a run for their money. Ah the beauty of paradoxes.