iPod Hi-Fi flops its way off Apple's online store

[AppleInsider]

Self-professed audiophile Steve Jobs, who last year said he replaced all of his expensive audio equipment and speakers with several of Apple's then fledgeling iPod Hi-Fi boombox systems, would now appear to have a house full of curios.

In an unpublicized move Wednesday, Apple quietly began pulling the $349 iPod Hi-Fi speaker system from online stores around the world, signaling that the product has likely been discontinued with no further revisions planned.

Introduced just 18 months ago, Apple billed the Hi-Fi as "an all-new high-fidelity speaker system that works seamlessly with the iPod to redefine the home stereo system," delivering "breathtaking acoustic performance and room-filling sound unlike any other speaker system designed for the iPod."

The last time anyone checked, the Hi-Fi showed few signs of fading, though it was garnering more dollar share of the iPod speaker market than market share.

NPD statistics published by the Apple 2.0 Blog about a year ago showed the Apple device to be the fourth most popular iPod speaker system at the time, with a 7.8 percent market share, behind systems from Bose, Logitech and i-Fusion.

When it came to revenue share, however, the Hi-Fi's steep price tag helped push it into second place behind Bose. Since then, sales of the device were rumored to have been stuck in the doldrums.

Rather than slash pricing and add more compelling features -- such as Wi-Fi connectivity -- Apple now appears to have scrapped the product altogether.

[Joseph_xxl]

next up.....

APPLE T.V

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Joseph_xxl

next up.....

APPLE T.V

Can't wait for the angst on this forum that we'll see then!

[gizmo2k2k]

anyone know if this new ipod touch will work with the ipod hi-fi? As I was reading this I just had this horrible feeling that they'd designed this new gadget with the intention of phasing out the hi-fi therefore making them incompatible??

[parky]

I think we are more likely to see a replacement that will accept Wireless streaming from an iPod!

[godrifle]

I have no need for a speaker for my iPod...I've already invested thousands in two sound systems. For the love of Pete, give me a boombox with built-in AirTunes... Sheesh. I'll take two of those.

And, give me a clock radio that pulls music off my iMac.

Talk about potential high markup items...

[siegling]

I think we are more likely to see a replacement that will accept Wireless streaming from an iPod!

I think it will resurface in six months or less with an airport express built in, and probably dropping the battery option which I doubt many people used.

[MacTel]

Originally Posted by Joseph_xxl

next up.....

APPLE T.V

Oh no, they're keeping AppleTV for awhile I'm sure. I'm looking at it to replace the need for VHS or PVR recording.

Imagine it being linked directly to the content providers' television series and movies, but their content would be free via commercials. Television viewing would all be on demand and still free without the PVR, Tivo, or VHS recorder.

I looking to see if Apple can pull that off with the studios (NBC included).

The iPod HiFi was just priced too high. If Apple was serious about it then they should have lowered the price or updated the features. They didn't even bother. I'm sure it would have sold better at a lower price point.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by MacTel

The iPod HiFi was just priced too high. If Apple was serious about it then they should have lowered the price or updated the features. They didn't even bother. I'm sure it would have sold better at a lower price point.

For me, the HiFi was just not a good fit. I would have liked a smaller, lighter boom box type type thing that didn't leave the iPod sticking out vulnerable. The goal of replacing a home sterio system was pie in the sky--it had only a few of the functions necessary for that, yet it didn't seem like a good portable solution.

I don't even think that a lower price would have convinced me.

I am with those who think that they may come up with a WiFi replacement (running on OS X, of course) and lets hope it fills an actual nitche

[S10]

Maybe they are dropping the product for a new one? Or maybe thy prefer to concentrate on the iPod line and leave the rest for the accessory makers?

The AppleTV is another story... It is not a success because of 2 reasons:
1. no connection to most TV's (y reason not buy one)
2. no rental videos... People just don't want to buy all those movies they're watching.. that's why I got netflix..

[palex9]

not really visually appealing, mediocre sound, not correctly priced (worth more like $199, if that). sure steve, we beleive you that you threw out all your expensive audio gear for the apple boom box (NOT).

[TitoC]

I don't know. I looked at a LOT of iPod Hi-Fi systems out there (Bose, JVC, etc.) and I got to tell you, the Apple Hi-Fi had them beat overall. This thing has a real nice sound to it. Full rich bass, subtle midtones and so on. Yes, it's not cheap. But of all the ones I looked at, this thing was the best value. This would be a shame if they discontinue it. I use it everyday. Hopefully this means that a revised version will come out.

I recommended the Apple Hi-Fi to 2 of my friends that were both looking for similar systems. One got it, the other one did not. The one who didn't get it, really wished he did after hearing mine.

[JeffDM]

Has Apple ever dropped a product with a long time between the discontinued version and a replacement? The best I can think of is the Cube to the mini.

If it matters, Apple is still offering those Apple branded $99 leather iPod cases. I really can't think of an Apple product that's more unappealing than that. The usage for it is odd and the price too steep for such an odd design.

[alek_2]

c`mon guys that box was never ever hifi even remotely; iPod itself is all about compressed portable and free music. Hi Fidelity is all about 40$ super discs and fabolous DACs and gold cables and 250,000 dollars worth of speakers...

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Joseph_xxl

next up.....

APPLE T.V

That would make my day. AppleTV needs to be re-thought from top to bottom or killed off.

[Xool]

Interesting that the product selector at the top of the iPod + iTunes page shows a new iPod in the iPod Hi-Fi.

[cyberdish]

I don't see why some of you are so down on the Apple TV. I use it almost daily and it works flawlessly. Since I got rid of Cable TV I just download whatever shows I want to see from ITMS and watch it on The Apple TV. I watch YouTube when in the mood and a myriad of podcasts that I subscribe to without a hiccup. I just finished watching yesterdays Eureka at 1080i and the picture was great - not true hidef but better than broadcast. Many of the podcasts I like are true hidef and look spectacular my 50 inch plasma. Streaming music videos over the Airport Extreme also works without a pause or freeze.
Sure the Apple TV could use some improvements and added features but let's get real, it does what it's supposed to do and it does it quite well.

[DaveGee]

Originally Posted by cyberdish

Since I got rid of Cable TV I just download whatever shows I want to see from ITMS and watch it on The Apple TV. .... I just finished watching yesterdays Eureka at 1080i and the picture was great - not true hidef but better than broadcast.

Please tell me where the 1080i content can be found on the iTMS... I'd kill to know... as would other I'd bet. Last I checked HD content was not an option... unless you 'shopped' at some of the more dubious areas of the net.

Dave

[ecking]

Originally Posted by DaveGee

Please tell me where the 1080i content can be found on the iTMS... I'd kill to know... as would other I'd bet. Last I checked HD content was not an option... unless you 'shopped' at some of the more dubious areas of the net.

Dave

I think his podcast was 1080i, which iTunes does feature.

[ecking]

They need to take out the battery port, make the Hi-Fi smaller and lighter a bit, add air tunes and price it between 149-199.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by ecking

I think his podcast was 1080i, which iTunes does feature.

Really? The official specs for Apple TV say that it can't play media above 720p. I know Apple has fudged down the specified resolution before, but I figured this one might have been honest.

At any rate, 1080i video exported to AppleTV gets knocked down to 540p.

[cyberdish]

is what the TV tells me the HD podcasts are being displayed at on screen. they look quite good, usually can't tell the difference between that picture and playing an average Blueray (I Mean HD DVD) (like King Kong) thru the PS3.

[jfanning]

Originally Posted by cyberdish

is what the TV tells me the HD podcasts are being displayed at on screen. they look quite good, usually can't tell the difference between that picture and playing an average Blueray (like King Kong) thru the PS3.

Umm, King Kong is a Universal movie, so no Blu-Ray version

[dutch pear]

I would buy an updated hifi in a heartbeat if it would be an airtunes enabled stereo speaker set. Too bad that prospect looks unlikely at this point

[BenRoethig]

Originally Posted by MacTel

Oh no, they're keeping AppleTV for awhile I'm sure. I'm looking at it to replace the need for VHS or PVR recording.

Imagine it being linked directly to the content providers' television series and movies, but their content would be free via commercials. Television viewing would all be on demand and still free without the PVR, Tivo, or VHS recorder.

I looking to see if Apple can pull that off with the studios (NBC included).

The iPod HiFi was just priced too high. If Apple was serious about it then they should have lowered the price or updated the features. They didn't even bother. I'm sure it would have sold better at a lower price point.

Which it could if Apple would add PVR functionality to either it or the Mac platform. It's a good concept, but little mistakes and having it pretty much tied to the iTunes store are killing it.

[shamino]

Good riddance.

The iPod Hi-Fi is overpriced and sounds like mud. Sure, it's loud and has lots of bass, but that's it. There is no treble worth speaking of. Everything played on it sounds like the band is on the other side of a brick wall.

My $100 iHome IH5 sounds better in every possible way.

[scottiB]

Originally Posted by TitoC

I don't know. I looked at a LOT of iPod Hi-Fi systems out there (Bose, JVC, etc.) and I got to tell you, the Apple Hi-Fi had them beat overall. This thing has a real nice sound to it. Full rich bass, subtle midtones and so on. Yes, it's not cheap. But of all the ones I looked at, this thing was the best value. This would be a shame if they discontinue it. I use it everyday. Hopefully this means that a revised version will come out.

I recommended the Apple Hi-Fi to 2 of my friends that were both looking for similar systems. One got it, the other one did not. The one who didn't get it, really wished he did after hearing mine.

Total agreement. Love the sound and presence. I use mine with both my 1st gen iPod and 1st gen nano inside or on the deck (or wherever). Upon seeing this, I bought another from Amazon for a Xmas gift.

[Mitch1984]

They should make the hifi wifi
For the Apple TV they should put a DVD/BLU-RAY drive in it or allow you to stream off a dvd to the Apple TV. and allow to record off the TV.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by ecking

I think his podcast was 1080i, which iTunes does feature.

Actually, 720p is also considered "high-def".

[roehlstation]

I liked the HiFi, I just think the $349 price tag was a little too high, especially with the number of similar units out there. I'm hoping I can get a hold of one for a discounted price.

[roehlstation]

Originally Posted by Mitch1984

They should make the hifi wifi
For the Apple TV they should put a DVD/BLU-RAY drive in it or allow you to stream off a dvd to the Apple TV. and allow to record off the TV.

It is really easy to plug an AirPort Express into it. Shazaam, WiFi HiFI.

But yeah, I can see them building that in eventually.

Problem with the AppleTV is all the limitations put on by the entertainment industry, doesn't let it become what it is meant to be.

[DaveGee]

Originally Posted by ecking

I think his podcast was 1080i, which iTunes does feature.

Podcast?

Eureka is a sci-fi TV series (and a pretty good one at that)... and what I said was where does Apple offer 1080i resolution TV shows... Podcast if I'm not mistaken are quite different than professionally produced syndicated TV shows.

Unless that is there is some other podcast called Eureka that has nothing to do with the scifi tv series... if thats the case then... nevermind

Dave

[ecking]

Originally Posted by DaveGee

Podcast?

Eureka is a sci-fi TV series (and a pretty good one at that)... and what I said was where does Apple offer 1080i resolution TV shows... Podcast if I'm not mistaken are quite different than professionally produced syndicated TV shows.

Unless that is there is some other podcast called Eureka that has nothing to do with the scifi tv series... if thats the case then... nevermind

Dave

My mistake. I do know that some podcasts are offered in HD, I just figured that was one of them and that you knew what you were talking about. You weren't clear enough about what type of program it was.