Technology: Windows XP on your Mac
You knew it was coming and its now true. Apple will soon offer Windows XP support on Macintosh systems, a strategy designed to attract new converts. The option, called Boot Camp, is currently in beta form, and allows Windows XP to run on Intel-powered Macs.
"Apple has no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple's superior hardware, now that we use Intel processors," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing. "We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch."
The announcement is regarded by some as a jaw-dropping development, though Apple is known for delivering surprises. So what does the move mean for the digital music space? Suddenly, Windows-only subscription services Rhapsody and Napster can cross the Mac divide, at least among consumers that prefer to run XP. That could open the market somewhat, though most Macintosh users will probably stick with the Apple OS. Moving forward, a great deal will depend on just how many XP-powered Mac users emerge. "There’s nothing planned to specifically go after the market of Intel-based Mac users or to know how this might impact the bottom line for Rhapsody or other subscription services," a RealNetworks spokesperson said on Wednesday. The XP-download will be available within the upcoming Mac OS X 10.5, called Leopard.
Link for Beta
Posted by keefner at April 6, 2006 07:27 AM