Because the MP3 player market is a wide open race that Apple is actually winning and they want to keep the pedal to the metal. It's nothing short of a gold rush and every extra iPod sold now means another customer who will identify digital music with Apple for the next 5-10 years. Buying and listening habits are being formed right now and Apple wants every set of ears they can get before MS and Sony finally pull their heads out of their asses.
Because the MP3 player market is a wide open race that Apple is actually winning and they want to keep the pedal to the metal. It's nothing short of a gold rush and every extra iPod sold now means another customer who will identify digital music with Apple for the next 5-10 years. Buying and listening habits are being formed right now and Apple wants every set of ears they can get before MS and Sony finally pull their heads out of their asses.
well said
SATURATE the marketplace with apple branded mp3 products!!!
Because the MP3 player market is a wide open race that Apple is actually winning and they want to keep the pedal to the metal...
And they're doing quite well. I can hardly believe they've sold 1.5 million iPods in the past six months! This has GOT to bode well for the Mac platform, eventually.
Intastella, good idea about a customizable button or two. Shuffle / no shuffle is one of the functions I'd use one for. Unfortunately, I doubt it'll happen because it would seem to complicate the interface.
And they're doing quite well. I can hardly believe they've sold 1.5 million iPods in the past six months! This has GOT to bode well for the Mac platform, eventually.
Intastella, good idea about a customizable button or two. Shuffle / no shuffle is one of the functions I'd use one for. Unfortunately, I doubt it'll happen because it would seem to complicate the interface.
yup
simplicity/minimalistic design > too many cluttered useless buttons
Where did HP and Apple ever say that they will not be selling updated HP models of the iPod when Apple updates?
It was implicit in some interviews around the time of the announcements that Apple would, at its discretion, revise iPod and that those revisions were not automatically part of what is - to all intents - a remanufacturing deal, where HP has bought a pre-defined amount of iPod manufacturing capacity.
Obviously, HP and Apple will review the arrangements periodically to decide when the markets that HP is seeking to exploit are commercially prepared to take new iPod versions and whether Apple has properly exploited its first mover advantage.
Actually I'd be surprised if Apple marked the first anniversary with an iPod update. Remember back in January when everyone was convinced that Apple would do/introduce something to mark the 20th anniversary of the Mac? The day kinda came and went unnoticed.
Actually I'd be surprised if Apple marked the first anniversary with an iPod update. Remember back in January when everyone was convinced that Apple would do/introduce something to mark the 20th anniversary of the Mac? The day kinda came and went unnoticed.
\
This is different, as it is something more recent and relative to Apple's current success.
Two words best express why I doubt we'll be seeing new iPods next week: no press. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't remember any iPod being announced good and publicly by Steve. And have there been any invites sent out for a press event next week? Nope.
I hope they add either a switch to turn shuffle on and off or a couple of customizable buttons where I could do the same thing. I spend a lot of time messing with shuffle settings.
I'd find this very useful too, because when I use my iPod, I typically either want to play whole albums, which I don't want shuffled, or big playlists, which I do want shuffled.
However, as others have said here, adding such a switch would go against the minimalist grain of the iPod design.
If it were up to me, I'd go ahead and sparingly add a few more physical controls, like a volume control that's independent from the scroll wheel, and perhaps this shuffle play switch (which would have to be a three-position slider). Perhaps a separate Record button as well, for better support of add-ons like the Belkin microphone.
Of course, once you start going down this path, it can be hard to draw the line about where to stop.
I'd find this very useful too, because when I use my iPod, I typically either want to play whole albums, which I don't want shuffled, or big playlists, which I do want shuffled.
However, as others have said here, adding such a switch would go against the minimalist grain of the iPod design.
If it were up to me, I'd go ahead and sparingly add a few more physical controls, like a volume control that's independent from the scroll wheel, and perhaps this shuffle play switch (which would have to be a three-position slider). Perhaps a separate Record button as well, for better support of add-ons like the Belkin microphone.
Of course, once you start going down this path, it can be hard to draw the line about where to stop.
One way to handle this that doesn't require adding a new button would be for the iPod to respect the shuffle setting from iTunes. I have certain playlists that have shuffle enabled, some that don't, and I never keep my Library on shuffle. If the iPod would only transfer these setting over the problem would be solved.
I don't think Apple will worry about the press in announcing a new iPod next week - they came out with new laptops last week. Because of the unique position of the iPod in the market every news show and paper will be running stories touting how great it is. News will travel very fast indeed.
The other factor is that there will be a strong demand as soon as it is announced, especially if it has a color screen. How many people reading these boards will order one as soon as they are out? How many that get an e-mail from Apple announcing a new iPod will order one in the first week? The real problem will be a sufficient supply to fill initial orders, including mine - my old 1g 5gig iPod needs replacing and, with the 50 gig at $499 I'll jump on the next one down (40 gig?) the first chance I get!
I don't think Apple will worry about the press in announcing a new iPod next week - they came out with new laptops last week. Because of the unique position of the iPod in the market every news show and paper will be running stories touting how great it is. News will travel very fast indeed.
Except that last week's PowerBooks were just nice bumps. The iPod is Apple's star product these days and, thus, they will want to make as big a deal as they can about any new model. Especially if the rumoured new features come to fruition (colour OLED screen, video out, etc...), there is no way they'll announce that with a simple press release. It just doesn't seem like Apple's style.
If it were up to me, I'd go ahead and sparingly add a few more physical controls, like a volume control that's independent from the scroll wheel,...
Huh? Why would you add an additional volume control? Do you find the scroll wheel difficult to use? And what kind of control would it be, a knob of some sort? Just wondering.
According to www.macminute.com and this site, Apple is holding a one year iTMS anniversary conference call. We should expect some announcements, ranging from product introductions to market share data numbers. Nice!
According to www.macminute.com and this site, Apple is holding a one year iTMS anniversary conference call. We should expect some announcements, ranging from product introductions to market share data numbers. Nice!
For that you'd need an event where people were already attending otherwise you'd be keynoting to an empty room...
Sure Apple did a specific "press invite" (with members of the press traveling out to Apple) when the iPod was 1st introduced since after all it was an 'all new direction' for Apple do go into (consumer device instead of computer device) but if all Apple does is update the current iPod (if they indeed do that) that doesn't have the same impact that would warrant the press to travel to a special event. You can't be calling on the press to make a trek out to Apple for every single update or the reporters will begin to notice and say 'forget it' I'm not wasting a day just for another boring update.
According to www.macminute.com and this site, Apple is holding a one year iTMS anniversary conference call. We should expect some announcements, ranging from product introductions to market share data numbers. Nice!
Comments
Originally posted by Ensign Pulver
Because the MP3 player market is a wide open race that Apple is actually winning and they want to keep the pedal to the metal. It's nothing short of a gold rush and every extra iPod sold now means another customer who will identify digital music with Apple for the next 5-10 years. Buying and listening habits are being formed right now and Apple wants every set of ears they can get before MS and Sony finally pull their heads out of their asses.
well said
SATURATE the marketplace with apple branded mp3 products!!!
Originally posted by Ensign Pulver
Because the MP3 player market is a wide open race that Apple is actually winning and they want to keep the pedal to the metal...
And they're doing quite well. I can hardly believe they've sold 1.5 million iPods in the past six months! This has GOT to bode well for the Mac platform, eventually.
Intastella, good idea about a customizable button or two. Shuffle / no shuffle is one of the functions I'd use one for. Unfortunately, I doubt it'll happen because it would seem to complicate the interface.
Originally posted by iDave
And they're doing quite well. I can hardly believe they've sold 1.5 million iPods in the past six months! This has GOT to bode well for the Mac platform, eventually.
Intastella, good idea about a customizable button or two. Shuffle / no shuffle is one of the functions I'd use one for. Unfortunately, I doubt it'll happen because it would seem to complicate the interface.
yup
simplicity/minimalistic design > too many cluttered useless buttons
Originally posted by Jared
Where did HP and Apple ever say that they will not be selling updated HP models of the iPod when Apple updates?
It was implicit in some interviews around the time of the announcements that Apple would, at its discretion, revise iPod and that those revisions were not automatically part of what is - to all intents - a remanufacturing deal, where HP has bought a pre-defined amount of iPod manufacturing capacity.
Obviously, HP and Apple will review the arrangements periodically to decide when the markets that HP is seeking to exploit are commercially prepared to take new iPod versions and whether Apple has properly exploited its first mover advantage.
Originally posted by Michael Grey
Actually I'd be surprised if Apple marked the first anniversary with an iPod update. Remember back in January when everyone was convinced that Apple would do/introduce something to mark the 20th anniversary of the Mac? The day kinda came and went unnoticed.
This is different, as it is something more recent and relative to Apple's current success.
Originally posted by intastella
I hope they add either a switch to turn shuffle on and off or a couple of customizable buttons where I could do the same thing. I spend a lot of time messing with shuffle settings.
I'd find this very useful too, because when I use my iPod, I typically either want to play whole albums, which I don't want shuffled, or big playlists, which I do want shuffled.
However, as others have said here, adding such a switch would go against the minimalist grain of the iPod design.
If it were up to me, I'd go ahead and sparingly add a few more physical controls, like a volume control that's independent from the scroll wheel, and perhaps this shuffle play switch (which would have to be a three-position slider). Perhaps a separate Record button as well, for better support of add-ons like the Belkin microphone.
Of course, once you start going down this path, it can be hard to draw the line about where to stop.
Originally posted by shetline
I'd find this very useful too, because when I use my iPod, I typically either want to play whole albums, which I don't want shuffled, or big playlists, which I do want shuffled.
However, as others have said here, adding such a switch would go against the minimalist grain of the iPod design.
If it were up to me, I'd go ahead and sparingly add a few more physical controls, like a volume control that's independent from the scroll wheel, and perhaps this shuffle play switch (which would have to be a three-position slider). Perhaps a separate Record button as well, for better support of add-ons like the Belkin microphone.
Of course, once you start going down this path, it can be hard to draw the line about where to stop.
One way to handle this that doesn't require adding a new button would be for the iPod to respect the shuffle setting from iTunes. I have certain playlists that have shuffle enabled, some that don't, and I never keep my Library on shuffle. If the iPod would only transfer these setting over the problem would be solved.
The other factor is that there will be a strong demand as soon as it is announced, especially if it has a color screen. How many people reading these boards will order one as soon as they are out? How many that get an e-mail from Apple announcing a new iPod will order one in the first week? The real problem will be a sufficient supply to fill initial orders, including mine - my old 1g 5gig iPod needs replacing and, with the 50 gig at $499 I'll jump on the next one down (40 gig?) the first chance I get!
Originally posted by kenaustus
I don't think Apple will worry about the press in announcing a new iPod next week - they came out with new laptops last week. Because of the unique position of the iPod in the market every news show and paper will be running stories touting how great it is. News will travel very fast indeed.
Except that last week's PowerBooks were just nice bumps. The iPod is Apple's star product these days and, thus, they will want to make as big a deal as they can about any new model. Especially if the rumoured new features come to fruition (colour OLED screen, video out, etc...), there is no way they'll announce that with a simple press release. It just doesn't seem like Apple's style.
Originally posted by shetline
If it were up to me, I'd go ahead and sparingly add a few more physical controls, like a volume control that's independent from the scroll wheel,...
Huh? Why would you add an additional volume control? Do you find the scroll wheel difficult to use? And what kind of control would it be, a knob of some sort? Just wondering.
Originally posted by Messiahtosh
According to www.macminute.com and this site, Apple is holding a one year iTMS anniversary conference call. We should expect some announcements, ranging from product introductions to market share data numbers. Nice!
yeah but conference call only though
better if it were a keynote speech/event
Originally posted by TrunksGoku
yeah but conference call only though
better if it were a keynote speech/event
For that you'd need an event where people were already attending otherwise you'd be keynoting to an empty room...
Sure Apple did a specific "press invite" (with members of the press traveling out to Apple) when the iPod was 1st introduced since after all it was an 'all new direction' for Apple do go into (consumer device instead of computer device) but if all Apple does is update the current iPod (if they indeed do that) that doesn't have the same impact that would warrant the press to travel to a special event. You can't be calling on the press to make a trek out to Apple for every single update or the reporters will begin to notice and say 'forget it' I'm not wasting a day just for another boring update.
Dave
Originally posted by Messiahtosh
According to www.macminute.com and this site, Apple is holding a one year iTMS anniversary conference call. We should expect some announcements, ranging from product introductions to market share data numbers. Nice!
confirmed by TMO
http://www.macobserver.com/article/2004/04/26.9.shtml
Originally posted by MacGregor
Whatever it is, it better make me forget that I think Steve's snubbing of Real was a big, big, stupid mistake.
Not everyone agrees that it was.