Pocket PC owners, if Microsoft has its way, will hopefully have little to envy of their iPod toting brethren in the near future.

According to a TechNewsWorld article, Microsoft brashly announced plans to develop software to combat iPod and iTunes proliferation with their own software, Zune.

In all likelihood they're planning to horn in on this extremely lucrative section of the Apple technology market.

Looks like poor, cash-strapped Microsoft simply doesn't earn enough coin.

You might recall the Windows Genuine Advantage update (a.k.a Windows XP Anti-Piracy Detector) update that was suddenly sprung on fake Windows XP users last month.

This resulted in a multitude of dialog boxes at the Windows XP login page, imploring illegitimate users to please empty their pockets for a valid Windows operating system.

In the interim, Pocket PC and white MP3 player owners remain blissfully unaware of Microsoft's attempt to reclaim their desktop PC property.

Currently priced at $340 CDN according to the Microsoft product site, bundling it with Service Pack 2 affords small comfort.

Having your operating system coded into your handheld's read only memory suddenly doesn't seem all that bad.

This foray into the music software business seems to be an unusual move for Microsoft.

Creative, already floundering against the Apple handheld device phenomenon despite topping the video iPod for the CNET awards will now have to fight for space against Microsoft as well.

Never mind that Creative partnered with Microsoft to put their software on their Zen Micro and video Zen Vision players.

It's akin to befriending a performing bengal tiger only to have it savagely attack after being bopped on the nose with a microphone.

Creative seems to have its hands full, especially with news of Apple iPod and Creative Zen Micro patent disputes among other worries.

Maybe this will prompt Apple to actually create downloads for upcoming MP3 player and video player incarnations rivalling Pocket PC games. We'll see.