Microsoft has just released a Windows CE-based MS Audio 4.0 player, made by Casio, (at http://www.wired.com/news/news/business/story/19121.html). They're throwing their hat into the MP3/mobile audio ring and competing against the Diamond RIO. Although the introduction of a new audio format isn't always a good idea, the new format is half the size of MP3 files and offers more security for recording artists. Microsoft also recently invested $5 million into Audible, which further bolsters the Windows CE/audio connection. And as new Windows CE devices like the Casio E-100 offer powerful audio and video functions (including stereo headphone jacks), CE is poised to take the audio world by storm.

Personally, I've often wished for a way to get all these devices talking to each other, some way to eliminate the complexity and slowness of using them. And as a music-lover, moving towards 100% digital content is an exciting step.

With the new MS Audio 4.0 and UPnP initiative from Microsoft, this may all yet become a reality!

Mark Moeller is a 14 year veteran of Microsoft. After shipping the first version of the Auto PC he left Microsoft to found AutoPCWare, a company focused on helping manufacturers and software vendors build Auto PCs or products for the Auto PC. Mark was the design architect of the first version of the Auto PC and has a number of patents pending or awarded on the Auto PC. You can visit his Web site at http://www.autopcware.com, or email him at markmo@autopcware.com. To read more of Mark Moeller's work for Windows CE Power, visit http://www.zatz.com/authors/authorpages/markmoeller.html.