New and Noteworthy: Wi-Fi Microsoft iPod rival ready by Christmas; Apple, Creative are 'Open to Settlement' of Suits; more

Wi-Fi Microsoft iPod rival ready by Christmas VNUNet reports that Microsoft is expected to have its digital music and video player on the market in time for the busy Christmas retail period. "Reports on Reuters suggest that the new player will be able to download songs and other content using Wi-Fi capabilities.  Microsoft has developed its own iTunes-like media software which will integrate with the device, according to other unnamed sources quoted in the report." More.

Apple, Creative are 'Open to Settlement' of Suits In the first piece of Apple litigation news today, Bloomberg News reports that Apple Computer Inc. and Creative Technology Ltd. said in court papers they 'remain open to the possibility' of ending their litigation battles over handheld music players. "Apple, whose iPod music player controls about 77 percent of the U.S. market for such devices, and Singapore-based Creative are suing each other in California, Texas and Wisconsin. The International Trade Commission also is investigating complaints each has made accusing the other of infringing patents related to the devices." More.

Two Lawsuits Filed Against Apple Over Stock Option Grants In the second piece of litigation news, investors had filed two lawsuits against Apple over irregularities in the issuance of stock option grants. "One suit was filed in federal district court and the other in a northern California state court. Apple announced on Wednesday that the suits are against current and former officers and directors." The company said last week that it found irregularities in the awarding of certain stock option grants. It added that it launched an independent investigation into the matter. More.

Previously on MacFixIt

• Official statement from PGP Corporation on Intel-based Mac edition: Beta due this month
• MacBook (13"): More on vertical multi-colored lines at startup; caused by Mac OS X 10.4.7?
• Apple offers $899 Intel-based iMac for education with integrated graphics; cancels eMac
• Mac OS X 10.4.7 (#6): More on the Intel re-release and build numbers; USB devices/cards preventing sleep -- another fix; more

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