Talking of techie firms desperately trying to compete with Apple in the digital music space, Microsoft have announced an alliance with Ford which will see the introduction of a new system which will enable Ford owners to transfer their digital music collection (and other data) off their home PC and into their cars.
This doesn't really have anything to do with Microsoft's recently launched iPod rival the Zune player because the new technology being used here is something different - called Sync, it's more than just a music player, incorporating various mobile and email functionality, and it will be iTunes compatible (basically it's a mini-PC which will sync to a home PC using Microsoft technology). However, Microsoft will presumably hope Sync will provide competition for iPod based in car stereo systems.
The car company said in a statement yesterday: "Ford owners will not need to worry about whether their car or truck is compatible with the latest phone or music player that hits the market. Sync seamlessly integrates the vehicle with the popular portable electronic devices of today and is upgradeable to support the devices and services of tomorrow".