Apple iPod
iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple Inc. and launched on October 23, 2001. As of 2008, the current product line-up includes the hard drive-based iPod classic, the touchscreen iPod touch, the video-capable iPod nano and the screenless iPod shuffle. Former products include the compact iPod mini and the spin-off iPod photo (since re-integrated into the main iPod classic line). iPod classic models store media on an internal hard drive, while all other models use flash memory to enable their smaller size (the discontinued mini used a Microdrive miniature hard drive). As with many other digital music players, iPods, excluding the iPod touch, can also serve as external data storage devices. Storage capacity varies by model.
Apple’s iTunes software is used to transfer music to the devices. As a jukebox application, iTunes stores a music library on the user’s computer and can play, burn and rip music from a CD. It can also transfer photos, videos, games, contact information, E-Mail messages, Web bookmarks, and calendars to iPod models supporting those features. Apple focused its development on the iPod’s unique user interface and its ease of use, rather than on technical capability. As of September 2007, the iPod had sold more than 150 million units worldwide making it the best-selling digital audio player series in history.
History and design
iPod came from Apple’s “digital hub” category,[3] when the company began creating software for the growing market of personal digital devices. Digital cameras, camcorders and organizers had well-established mainstream markets, but the company found existing digital music players “big and clunky or small and useless” with user interfaces that were “unbelievably awful,”[3] so Apple decided to develop its own. As ordered by CEO Steve Jobs, Apple’s hardware engineering chief Jon Rubinstein assembled a team of engineers to design the iPod, including hardware engineers Tony Fadell and Michael Dhuey,[4] and design engineer Jonathan Ive.[3] The product was developed in less than one year and unveiled on October 23, 2001. Jobs announced it as a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put “1,000 songs in your pocket.”
Uncharacteristically, Apple did not develop iPod’s software entirely in-house, instead using PortalPlayer’s reference platform based on 2 ARM cores. The platform had rudimentary software running on a commercial microkernel embedded operating system. PortalPlayer had previously been working on an IBM-branded MP3 player with Bluetooth headphones.[3] Apple contracted another company, Pixo, to help design and implement the user interface under the direct supervision of Steve Jobs.[3] As development progressed, Apple continued to refine the software’s look and feel. Starting with the iPod mini, the Chicago font was replaced with Espy Sans. Later iPods switched fonts again to Podium Sans — a font similar to Apple’s corporate font, Myriad. iPods with color displays then adopted some Mac OS X themes like Aqua progress bars, and brushed metal in the lock interface. In 2007, Apple modified the iPod interface again with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod classic and third-generation iPod nano by changing the font to Helvetica and, in most cases, splitting the screen in half by displaying the menus on the left and album artwork, photos, or videos on the right (whichever was appropriate for the selected item).
the second-generation nanos. All first generation iPod shuffles and the second generation up until January 30, 2007 (when color models were introduced) had the second kind; those that shipped after that date had the third kind.
In 2005, New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority placed advertisements on the subways warning passengers that “Earphones are a giveaway. Protect your device”,[21] after iPod thefts on the subway rose from zero in 2004 to 50 in the first three months of 2005.[22]
BMW released the first iPod automobile interface,[23] allowing drivers of newer BMW vehicles to control their iPod using either the built-in steering wheel controls or the radio head-unit buttons. Apple announced in 2005 that similar systems would be available for other vehicle brands, including Mercedes-Benz,[24] Volvo,[25] Nissan, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari,[26] Acura, Audi, Honda,[27] Renault and Volkswagen.[28] Scion offers standard iPod connectivity on all their cars.
Some independent stereo manufacturers including JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, and Harman Kardon also have iPod-specific integration solutions. Alternative connection methods include adaptor kits (that use the cassette deck or the CD changer port), audio input jacks, and FM transmitters such as the iTrip — although personal FM transmitters are illegal in some countries. Many car manufacturers have added audio input jacks as standard.[29]
Beginning in mid-2007, four major airlines, United, Continental, Delta, and Emirates reached agreements to install iPod seat connections. The free service will allow passengers to power and charge their iPod, and view their video and music libraries on individual seat-back displays.[30] Originally KLM and Air France were reported to be part of the deal with Apple, but they later released statements explaining that they were only contemplating the possibility of incorporating such systems.[31]
Battery issues
The advertised battery life on most models is different from the real-world achievable life. For example, the fifth generation 30 GB iPod is advertised as having up to 14 hours of music playback. An MP3.com report stated that this was virtually unachievable under real-life usage conditions, with a writer for MP3.com getting on average less than 8 hours from his or her iPod.[32] In 2003, class action lawsuits were brought against Apple complaining that the battery charges lasted for shorter lengths of time than stated and that the battery degraded over time.[33] The lawsuits were settled by offering individuals either US$50 store credit or a free battery replacement.[34]
iPod batteries are not designed to be removed or replaced by the user, although some users have been able to open the case themselves, usually following instructions from third-party vendors of iPod replacement batteries. Compounding the problem, Apple initially would not replace worn-out batteries. The official policy was that the customer should buy a refurbished replacement iPod, at a cost almost equivalent to a brand new one. All lithium-ion batteries eventually lose capacity during their lifetime[35] (guidelines are available for prolonging life-span) and this situation led to a small market for third-party battery replacement kits.
Apple announced a battery replacement program on November 14, 2003, a week before[36] a high publicity stunt and website by the Neistat Brothers.[37] The initial cost was US$99,[38] and it was lowered to US$59 in 2005. One week later, Apple offered an extended iPod warranty for US$59.[39] For the iPod nano, soldering tools are needed because the battery is soldered onto the main board. Fifth generation iPods have their battery attached to the backplate with adhesive.[40][41]
Bass response
The third generation iPod had a weak bass response, as shown in audio tests.[42][43] The combination of the undersized DC-blocking capacitors and the typical low-impedance of most consumer headphones form a high-pass filter, which attenuates the low-frequency bass output. Similar capacitors were used in the fourth generation iPods.[44] The problem is reduced when using high-impedance headphones and is completely masked when driving high-impedance (line level) loads, such as an external headphone amplifier. The first generation iPod shuffle uses a dual-transistor output stage,[45] rather than a single capacitor-coupled output, and does not exhibit reduced bass response for any load.
Models
The iPod has been upgraded many times, and each significant revision is called a “generation”. Only the most recent (highest numbered) generation and refurbished units of previous generations of the iPod is available from Apple for each model (classic, nano, shuffle, touch). Each new generation usually has more features and refinements while typically being physically smaller and lighter than its predecessor, while usually (but not always) retaining the older model’s price tag. Notable changes include the touch-sensitive click wheel replacing the mechanical scroll wheel, use of color displays, and flash memory replacing hard disks.
The software bundled with the first generation iPod was Macintosh-only, so Windows users had to use third-party software like ephPod or XPlay to manage their music. When Apple introduced the second generation of iPods in July 2002, they sold two versions, one that included iTunes for Macintosh users and another that included Musicmatch Jukebox for Windows users.[48] In October 2003, Apple released the Windows version of iTunes,[49] and started selling iPods that included both Macintosh and Windows versions of iTunes so that they could be used with either platform. Current iPods no longer ship with iTunes, which must be downloaded from Apple’s website.
In December 2002, Apple unveiled its first limited edition iPods, with either Madonna’s, Tony Hawk’s, or Beck’s signature or No Doubt’s band logo engraved on the back for an extra US$50.[50] On October 26, 2004, Apple introduced a special edition of its fourth generation monochrome iPod, designed in the color scheme of the album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by Irish rock band U2. It had a black case with a red click wheel and the back had the engraved signatures of U2’s band members. This iPod was updated alongside the iPod photo and fifth generation iPod.
On October 13, 2006, Apple released a special edition 4 GB red iPod nano as part of the (PRODUCT)RED campaign. An 8 GB version was released three weeks later and both of them sold for the same price as the standard models. US$10 from each sale is donated to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria. On September 5, 2007, Apple also added a (PRODUCT)RED iPod shuffle model. They did not disclose how much will be donated to charity from this model. Apple also released Special Edition Harry Potter iPods to accompany the iPod photo. These were engraved with the Hogwarts Crest on the back and were only available to purchasers of the Harry Potter audiobooks. They were updated when the fifth generation iPods were released, but were only available for a limited time.
In 2007, a Cubismo special edition 2 GB silver iPod nano was made available in the former Yugoslav republics. [51]
Reliability and durability
iPods have been criticized for their short life-span and fragile hard drives. A 2005 survey conducted on the MacInTouch website found that the iPod had an average failure rate of 13.7%. It concluded that some models were more durable than others.[53] In particular, failure rates for iPods employing hard drives was usually above 20% while those with flash memory had a failure rate below 10%, indicating poor hard drive durability. In late 2005, many users complained that the surface of the first generation iPod nano can become scratched easily, rendering the screen unusable.[54][55] A class action lawsuit was also filed.[56] Apple initially considered the issue a minor defect, but later began shipping these iPods with protective sleeves.
On June 11, 2006, the British newspaper Mail on Sunday reported that iPods are mainly manufactured by workers who earn no more than US$50 per month and work 15-hour shifts.[57] Apple investigated the case with independent auditors and found that, while some of the plant’s labour practices met Apple’s Code of Conduct, others did not: Employees worked over 60 hours a week for 35% of the time, and worked more than six consecutive days for 25% of the time.[58]
Foxconn, Apple’s manufacturer, initially denied the abuses[59], but when an auditing team from Apple found that workers had been working longer hours than were allowed under Chinese law, they promised to prevent workers working more hours than the Code allowed. Apple hired a workplace standards auditing company, Verité, and joined the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct Implementation Group to oversee the measures. On December 31, 2006, workers at the Longhua, Shenzhen factory (owned by Foxconn) formed a union. The union is affiliated with the Chinese government-controlled All-China Federation of Trade Unions.[60]
Patent disputes
In 2005, Apple faced two lawsuits claiming patent infringement by the iPod and its associated technologies:[61] Advanced Audio Devices claimed the iPod breached its patent on a “music jukebox”,[62] while a Hong Kong-based IP portfolio company called Pat-rights filed a suit claiming that Apple’s FairPlay technology breached a patent[63] issued to inventor Ho Keung Tse. The latter case also includes the online music stores of Sony, RealNetworks, Napster, and Musicmatch as defendants.[64]
Apple’s application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a patent on “rotational user inputs”,[65] as used on the iPod’s interface, received a third “non-final rejection” (NFR) in August 2005. Also in August 2005, Creative Technology, one of Apple’s main rivals in the MP3 player market, announced that it held a patent[66] on part of the music selection interface used by the iPod, which Creative dubbed the “Zen Patent”, granted on August 9, 2005.[67] On May 15, 2006, Creative filed another suit against Apple with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Creative also asked the United States International Trade Commission to investigate whether Apple was breaching U.S. trade laws by importing iPods into the United States.[68]
On August 24, 2006, Apple and Creative announced a broad settlement to end their legal disputes. Apple will pay Creative US$100 million for a paid-up license, to use Creative’s awarded patent in all Apple products. As part of the agreement, Apple will recoup part of its payment, if Creative is successful in licensing the patent. Creative then announced its intention to produce iPod accessories by joining the Made for iPod program.[69] For example, the Creative Zen Stone Plus is iTunes compatible.
Sales
iPod quarterly sales. Click for table of data and sources.
See also: iPod advertising
Since October 2004, the iPod has dominated digital music player sales in the United States, with over 90% of the market for hard drive-based players and over 70% of the market for all types of players.[70] During the year from January 2004 to January 2005, the high rate of sales caused its U.S. market share to increase from 31% to 65% and in July 2005, this market share was measured at 74%. In January of 2007 the iPod market share reached 72.7% according to Bloomberg Online.
The release of the iPod mini helped to ensure this success at a time when competing flash-based music players were once dominant.[71] On January 8, 2004, Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced that they would sell HP-branded iPods under a license agreement from Apple. Several new retail channels were used—including Wal-Mart—and these iPods eventually made up 5% of all iPod sales. In July 2005, HP stopped selling iPods due to unfavorable terms and conditions imposed by Apple.[72]
In January 2007, Apple reported record quarterly revenue of US$7.1 billion, of which 48% was made from iPod sales.[73]
On April 9, 2007, it was announced that Apple had sold its one-hundred millionth iPod, making it the biggest selling digital music player of all time. In April 2007, Apple reported second quarter revenue of US$5.2 billion, of which 32% was made from iPod sales.[74] Apple and several industry analysts suggest that iPod users are likely to purchase other Apple products such as Mac computers.[75]
On September 5, 2007, during their “The Beat Goes On” event, Apple announced that the iPod had surpassed 110 million units sold.
On October 22, 2007, Apple reported quarterly revenue of US$6.22 billion, of which 30.69% came from Apple notebook sales, 19.22% from desktop sales and 26% from iPod sales. Apple’s 2007 year revenue increased to US$24.01 billion with US$3.5 billion in profits. Apple ended the fiscal year 2007 with US$15.4 billion in cash and no debt.[76]
On January 22, 2008, Apple reported the best quarter revenue and earnings in Apple’s history so far. Apple posted record revenue of $9.6 billion and record net quarterly profit of $1.58 billion. 42% of Apple’s revenue for the First fiscal quarter of 2008 came from iPod sales, followed by 21% from notebook sales and 16% from desktop sales[77]. Apple has sold over 140M iPods to date (see chart). It also posted record Mac and iPod sales to date.
Industry impact
iPods have won several awards ranging from engineering excellence,[78] to most innovative audio product,[79] to fourth best computer product of 2006.[80] iPods often receive favorable reviews; scoring on looks, clean design, and ease of use. PC World says that iPods have “altered the landscape for portable audio players”.[79] Several industries are modifying their products to work better with both the iPod and the AAC audio format. Examples include CD copy-protection schemes,[81] and mobile phones, such as phones from Sony Ericsson and Nokia, which play AAC files rather than WMA. Microsoft’s Zune device also supports AAC and it has adopted a similar closed DRM model used by iPods and the iTunes Store, despite Microsoft previously marketing the benefits of choice with their PlaysForSure initiative. Podcasts and download charts have also had mainstream adoption.
In addition to its reputation as a respected entertainment device, the iPod has also become accepted as a business device. Government departments, major institutions and international organisations have turned to the iPod as a delivery mechanism for business communication and training, such as the Royal and Western Infirmaries in Glasgow, Scotland where iPods are used to train new staff.[82]
iPods have also gained popularity for use in education. Apple offers more information on educational uses for iPods on their website, [83] including a collection of lesson plans. [84] There has also been academic research done in this area in nursing education [85] and more general K-16 education. [86] Duke University provided iPods to all incoming freshmen in the fall of 2004, and the iPod program continues today with modifications. [87]
source: Wikipedia
Related Posts
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment