iPhone vs. Future iPod? What's the difference?
I've read a lot about the iPhone (in the media and in forums) and have seen Apple's plans for the iPhone to be it's "3rd Pillar" (alongside the iPod and Apple Computers). I've also read about the possibility of future iPhones (iPhone Nano, etc). The strong debut of the iPhone is a clear sign that Apple has a strong future in this market.
But my question is this: How does Apple maintain separate identities for the iPod and iPhone? Or, has the iPhone become the new iPod? Does the next iPod adopt essentially all the same features of iPhone? If the iPhone is Apple's new "Third Tier," what kind of effect will it (and future iPhones) have on the iPod?
Or, maybe it doesn't matter...Any thoughts?
But my question is this: How does Apple maintain separate identities for the iPod and iPhone? Or, has the iPhone become the new iPod? Does the next iPod adopt essentially all the same features of iPhone? If the iPhone is Apple's new "Third Tier," what kind of effect will it (and future iPhones) have on the iPod?
Or, maybe it doesn't matter...Any thoughts?
Comments
I could see the ipod mini brought back with a larger 'wide'screen, slight size increase, and more memory to replace the current full-size ipod's size and functionality for around $300.
The Nano could get a larger 'wide'screen as well and a memory bump, but it keep its same dimensions for around $200
just my 2-cents.....
HOWEVER, I think there will be a transition over to anodized aluminum for the full-sized iPod, as this material has proven the most scratch resistant. It will be hard-drive based, but the click wheel will be gone, and much like the iPhone, there will be a new method of browsing that utilizes a front row style navigation and coverflow on a optical-quality glass screen that covers the face of the unit. This will be a multimedia machine, not a web browser; a feature like that would cannibalize the iPhone. It may, however, have bluetooth technology.
The nano will also get a makeover- just as thin, but a bit less skinny to get the aspect ratio correct for a full-face, glass touchscreen. It is also possible that they will make a iPhone nano at some point, but who knows how they'll pull that off... web browsing probably won't work on a screen smaller than 3.5 inches.
The iPhone has paved the way for a new generation of iPods; the clickwheel is dead weight.
Oh, and they'll run OSX... it'll be a bit more trim because it won't have to deal with software for web browsing or anything like that, but it'll be much better than the current iPod OS, and well worth the extra space.
This will happen within the next two years, and the price points will become increasingly more affordable as R&D continues for this type of product.