Apple iPod passes 100M mark (and saves the world?)

Tags: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qaie7

Add to My Vault: x


According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, "iPod has helped millions of people around the world rekindle their passion for music". Well, we're not at all sure about that claim and also don't think that an iPod has ever saved the world from Armageddon. But we have no reason to doubt something else that Jobs did actually say, that Apple has now sold 100 million iPods!

It all started less than six years ago in November 2001. It would be interesting to know who bought the very first iPod but Apple's announcement doesn't include that snippet nor detail who bought No. 100 million.

In all, Apple has introduced close to a dozen models, spanning various versions of the mini, the nano and the shuffle - as well as five generations of iPod proper.

Of course, that extended product family has also spawned a whole new industry. By Apple's estimate there are 4,000-plus dedicated iPod accessories and iPod connectivity is becoming close to standard in cars - well, in the USA at least, where it's said to be on offer with over 70 per cent of 2007 models.

In addition, Apple has supported iPods with a succession of iTunes software and - running alongside - made music, video and TV programmes available to buy for download from various iTunes online stores, though, currently, TV shows and full-length movies are still only available in the USA.

And, just recently, Apple, along with EMI, took the first tentative steps towards a bright new copy-protection-free tomorrow by introducing music to download that has no DRM. See this HEXUS.lifestyle news piece, EMI and Apple announce DRM-free music.

Mind you, as an even more recent HEXUS.lifestyle report shows, there are storm clouds on the near horizon, EC investigation could hit Apple and record companies with massive fines!

So what are your thoughts on the phenomenon that is iPod? Share 'em with us in the HEXUS.community.

HEXUS.links

HEXUS.community :: discussion thread about this article
HEXUS.lifestyle - press.releases :: 100 million iPods sold

HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: EMI and Apple announce DRM-free music
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: EC investigation could hit Apple and record companies with massive fines!

HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Hackers turning Apple TV damp squib into hot item?
HEXUS.lifestyle - opinions :: Apple TV media player now available in UK - but why?
HEXUS.lifestyle - opinions :: Apple movie downloads (US only) & network media player (yawn)

HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Apple shows iPhone & HD network media player, changes name
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac is coming - but not right now
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Apple falls foul of Greenpeace for not being green enough
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Macworld San Francisco kicks off with launch of Roxio Toast 8

External.links

Apple UK - home page
Apple USA - home page






HEXUS Forums :: 4 Comments

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!
Posted by LazyGit - Fri 13 Apr 2007 09:59
I think it's a remarkable success story for Apple and unfortunate for everyone else. The iPod has always been a victory for style over substance, build quality and features. Never mind.
Posted by menthel - Fri 13 Apr 2007 10:08
My ipods have served me well and done all that I have wanted of them. They have sold well because they do what most people want, play mp3's (obtained legally or illegally) without too much fuss. The style and marketing thing has also been doen very well. It is not Apple's fault that no-one else has managed to do the same.
Posted by merdat - Fri 13 Apr 2007 21:16
A well marketed good basic product- somthing like this will always sell :) :)
Posted by charleski - Sun 15 Apr 2007 15:53
I recently got my first iPod, having struggled with using my aging Palm T3 for music before. Apple's success is well-deserved, and is based upon the scroll-wheel patent. The scroll-wheel is the heart of the iPod, and the thing that sets it apart from everything else. Apart from that, the interface is a pretty simple menu cascade which can be improved by suitable editing of the firmware.