Microsoft challenges iTunes

Microsoft has released a beta version of its new Windows Media Player 10, which enables users to play music from digital music subscription services.

Yahoo news says the new version of Media Player demonstrates Microsoft`s effort to catch up with Apple Computer`s iTunes service and its close ties to the iPod music player, which have given Apple a strong early lead in the digital music business.

Microsoft is expected to release the final version of Media Player 10 towards the end of the year and link it closely with Microsoft`s new online music store, which is also due for launch later this year.

Microsoft`s publicity for Windows Media Player 10 highlights the new software`s simple user interface and easy access to several digital music and video services. The beta version can be downloaded from Microsoft`s Media Player Web site.

Delta Air Lines in the US plans to test the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track engine parts next month in partnership with Boeing.

Computerworld reports that Atlanta-based Delta has already conducted two tests of RFID technology to track baggage. It will decide by the end of this year whether to deploy the technology system wide.

The Delta test dovetails with plans by rivals Boeing and Airbus to jointly develop RFID standards for the aviation industry. Boeing and Airbus will host the first of three Global Aviation RFID Forums in Atlanta next week.

Oracle and Apple are planning a series of international road shows next month to introduce Oracle Database 10g on Apple`s Unix-based operating system, Mac OS X, reports eWeek.

"The power of Apple`s new Xserve G5 and the flexibility of Oracle Database 10g running on Apple`s Unix-based Mac OS X Server will deliver our joint customers a very compelling, cost-effective, scalable and reliable database solution," says Mark Milani, Oracle platform technologies VP.

Apple says the events are aimed at customers looking for a lower-cost, easier-to-maintain platform and system integrators, value-added resellers and ISVs looking to exploit the market for grid computing.