The iPod can *already* play WMA -- it's part of the basic software support for the PortalPlayer 5002 platform that the iPod is based on.
Apple have simply chosen to disable WMA support - a simple firmware recompile and it's supported.
[url=http://www.designchain.com/coverstory.asp?issue=summer02]http://www.designchain.com/coverstory.asp?issue=summer02[/url]
[url=http://www.portalplayer.com/products/products_01.htm]http://www.portalplayer.com/products/products_01.htm[/url]
[url=http://www.portalplayer.com/products/fact.htm]http://www.portalplayer.com/products/fact.htm[/url]
"Realtime decoding of MP3, WMA, AAC, and ACELP®.NET formats"
Why the iPod Should Play Windows Media Audio