Microsoft to launch portable media software in 2004

Microsoft Corp said on Monday that it would develop software for a new portable media device to be released next year that will allow users to listen to music and watch movies on the road. Called Portable Media Center, the music player will be able to play MP3 files as well as audio and video content recorded in Microsoft’s own digital format.

The devices, which will run Microsoft software but be designed and built by various manufacturers, including Tatung Co, AboCom Systems Inc, Creative Technology Ltd, Sanyo Electric Co Ltd, and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, are set to hit store shelves during the second half 2004, Microsoft said. The software maker said that its device will allow users to listen to ‘‘thousands of hours of music, watch digitally recorded TV shows or home movies, and store and view digital photo albums.’’