``There`s also the risk of alienating partners. If Microsoft fashions its own gadget, those device makers could abandon Microsoft`s digital media technology and devise their own software. ``Everybody will try to do their own thing to differentiate,`` says Sim Wong Hoo, chief executive of Creative Technology (CREAF), the No.2 digital media device maker. ``What Microsoft was trying to build will collapse.``

``For Microsoft, it may be worth the risk.``

Seeing that Gates loaned some 500 million to save Apples ass....I`m sure all concessions are alined.

It leans on MS for support as much as anyone else....

IMO...Billy and Stevie are orchestrating

doni