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| '''iPod''' is a brand of ]s designed and marketed by ] and launched in ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2001/oct/23ipod.html | title=Apple Presents iPod | author=Apple PR | date=October 23, 2001 | work=Apple.com | accessdate=2007-01-11 }}</ref> Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital music players, designed around a central click wheel — although the ] has buttons only. The full-sized model stores ] on an internal ], while the smaller ] and iPod shuffle use ]. Like many ]s, iPods can also serve as external ]. | |||
| In addition to playing music, iPods with display screens can display calendars, contact information, and text files, and play a limited range of games. Models introduced in 2004 include the ability to display photos and the ], introduced in 2005, can additionally play video files. In January 2007, Apple announced the ], combining the features of a video-capable iPod with integrated ] and mobile internet capabilities. | |||
| Apple's ] software is used for transferring music (as well as photos, videos, games, contacts and calendars, for models that support those features). As a free jukebox application, iTunes stores a comprehensive library of music on the user's computer and can play, ], and ] music from a CD. It can also sync photos and videos. | |||
| Apple focused its development on the iPod's unique ] and its ease of use, rather than on technical capability. The iPod is currently the world's best-selling range of digital audio players and its worldwide mainstream adoption makes it one of the most popular consumer brands. Some of Apple's design choices and proprietary actions have, however, led to criticism and legal battles. | |||
| ==History and design== | |||
| The iPod came from Apple's digital hub strategy, as the company began creating software for the growing market of digital devices being purchased by consumers. While digital cameras, camcorders and organizers had well-established mainstream markets, the company found digital music players lacking in user interface design and decided to develop its own. "iPod" was a name that Apple registered for ]s, but never put to use.<ref>Kahney, Leander. , ], ] ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| Apple's hardware engineering chief ] assembled a team of engineers to design it, including ], Stan Ng and ]. They developed the product in less than a year and it was unveiled on ] ]. CEO ] announced it as a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put "1000 songs in your pocket." | |||
| Uncharacteristically, Apple did not develop the iPod's software entirely in-house. Instead, Apple began with ]'s reference platform which was based on 2 ] cores. The platform used rudimentary software running on a commercial microkernel embedded operating system. PortalPlayer had previously been working on an IBM-branded MP3 player with ] headphones.<ref>Kahney, Leander. , ], ] ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> Apple contracted another company, ], to help design and implement the user interface, under the direct supervision of Steve Jobs. | |||
| Once established, Apple continued to refine the software's look and feel. Starting with the iPod mini, the ] font (once used on early ] computers) was replaced with ], which was originally used in ] and ]. Later iPods switched fonts again to ] — a font similar to Apple's corporate font ]. The iPods with color displays then adopted some ] themes like Aqua progress bars, as well as ] in the lock interface. | |||
| ==User interface== | |||
| The iPods with color displays use high quality ] graphics and text, with sliding animations. These iPods have five buttons and the newer generations have the buttons integrated into the click wheel — an innovation which gives an uncluttered, minimalistic interface. The buttons are: | |||
| *''Menu'' — to traverse backwards through the menus, and toggle the ] on older iPods | |||
| *''Center'' — to select a menu item | |||
| *''Play / Pause'' — this doubles as an off switch when held | |||
| *''Fast Forward / Skip Forward'' | |||
| *''Fast Reverse / Skip Backwards'' | |||
| The other operations such as scrolling through menu items and controlling the volume are performed by using the click wheel in a rotational manner. These iPods also have a ''Hold'' switch at the top, which prevents accidental button presses. Newer iPods automatically pause playback when the headphones are unplugged from the headphone jack, but playback does not resume when the headphones are re-inserted. An iPod that has crashed or frozen can be reset by switching 'Hold' on then off, then holding ''Menu'' and ''Center'' (''Menu'' and ''Play'' on the 3G iPod) for 6 seconds. | |||
| The iPod shuffle does not use a click wheel and instead has five buttons positioned differently to the larger models. It has a Play / Pause button in the center, surrounded by four buttons: Volume Up / Down and Skip Forward / Backwards. | |||
| ==Software== | |||
| The iPod can play ], ]/], ], ], ], ] audiobook, and ] ]s. The iPod photo introduced the ability to display ], ], ], ], and ] graphic file formats. The fifth generation iPod (which has a 320x240 pixel display) can also play ] (]), and ] ], with restrictions on video dimensions, encoding techniques and data-rates. | |||
| Unlike most other media players, Apple does not support ]'s ] audio format — but a converter for non-DRM WMA files is provided with the ] version of iTunes. ] files cannot be played, but can be converted to audio files using the "Advanced" menu on iTunes. Alternative open-source audio formats such as ] and ] are not supported. | |||
| Each time an iPod connects to its host computer, iTunes will synchronize entire music libraries or music playlists and the user can choose for automatic or manual synchronization. Song ratings can be set on the iPod and synchronized later to the iTunes library, however, only one host computer is allowed. | |||
| ===iTunes Store=== | |||
| {{main|iTunes|iTunes Store}} | |||
| The iTunes Store (formerly iTunes Music Store) is an online media store run by Apple and accessed via iTunes. It was introduced on ] ] and it sells individual songs, with typical prices being ]0.99, ]0.99, or ]0.79 per song. iPods are the only portable music players that can play the purchased music. The store became the market leader soon after its launch<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). . Retrieved on ]</ref> and Apple announced the sale of videos through the store on ] ]. Full-length movies became available on ] ].<ref>Scott-Joynt, Jeremy. , ], ] ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| Purchased audio files use the AAC format with added encryption. The encryption is based on Apple's ] ] (DRM) system. Up to five authorized computers and an unlimited number of iPods can play the files. Music files without DRM can be created by burning the files onto an audio CD, then re-compressing to a different lossy format, although this results in ]. The DRM encryption on Apple's AAC audio files can also be removed using third-party applications. | |||
| iPods cannot play music files from competing music stores -- such as ] or ] -- that use rival DRM technologies like ]'s ] or ]' ] DRM. RealNetworks claims that Apple is creating problems for itself,<ref>Kanellos, Michael. , CNet News.com, ] ]. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> by using FairPlay to lock users into using the iTunes Store. Steve Jobs stated that Apple makes little profit from song sales, but Apple uses the store to promote iPod sales.<ref>Orlowski, Andrew. , '']'', ] ]. Retrieved on ] ]</ref> | |||
| iPods can, of course, play DRM-less music files in supported file formats from other competing music stores - such as ]. | |||
| ===File storage=== | |||
| All iPods can function as mass storage devices to store data files. This function is controlled by the "Enable disk use" check box in iTunes. <ref>Apple: Retrieved on ]-]</ref> (Originally, when iPods had only ] connections this function was labelled "Enable Fire Wire disk use".) | |||
| If the iPod is formatted on a Mac OS X computer it uses the ] file system format. If it is formatted on Windows, the ] format is used because Windows cannot access HFS Plus filesystems. With the advent of the Windows-compatible iPod, the iPod's default file system switched from HFS Plus to FAT32, although it can be reformatted to either filesystem (excluding the iPod shuffle which is strictly FAT32). A FAT32 file system can accommodate only files smaller than 4 gigabytes. | |||
| An iPod formatted as HFS Plus is able to serve as a ] for a Mac computer, allowing one to have a portable operating system. | |||
| Unlike most other MP3 players (including ] devices), simply copying files to the drive will not allow the iPod to properly access them (although some third-party iPod software allows this). Instead, the user must use iTunes or a compatible third-party software to load audio, videos and photos in a way that makes them playable and viewable. | |||
| iTunes cannot transfer songs or videos from device to computer (although iTunes 7 allows it for music purchased online). The media files are stored on the iPod in a hidden folder, together with a proprietary database file. The hidden content can be accessed on the host operating system however, by enabling hidden files to be shown. The audio can then be recovered manually by dragging the files or folders onto the iTunes Library or by using third-party software. | |||
| ===Additional features=== | |||
| The larger models have limited ]-like functionality and can display text files. Contacts and schedules can also be viewed and synchronized with the host computer. Some built-in games are available, including ''Brick'', ''Parachute'', ''Solitaire'' and ''Music Quiz''. ''Brick'' (a clone of ]) was originally invented by Apple co-founder ] in the 1970s. A firmware update released in September 2006 brought several new features to 5th generation iPods including adjustable screen brightness, ], and downloadable games (available for purchase from the iTunes Store). | |||
| ===Open-source alternatives=== | |||
| An open-source firmware called Rockbox (see below) allows the iPod nano, mini, and all display-capable iPods after the third generation (excluding the 80Gb 5.5th generation) to play Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, ], ], ], and MIDI files, but not FairPlay-encrypted files. Rockbox also offers gapless playback and a more sophisticated ] but is in a testing stage as of September 2006. Open-source alternatives to iTunes include ], Yamipod and MediaChest. | |||
| The ] project has an ] version of the ] alongside an interface called "Podzilla" that runs on all iPods, although only the first, second and third generations are officially supported by the developers. The iPod shuffle is not supported and the fifth generation iPod is likewise unsupported, though iPodLinux can be successfully installed. | |||
| ==Chipsets and electronics== | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| |- | |||
| |'''Microcontroller''' | |||
| *iPod 1G, 2G, 3G — Two ] 7TDMI-derived ]s running at 90 MHz. | |||
| *iPod 4G, 5G, iPod mini, iPod nano 1G — Variable-speed ARM 7TDMI CPUs, running at a peak of 80 MHz to save battery life. | |||
| *iPod nano 2G — Samsung System-On-Chip, based around an ARM processor.<ref>Cassell, Jonathan. , iSuppli Corporation, ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| *iPod shuffle — ] STMP3550 chip that handles both the music decoding and the audio circuitry.<ref> Williams, Martyn. , PC World, ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| '''Audio chip''' | |||
| *All iPods except the shuffle — Various audio codecs manufactured by Wolfson Microelectronics. | |||
| |'''Storage medium''' | |||
| *iPod 1G—5G — 1.8 inch hard drives (ATA, 4200 rpm with proprietary connectors) made by ] | |||
| *iPod mini — 1 inch Microdrives manufactured by ] and ] | |||
| *iPod nano — Flash memory from Samsung, Toshiba and others. | |||
| *iPod shuffle — Flash memory | |||
| |} | |||
| The iPod's operating system is stored on its dedicated storage medium. An additional NOR flash ] chip (either 1 MB or 512 KB) contains a ] program that tells the device to load its OS from the storage medium. Each iPod also has 32 MB of ], although the 60 and 80 GB fifth generation have 64 MB. A portion of the RAM is used to hold the iPod OS loaded from ], but the majority of it serves to cache songs from the storage medium. For example, an iPod could spin its hard disk up once and copy about 30 MB of upcoming songs into RAM, thus saving power by not requiring the drive to spin up for each song. | |||
| The first and second generation iPods used internal ] batteries. Later generations and models used ], while the nano and shuffle continue to use lithium polymer. The touch-wheels were initially provided by ]. | |||
| ==Connectivity== | |||
| ] | |||
| Originally, a ] connection to the host computer was used to update songs or recharge the ]. The battery could also be charged with a power adapter that was included with the first 4 generations. | |||
| The third generation began including a ], allowing for FireWire or USB connectivity. This provided better compatibility with PCs, as most of them did not have FireWire ports at the time. However, the device could not be charged over USB, so the FireWire cables were nonetheless needed to connect to the AC adapter. The dock connector also brought opportunities to exchange data, sound and power with an iPod, which ultimately created a large market of accessories, manufactured by third parties such as ] and ]. The 2nd generation iPod shuffle uses a single 3.5 mm jack which acts as both a headphone jack and a data port for the dock. | |||
| The iPod mini and the fourth generation iPod allowed recharging via USB and eventually Apple began shipping iPods with USB cables instead of FireWire, although the latter was available separately. As of the 5th generation iPod, Apple discontinued using FireWire for data transfer and made a full transition to ], due to its widespread adoption. FireWire was then used for recharging only. | |||
| ==Models== | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="2"| Model <small>(and generation)</small> | |||
| ! Image | |||
| ! Capacity | |||
| ! style="width:60%" | Changes introduced | |||
| ! Connection | |||
| ! Original release date | |||
| ! Launch price (]) | |||
| |- | |||
| ! rowspan="5"| iPod | |||
| ! 1G | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 5, 10 GB | |||
| | <span style="color:#969696">''First release.''</span> Mechanical scroll wheel. | |||
| | FireWire | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $399, $499 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! 2G | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 10, 20 GB | |||
| | ] wheel. FireWire port had a cover. Hold switch revised. | |||
| | FireWire | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $399, $499 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! 3G | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 GB | |||
| | Central row of touch-sensitive buttons. Dock Connector port introduced. | |||
| | FireWire <small>(USB for syncing only)</small> | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $299, $399, $499 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! 4G / ] | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 20, 30, 40, 60 GB | |||
| | Buttons integrated to form "Click Wheel". Color display with photo viewer introduced in October 2004. It replaced the monochrome model in June 2005. | |||
| | FireWire or USB | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $299, $349, $399, $599 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 30, 60, 80 GB | |||
| | Slimmer design, introduced in white and black variants. Larger screen with video player and lyrics support. No ] adapter, Universal Dock, or A/V cables included. | |||
| The September 2006 revision (often called generation 5.5) featured a brighter display, longer video battery life, and a music search function. | |||
| | USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $299, $399 <span style="color:#969696">(later $249, $349)</span> | |||
| |- style="border-top: 2px solid #000;" | |||
| !rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| ! 1G | |||
| |align="center" rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | 4 GB | |||
| | <span style="color:#969696">''First release.''</span> Available in 5 colors. Introduced the "Click Wheel", later adopted by the 4G iPod. | |||
| | USB or FireWire | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $249 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! 2G | |||
| | 4, 6 GB | |||
| | Brighter color variants with longer battery life. Click Wheel lettering matched body color. No AC adapter and discontinued gold model. | |||
| | USB or FireWire | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $199, $249 | |||
| |- style="border-top: 2px solid #000;" | |||
| !rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| ! 1G | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 1, 2, 4 GB | |||
| | <span style="color:#969696">''First release.''</span> Successor to the iPod mini. Slimmer design with ], color screen and lyrics support. | |||
| | USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $149, $199, $249 | |||
| |- | |||
| ! 2G | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 2, 4, 8 GB | |||
| | ] aluminium case in 6 colors. Brighter screen and longer battery life and music search function. | |||
| | USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $149, $199 $249 | |||
| |- style="border-top: 2px solid #000;" | |||
| !rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| ! 1G | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 512 MB, 1 GB | |||
| | <span style="color:#969696">''First release.''</span> The iPod without a screen or click wheel input. | |||
| | USB | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $99, $149 <span style="color:#969696">(later $69, $99)</span> | |||
| |- | |||
| ! 2G | |||
| | align="center" | ] | |||
| | 1 GB | |||
| | Aluminum case with smaller form factor, plus built-in clip. Older earbuds included. | |||
| | USB (via dock only) | |||
| | ] ] | |||
| | $79 | |||
| |- | |||
| |} | |||
| ] | |||
| Each new generation usually has more features and refinements while typically being smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Notable changes include the touch-sensitive click wheel replacing the mechanical scroll wheel, use of color displays, and ] replacing hard disks. Discontinued models include four generations of the full-sized iPod, two generations of the iPod mini and the first generation of both the nano and the shuffle. More information about all released iPods is available on Apple's . | |||
| The first generation iPod was only Mac-compatible, although Apple later added limited Windows support with the second generation iPods. Windows users required third-party software such as ], ] or ] to manage their music. Musicmatch was included on the bundled CD. After Apple released the Windows version of iTunes on ] ],<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). . Press release. Retrieved on ]</ref> every iPod was made fully compatible with either Mac or Windows. | |||
| ===Special edition models=== | |||
| In December 2002, Apple unveiled its first limited edition iPods, with either ]’s, ]’s, or ]’s signature or ]'s band logo engraved on the back for an extra US$49.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jim|last=Dalrymple | url= http://www.macworld.com/news/2002/12/10/ipod/index.php | title=Limited Edition Madonna, Tony Hawk, Beck iPods | publisher=Macworld|date=10 September 2002 | accessdate=2007-01-07}}</ref> | |||
| On ] ], Apple introduced a special edition of its fourth generation monochrome iPod, designed in the color scheme of the album ('']'') by Irish rock band ]. 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 ] ], Apple released a special edition 4 GB red iPod nano as part of the ] campaign. Three weeks later, an 8 GB version was released and both of them sold for the same price as the standard color models. US$10 from each sale is donated to the ] to fight ]. | |||
| Apple also released Special Edition ] iPods to accompany the iPod photo. They were engraved with the ] Crest on the back and were only available to purchasers of the ''Harry Potter'' ]s. They were updated when the 5G iPods were released, but were only available for a short time. | |||
| ==Criticisms== | |||
| ===Battery issues=== | |||
| The advertised battery life on some models was very 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. A CNET review found this to be virtually unachievable and found the average life to be less than 8 hours.<ref>, CNET Networks, Inc., ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref>, ], ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> The lawsuits were settled by offering individuals either US$50 store credit or a free battery replacement.<ref>Horwitz, Jeremy. , iLounge, ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> Despite its own criticisms, Apple later complained that its competitor, ], had misled consumers in its advertising for Sony's music player. Apple complained that Sony had not considered real-world usage.<ref>Dalrymple, Jim. , MacWorld, ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| iPod batteries are also not designed to be removed or replaced by the user. Still, many iPod users have been able to open the iPod case themselves, usually following instructions provided by third-party vendors of iPod replacement batteries. However, the procedure can be tricky, and is poorly-suited for people who are uncomfortable working with electronic components. Compounding this 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 <ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.mp3newswire.net/stories/6002/li_ion.html| title = The Curse of Lithium Ion Batteries| quote = ] ].| accessdate = 2006-11-30}}</ref> (guidelines are available for ]) and this situation led to a small market for third-party battery replacement kits. | |||
| Apple announced a battery replacement program on ] ], a week before<ref>. Retrieved on ]</ref> a high publicity stunt and website by the ].<ref>Neistat, Casey. , ] ]</ref> The initial cost was US$99,<ref>, MacMinute, ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> but it was lowered to US$59 in 2005. One week later, Apple offered an extended iPod warranty for US$59.<ref>, MacMinute, ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref> Third-party companies offer cheaper battery replacement kits that often use higher capacity batteries. For the iPod nano, ] tools are needed because the battery is soldered onto the main board. The fifth generation iPod has its battery attached to the backplate with adhesive.<ref>Ecker, Clint. , ], ] ]. Retrieved on ]</ref><ref>. Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| ===Bass response=== | |||
| The third generation iPod had a weak bass response, as shown in audio tests.<ref> Machrone, Bill. , for PC Magazine</ref><ref>Heijligers, Marc. </ref> The combination of the undersized DC-blocking capacitors and the typical low-impedance of most consumer headphones form a ], which attenuates the low-frequency bass output by up to 10 dB. Similar capacitors were used in the fourth generation iPods.<ref>Heijligers, Marc. , May 2006.</ref> The problem is reduced when using high-impedance headphones and is completely masked when driving high-impedance (line level) loads. The first generation iPod shuffle uses a dual-transistor output stage rather than a single capacitor-coupled output, and thus does not exhibit reduced bass response for any load. | |||
| ===Equalizer=== | |||
| If the sound is enhanced with the iPod's software equalizer (EQ), some EQ settings — like R&B, Rock, Acoustic, and Bass Booster — can cause bass distortion too easily.<ref></ref><ref>MacInTouch (July 2002). </ref> The equalizer amplifies the digital audio level beyond the software's limit, causing distortion (]) on songs that have a bass drum or use a bassy instrument, even when the amplifier level is low. For portable players with onboard equalization, this is a common problem. One possible workaround is to reduce the volume level of the recorded MP3 by modifying the audio files. The iPod's companion iTunes software has a feature for doing this for either single files or in batches -- for both standard MP3 files and for iTunes DRM-encrypted music. | |||
| ===Reliability and durability=== | |||
| According to a 2005 survey conducted on the MacInTouch website, the iPod's reliability has generally improved for each new generation.<ref>MacInTouch (] ]). . Accessed on ] ].</ref> | |||
| In late 2005, many users complained<ref>MacWorld (] ]). </ref> that the surface of the 1st generation iPod nano and of the 5th generation iPod can become scratched easily (a class action lawsuit was also filed). Apple initially considered the issue a minor defect, but later began shipping these iPods with protective sleeves. Several products are available to remove the scratches, such as iCleaner, AppleSauce, and the metal polish ]. | |||
| ===Worker exploitation=== | |||
| On ] ], a British newspaper '']'' reported that iPods are mainly manufactured by workers who earn no more than US$50 per month and work 15-hour shifts.<ref>MacWorld UK (] ]). . Retrieved on ] ]</ref> | |||
| Apple investigated the case with independent auditors and concluded that while working and living arrangements, compensation for work done, and worker treatment were in line with the acceptable standards set forth in Apple's Code of Conduct, workers often voluntarily worked longer and for more consecutive days than the Code of Conduct's limit.<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). , Retrieved on ]</ref> Policy change at Apple's supplier has since disallowed workers from working more hours than allowed under the Code, and Apple has both hired a workplace standards auditing company, Verité, and joined the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct Implementation Group. | |||
| ==Patent disputes== | |||
| In 2005, Apple Computer faced two lawsuits claiming ] by the iPod and its associated technologies:<ref> ChannelRegister.co.uk, ] ]</ref> Advanced Audio Devices claimed the iPod breached their ] on a "music jukebox",<ref> — Advanced Audio Devices' "music jukebox" patent</ref> while a ]-based ] portfolio company called Pat-rights filed a suit claiming that Apple's FairPlay technology breached a patent<ref> — "Protection of software again against unauthorized use" (corrected to "Computer Apparatus/Software Access Control")</ref> issued to inventor Ho Keung Tse. The latter case also includes the online music stores of ], RealNetworks, ], and Musicmatch as defendants.<ref>AppleInsider (] ]). </ref> | |||
| Apple's application to the ] for a patent on "rotational user inputs",<ref> Apple's application on "rotational user inputs"</ref> as used on the iPod's interface, received a third "non-final rejection" (NFR) in August 2005. Also in August 2005, ], one of Apple's main rivals in the MP3 player market, announced that it held a patent<ref> Creative Technology's "Zen" patent</ref> on part of the music selection interface used by the iPod, which Creative dubbed the "Zen Patent", granted on ] ].<ref>] (] ]). </ref> On ] ], Creative filed another suit against Apple for patent infringement with the ]. Creative also asked the ] to investigate whether Apple was breaching U.S. trade laws by importing iPods into the ].<ref>Macworld UK (] ]) </ref> | |||
| On ] ], 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. Apple also negotiated a scheme where it can recoup part of its payment, if Creative is successful in licensing this patent. Creative then announced its intention to produce iPod accessories by joining the ''Made for iPod'' program.<ref>http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/aug/23settlement.html</ref> | |||
| ==Sales== | |||
| {{see also|Apple 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.<ref>Marsal, Katie. , AppleInsider, ] ]</ref> 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%. The release of the iPod mini helped to ensure this success at a time when competing flash-based music players were once dominant.<ref>jomy , ] ]. Retrieved on ] ]</ref> | |||
| In its first quarter results of 2006, Apple reported earnings of US$565 million — its highest quarterly revenue in the company's history,<ref name="applepr06jan18">{{cite press release | publisher=Apple Computer | date=] ] | url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/jan/18results.html | title=Apple Reports First Quarter Results | accessdate=2006-05-24}}</ref> although how much of this was attributed to iPod sales is unknown. Apple and several industry analysts suggest that iPod users are likely to purchase other Apple products such as Mac computers.<ref>{{cite news | author=Andre Orlowski | url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/11/apple_q4_2005/ | title=For Apple, Halo effect eclipses Osborne effect | publisher=The Register|date=] ] | accessdate=2006-07-13}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| According to ] (from 2002 Q1 to 2006 Q4), total iPod sales have reached 67,635,000 units as of October 2006. Apple's ] ends in September. | |||
| On ] ], Hewlett-Packard (hp) announced that they would sell hp-branded iPods under a license agreement from Apple. Several new retail channels were used — including ] — 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.<ref>AppleInsider (] ]). . Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| ==Industry impact== | |||
| iPods have won several awards ranging from engineering excellence,<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4605881.stm</ref> to most innovative audio product,<ref>http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,123942-page,2-c,electronics/article.html </ref> to 4th best computer product of 2006.<ref>http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/05/31/top.100.products.announced/</ref> iPods often receive favorable reviews; scoring on looks, clean design and ease of use. PCWorld says that iPods have "altered the landscape for portable audio players". | |||
| Several industries are tailoring their products to work better with both the iPod and the AAC audio format. Examples include CD copy-protection schemes,<ref>http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/07/20040720124549.shtml</ref> and mobile phones from ] and ] that play AAC files rather than WMA. Microsoft's ] 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 ] model. Podcasting and download charts have also seen mainstream success. | |||
| ==Accessories== | |||
| ] | |||
| Many companies produce accessories that are designed for iPods. Apple also sells and mass produces accessories for the iPod. This market is sometimes described as the iPod ecosystem.<ref>Damon Darlin, NYT (] ]). . Retrieved on ] ].</ref> Some accessories add extra features that other music players have, such as sound recorders, FM radio tuners, wired remote controls, and audio/visual cables for TV connections. Other accessories offer more unique features like the ''Nike + iPod'' pedometer and the iPod Camera Connector. Other popular accessories include external speakers, wireless remote controls, protective cases/films and even wireless earphones.<ref>http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er88.aspx</ref> Among the first, officially licensed iPod accessory manufacturers were Griffin Technology, ], ], ], ] and ]. As of today the iPod ecosystem counts more than 3,000 accessories from countless manufacturers. Officially licensed accessories can be recognized by the Made for iPod logo. | |||
| ===Earphones=== | |||
| ] | |||
| All iPods ship with white ] (or "earbuds") which have been revised twice. The earphones and cords have become symbolic of the brand, and advertisements feature them prominently, often contrasting the white earphones with black ]s. | |||
| ===Car and airplane integration=== | |||
| ] released the first iPod , 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 additional vehicle brands, including ],<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). . Press release. Retrieved on ]</ref> ],<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). . Press release. Retrieved on ]</ref> ], ], ],<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). . Press release. Retrieved on ]</ref> ], ], ],<ref></ref> ] and ].<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). . Press release. Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| Some independent stereo manufacturers including ], ], ], ] and ] also have iPod-specific integration solutions. Alternative connection methods include using adaptor kits (via the cassette deck or the CD changer port), RCA inputs, or FM transmitters such as the ], although personal FM transmitters are illegal in some countries. | |||
| Some car manufacturers have decided to add an external audio jack which can play music from iPods: ] on the ] and ]; ] in the ] and ]; and in the ] ].<ref> - from Apple.com</ref> All new lower-cost GM vehicles come standard with an external audio jack suitable for iPod use. | |||
| Beginning in mid-2007, four major airlines, ], ], ], and ] 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.<ref>Apple Computer (] ]). . Press release. Retrieved on ]</ref> Originally ] and ] 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.<ref>Marsal, Katie, ] (] ]). . Retrieved on ]</ref> | |||
| ===Dock=== | |||
| {{expand}} | |||
| :''See also: ] | |||
| Apple and third parties such as ] offer docks for many different variations of the iPod. Not only can these be used for charging the iPod's battery, but also for playing the iPod through one's home stereo or television through a connection wire. The most recent version of the Apple dock is white with a round, black IR port. | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| *], Product Manager | |||
| *] | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|colwidth=60em}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{commons|iPod}} | |||
| {{wikiquote|iPod}} | |||
| * — Official website | |||
| * - Apple - Sound and Hearing | |||
| * | |||
| * — Brent Schlender, '']'', ] ] | |||
| * — ], '']'', ] ] | |||
| * — Ken Aaron, Cornell Engineering, 2005 | |||
| * - Steven Levy, Wired, November 2006 | |||
| {{Apple hardware since 1998}} | |||
| {{apple}} | |||
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Revision as of 16:15, 11 January 2007
NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANS