So, you read the headline and thought this was going to be a column about how the arrival of Microsoft’s much-ballyhooed (and pretty much maligned by most not-on-the-Microsoft-payroll tech writers) Zune was the beginning of the end of the iPod’s dominance of the personal digital player market. Nope, it’s not gonna be about that.

In fact, anecdotal, non-scientific evidence from my web research reveals that the first few days of Zune availability have been, well, yawners at best. But I am not here to bury the Zune. It’ll be more than capable of digging and filling its own resting place by itself.

One lesson Microsoft has learned from its previous “Plays For Sure” strategy (letting other companies manufacture the players) is that any player aspiring to challenge the iPod needs an entire ecosystem built around it. There are over 3000 accessories carrying the “Built For iPod” logo. Companies other than Apple are making billions making covers, cases, cradles, chargers, car adapters, and many other products starting with the letter “c”. So, Microsoft is also cutting deals with accessory manufacturers to fill the Zune ecosystem.

This week, on the same day that Microsoft released the Zune, Apple announced a “deal” for the biggest iPod accessory of all. No, it’s not a car. That’s pretty much covered. Next year 70% of cars sold in the U.S. will sport iPod connectability.

Apple aimed a little higher. Like 35,000 feet. This week Delta, United, Continental, Emirates (and possibly Air France and KLM) airlines announced plans to provide iPod connectivity with their in-flight entertainment systems, starting in mid-2007. Delta plans to initially install iPod connections on its transcontinental 757s. United announced plans to accommodate the iPod in First and Business class on its international flights. Continental plans to provide the service on its international 757s. More planes and routes (and probably airlines) will follow.

Passengers will be able to plug their regular iPods and iPod nanos (no shuffles, sorry) into the system, where they’ll be able to recharge and listen to their tunes. Video-capable iPod users will also be able to watch the videos and movies on their iPods on the relatively larger screens on the seat backs in front of them. How cool is that?

Of course, Zune users will be able to wirelessly share music, in the unlikely circumstance that there will ever be two Zune users on the same plane.

© 2006 Peter F. Zimowski