On the eve of the iTunes Music Store introduction for Windows-based personal computers, Microsoft"s General Manager, Windows Digital Media Division, Dave Fester posted his thoughts on iTunes for Windows. In his comments, Fester concludes that iTunes is too limited for Windows users.
"Unless Apple decides to make radical changes to their service model, a Windows-based version of iTunes will still remain a closed system, where iPod owners cannot access content from other services," said Fester. "Additionally, users of iTunes are limited to music from Apple"s Music Store ... this is a drawback for Windows users, who expect choice in music services, choice in devices, and choice in music from a wide-variety of music services to burn to a CD or put on a portable device. Lastly, if you use Apple"s music store along with iTunes, you don"t have the ability of using the over 40 different Windows Media-compatible portable music devices. When I"m paying for music, I want to know that I have choices today and in the future."