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| {{DISPLAYTITLE:iPod}} | |||
| {{Infobox PMP | |||
| |title=iPod | |||
| |image=]<br /> ''The iPod line consists of the iPod shuffle (far left), the iPod nano (center left), the iPod classic (center right) and the iPod touch (far right).'' | |||
| |manufacturer=] | |||
| |type=] | |||
| |online service=] | |||
| |lifespan=] | |||
| |units sold=Over 110 million units worldwide, as of September 2007<ref name=100m>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| }} | |||
| '''iPod''' is a brand of ] designed and marketed by ] and launched in October 2001. The line-up currently consists of the original style hard drive-based flagship ], the premium ]-like ], the mid-level video-capable ], and the low-end screenless ]. Former products include the compact ] (replaced by the iPod nano) and the high-end spin-off ] (re-integrated into the main iPod classic line). The current iPod classic models store ] on an internal ], while all other current models use ] to enable their smaller size. Like many digital music players, iPods can also serve as external ]. | |||
| I ROCK.... LELZ! | |||
| Apple's ] 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, ], and ] music from a CD. It also transfers photos, videos, games, and calendars to those iPod models that support them. Apple focused its development on the iPod's unique ] and its ease of use, rather than on technical capability. As of April 2007, the iPod had sold over 100 million units worldwide,<ref name=100m/> making it the best-selling ] series in history. | |||
| ==History and design== | |||
| iPod came from Apple's digital hub strategy,<ref name=straight>Kahney, Leander. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> when the company began creating software for the growing market of digital devices being purchased by consumers. 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,"<ref name=straight/> so Apple decided to develop its own. Apple's hardware engineering chief, ], assembled a team of engineers to design it, including ], hardware engineer ], and design engineer ], with ] as the marketing manager. The product was developed in less than a year and 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 iPod's software entirely in-house. Apple instead used ]'s reference platform which was based on 2 ] 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 ] 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.<ref name=straight/> Once established, Apple continued to refine the software's look and feel. Starting with ], the ] font was replaced with ]. Later iPods switched fonts again to ] — a font similar to Apple's corporate font ]. iPods with color displays then adopted some ] themes like Aqua progress bars, and ] in the lock interface. | |||
| The name ''iPod'' was proposed by ], a freelance copywriter, who (with others) was called by Apple to figure out how to introduce the new player to the public. After Chieco saw a prototype, he thought of the movie '']'' and the phrase "Open the pod bay door, ]!", which refers to the white ]s of the ] spaceship.<ref name=straight/> Joseph N. Grasso of New Jersey had originally listed an "ipod" trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in July 2000 for ]s. The first ipod kiosks had been demonstrated to the public in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000. The trademark was registered by the USPTO in November 2003, and Grasso assigned it to Apple Computer, Inc. in 2005.<ref>Serial No. 78018061, Registration No. 2781793, records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. InPub, LLC, filed an "IPOD" trademark on June 1, 1999, for "computer software and hardware." The trademark was abandoned May 18, 2000, without commercial use.</ref> | |||
| ==Software== | |||
| iPod can play ], ]/], ], ], ], ] ], and ] ]s. The iPod photo introduced the ability to display ], ], ], ], and ] image file formats. ] can additionally play ] (]) and ] ], with restrictions on video dimensions, encoding techniques and data-rates. Originally, iPod software only worked with Macs; however, starting with the second generation model, iPod software worked with Windows and Macs. Unlike most other media players, Apple does not support ]'s ] audio format — but a converter for WMA files without ] (DRM) is provided with the ] version of iTunes. ] files also cannot be played, but can be converted to audio files using the "Advanced" menu in iTunes. Alternative open-source audio formats such as ] and ] are not supported without installing custom firmware onto the iPod. | |||
| The iPod is associated with one host computer. Each time an iPod connects to its host computer, iTunes can synchronize entire music libraries or music playlists either automatically or manually. Song ratings can be set on the iPod and synchronized later to the iTunes library. | |||
| ===User interface=== | |||
| ] | |||
| iPods with color displays use ] graphics and text, with sliding animations. Classic iPods have five buttons and the later generations have the buttons integrated into the click wheel — an innovation which gives an uncluttered, minimalist ]. The buttons perform functions such as play, next track, etc. Other operations such as scrolling through menu items and controlling the volume are performed by using the click wheel in a rotational manner. iPod shuffle does not have a click wheel and instead has five buttons positioned differently from the larger models. iPod Touch uses no buttons for any of these functions, instead relying on the same ] input style as the iPhone. | |||
| ] | |||
| ===iTunes Store=== | |||
| {{main|iTunes|iTunes Store}} | |||
| The iTunes 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, ]1.69 (inc. ]), ]1.79 (inc. ]), ]0.99 (inc. ]), or ]0.79 (inc. ]) per song. Due to ] restrictions of MP3 players, only iPods can play protected content from the iTunes store. The store became the market leader soon after its launch<ref>, '']'', ]. 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 the ] DRM system. Up to five authorized computers and an unlimited number of iPods can play the files. Burning the files onto an audio CD, then re-compressing can create music files without the DRM, although this results in ]. The DRM can also be removed using third-party software. However, in a deal with Apple, ] now sells DRM-free, higher-quality songs on the iTunes Stores, at a cost of US$1.29, 30¢ more than a regular DRM song would cost. | |||
| iPods cannot play music files from competing music stores that use rival-DRM technologies like ]'s ] or ]' ] DRM. Example stores include ] and ]. RealNetworks claims that Apple is creating problems for itself<ref>Kanellos, Michael. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> by using FairPlay to lock users into using the iTunes Store. Steve Jobs has stated that Apple makes little profit from song sales, although Apple uses the store to promote iPod sales.<ref>Orlowski, Andrew. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> However, iPods can also play music files from online stores that do not use DRM, such as ] or ]. | |||
| On ], ], ] decided not to renew their contract with the iTunes music store. Universal will now supply iTunes in an 'at will' capacity.<ref>Evans, Jonny. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| On ], ], at Apple's Media Event entitled "The Beat Goes On...", the company debuted the ] ] Music Store which allows one to access the Music Store from either the Wi-Fi enabled iPhone or the new iPod Touch and download songs directly to the device. When you next sync the device with iTunes, any purchased music is copied onto your iTunes Library. | |||
| ===File storage and transfer=== | |||
| All iPods can function as ] to store data files; this function is controlled by the "Enable Disk Use" option in iTunes. If the iPod is formatted on a Mac OS X computer it uses the ] file system format, which allows it to serve as a ] for a Mac computer.<ref>http://lifehacker.com/software/how-to/boot-up-your-mac-from-your-ipod-260157.php</ref> If it is formatted on Windows, the ] format is used. With the advent of the Windows-compatible iPod, iPod's default file system switched from HFS+ to FAT32, although it can be reformatted to either filesystem (excluding the iPod shuffle which is strictly FAT32). Generally, if a new iPod (excluding the iPod shuffle) is initially plugged into a computer running Windows, it will be formatted with FAT32, and if initially plugged into a Mac running Mac OS X it will be formatted with HFS+. | |||
| Unlike many other MP3 players, simply copying audio or video files to the drive with a typical file management application will not allow iPod to properly access them. The user must use software that has been specifically designed to transfer media files to iPods, so that the files are playable and viewable. Aside from iTunes, several alternative third-party applications are available on a number of different platforms. However, as of ], ] it has been reported<ref>. Retrieved on ], ]</ref> that the new iPods (Nano 3G, Classic, Touch) have a modified database that is potentially encrypted in some way that prevents current programs from updating the database (updates cause the iPods to display 0 songs available). | |||
| iTunes 7 and above can transfer purchased media of the iTunes Store from an iPod to a computer, provided that the DRM media is transferred to any of the five computers allowed for authorization with DRM media.. | |||
| 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 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. | |||
| ==Hardware== | |||
| ===Chipsets and electronics=== | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| |- | |||
| |'''Microcontroller''' | |||
| * iPod first to third generations — Two ] 7TDMI-derived ] running at 90 MHz. | |||
| * iPod fourth and fifth generations, iPod mini, iPod nano first generation — Variable-speed ARM 7TDMI CPUs, running at a peak of 80 MHz to save battery life. | |||
| * iPod nano second generation — Samsung System-On-Chip, based around an ARM processor.<ref>Cassell, Jonathan. , iSuppli Corporation, ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| * iPod shuffle first generation — ] STMP3550 chip that handles both the music decoding and the audio circuitry.<ref>Williams, Martyn. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| '''Audio chip''' | |||
| * All iPods (except the shuffle) use audio codecs developed by ]. | |||
| |'''Storage medium''' | |||
| * iPod first to fifth generation — 45.7 mm (1.8 in) hard drives (ATA, 4200 rpm with proprietary connectors) made by ] | |||
| * iPod mini — 25.4 mm (1 in) ]s manufactured by ] and ] | |||
| * iPod nano — Flash memory from ], Toshiba, and others. | |||
| * iPod shuffle — Flash memory | |||
| '''Batteries''' | |||
| * iPod first and second generation, nano, shuffle — Internal ] batteries | |||
| * iPod third to fifth generation — Internal ] | |||
| |} | |||
| ===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 four 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 second 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 fifth generation iPod, Apple discontinued using FireWire for data transfer and made a full transition to ], due to its widespread adoption. FireWire was then usable for recharging only. | |||
| ===Accessories=== | |||
| Many accessories have been made for the iPod. A large amount are made by third party companies, although many, such as ], are made by Apple. This market is sometimes described as the iPod ecosystem.<ref>Darlin, Damon. . '']'', ]. 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 ] pedometer and the iPod Camera Connector. Other notable accessories include external speakers, wireless remote controls, protective cases/films and wireless earphones.<ref>. Retrieved on ].</ref> Among the first accessory manufacturers were ], ], ], ], ], and ]. | |||
| ]The white ] (or "earbuds") that ship with all iPods have become symbolic of the brand. ] feature them prominently, often contrasting the white earphones (and cords) with people shown as dark ]s. The original earphones came with the first generation iPod. They were revised to be smaller after Apple received complaints of the earbuds being too large. The revised earphones were shipped with second through early fifth generation iPods, the iPod mini, and the first generation nanos The earbuds were revised again in 2006, featuring an even smaller and more streamlined design. This third type was shipped with late fifth generation iPods and the second generation nanos. All first generation iPod shuffles and the second generation up until ] ] (when color models were introduced) had the second kind; those that shipped after that date had the third kind. | |||
| In 2005, New York's ] placed adverts on the subways warning passengers that "Earphones are a giveaway. Protect your device",<ref>Dianner. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> after iPod thefts on the subway rose from zero in 2004 to 50 in the first three months of 2005.<ref>MacMillan, Robert. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| In 2002 the company Dension http://www.dension.com/icelinkplus.php started offering various products like the ice>Link Plus to integrate the iPod into the digital system bus (if a digital system bus is available, some manufacturers still use analog) for most available automobile OEM music systems like VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Toyota, Honda, Ford and GM. This setup lets the driver use the iPod from the built-in steering wheel controls and radio head-unit buttons or directly through the iPod interface. iPods that work with this product include the iPod from 1st to 5th generation and the iPod Nano and mini up to 2nd generation. There's no info right now when and how the new 6th generation iPod, iPhone and iPod touch will be supported. The Dension ice>Link for example doesn't degrade the iPods music signal by going digital-analog-digital. The ice>Link stays digital all the way into the OEM head unit. | |||
| ] released the first iPod automobile interface,<ref>. Retrieved on ].</ref> 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 ],<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> ],<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> ], ], ],<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> ], ], ],<ref>, '']''. Retrieved on ].</ref> ] and ].<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> ] offers standard iPod connectivity on all their cars. | |||
| Some independent stereo manufacturers including ], ], ], ], ], and ] 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 ] — although personal FM transmitters are illegal in some countries. Many car manufacturers have added audio input jacks as standard.<ref>, '']''. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| 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>, '']'', ]. 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. , ''AppleInsider'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| ==Models== | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- | |||
| !Model | |||
| !Generation | |||
| !Image | |||
| !Capacity | |||
| !style="width:60%"|Changes introduced | |||
| !Connection | |||
| !Original release date | |||
| !Launch price (]) | |||
| !Minimum OS to sync (Mac/Win)<!-- This area is SIMPLY for MINIMUM operating systems required, not a full list of compatible ones --> | |||
| |- | |||
| !rowspan="7"|] | |||
| !first | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |5, 10 GB | |||
| |First model, with mechanical scroll wheel. | |||
| |] | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$399, $499 | |||
| |]<br>]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !second | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |10, 20 GB | |||
| |] wheel. FireWire port had a cover. Hold switch revised. Windows compatibility through ]. | |||
| |FireWire | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$399, $499 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !third | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |10, 15, 20, 30, 40 GB | |||
| |First complete redesign with all-touch interface, dock connector, and slimmer case. Musicmatch support dropped with later release of iTunes 4.7 for Windows. | |||
| |FireWire <small>(] for syncing only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$299, $399, $499 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !fourth | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |20, 40 GB | |||
| |Adopted Click Wheel from iPod mini. | |||
| |FireWire or ] | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$299, $399 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !fourth (]) | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |20, 30, 40, 60 GB | |||
| |Premium spin-off of 4G iPod with color screen and picture viewing. ''Later re-integrated into main iPod line.'' | |||
| |FireWire or ] | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$349, $449, $499, $599 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !fifth | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |30, 60, 80 GB | |||
| |Second full redesign with a slimmer case, and larger screen with video playback. Offered in black or white. | |||
| |USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$299, $399 <span style="color:#969696">(later $249, $349)</span> | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !sixth | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |80, 160 GB | |||
| |Introduced the "classic" suffix. New interface and anodized aluminum front plate. Silver replaces white. | |||
| |USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$249, $349 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !rowspan="2"|] | |||
| !first | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |4 GB | |||
| |New smaller model, available in 5 colors. Introduced the "Click Wheel". | |||
| |USB or FireWire | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$249 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !second | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |4, 6 GB | |||
| |Brighter color variants with longer battery life. Click Wheel lettering matched body color. Gold color discontinued. ''Later replaced by iPod nano.'' | |||
| |USB or FireWire | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$199, $249 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !rowspan="2"|] | |||
| !first | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |512 MB, 1 GB | |||
| |New entry-level model. Uses flash memory and has no screen. | |||
| |USB | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$99, $149 <span style="color:#969696">(later $69, $99)</span> | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !second | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |1 GB | |||
| |Smaller clip design with anodized aluminum casing. 4 color options added later. Colors were later refreshed. | |||
| |USB <small>(via dock only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$79 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !rowspan="3"|] | |||
| !first | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |1, 2, 4 GB | |||
| |''Replaced iPod mini.'' Available in black or white and used flash memory. | |||
| |USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$149, $199, $249 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !second | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |2, 4, 8 GB | |||
| |Anodized aluminum casing and 6 colors available. | |||
| |USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$149, $199, $249 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !third | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| | 4, 8 GB | |||
| |2" ] screen, colors refreshed, new interface, video capability. | |||
| |USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$149, $199 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| !rowspan="1"|] | |||
| !first | |||
| |align="center"|] | |||
| |8, 16 GB | |||
| |With ] browser, ], ], wireless access to the ] and ]. | |||
| |USB <small>(FireWire for charging only)</small> | |||
| |] ] | |||
| |$299, $399 | |||
| |]/] | |||
| |- | |||
| |}] 2G iPod nano.]]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 the first five generations of the full-sized iPod, both generations of the iPod mini, and the first generation of the shuffle, and the first two generations of the nano. | |||
| The software bundled with the first generation iPod was Macintosh-only, so Windows users had to use third-party software like ] or ] 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 ] for Windows users.<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> In October 2003, Apple released the Windows version of iTunes,<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> and started selling iPods that included both Macintosh and Windows versions of iTunes so that they could be used with either platform. | |||
| 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$50.<ref>Dalrymple, Jim. . '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</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 ] and fifth generation iPod. | |||
| On ] ], Apple released a special edition 4 GB red iPod nano as part of the ] 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 ]. On ], ], Apple also added a (PRODUCT)<sup>RED</sup> iPod shuffle model. They did not disclose how much will be donated to charity from this model. Apple also released Special Edition ] iPods to accompany the iPod photo. These were engraved with the ] Crest on the back and were only available to purchasers of the ''Harry Potter'' ]s. They were updated when the fifth generation iPods were released, but were only available for a limited time. | |||
| {{Timeline of iPod models}} | |||
| <gallery> | |||
| </gallery> | |||
| ==Criticisms== | |||
| ===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.<ref>, ''mp3.com'', ]. 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> | |||
| 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<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</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. , ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> The initial cost was US$99,<ref>, ''MacMinute'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> and 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> For the iPod nano, ] tools are needed because the battery is soldered onto the main board. Fifth generation iPods have their 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. , '']''. Retrieved on ].</ref><ref>Heijligers, Marc. . Retrieved on ].</ref> The combination of the undersized DC-blocking ]s and the typical low-] 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. Retrieved on ].</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 does not exhibit reduced bass response for any load. | |||
| ===Equalizer=== | |||
| If the sound is enhanced with the iPod's software ] (EQ), some EQ settings — like R&B, Rock, Acoustic, and Bass Booster — can cause bass distortion too easily.<ref>Kuzmanoski, Brian. , ''DAP review''. Retrieved on ].</ref><ref>, ''MacInTouch'', July 2002. Retrieved on ].</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. One possible workaround is to reduce the volume level of the song by modifying the audio file. This can be done within the iTunes Get Info Window, under the options tab there is a Volume Adjustment Slider. | |||
| ===Reliability and durability=== | |||
| iPods have been criticized for their short life-span, fragile hard drives, and ].<ref>Baca, Ricardo. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref><ref>Slade, Giles. , ''Tyee Books'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> 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.<ref>, ''MacInTouch'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> In particular failure rates for iPods employing hard drives was usually above 20% while flash memory ones 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.<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref><ref>Arthur, Charles. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> A class action lawsuit was also filed.<ref>Fried, Ina. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> Apple initially considered the issue a minor defect, but later began shipping these iPods with protective sleeves. | |||
| ===Allegations of worker exploitation=== | |||
| On ] ], the 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>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> 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.<ref>Millard, Elizabeth. . Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| Apple's manufacturer — which initially denied the abuses<ref>, ''MacNN'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> — promised to disallow working more hours than the Code allowed. Apple hired a workplace standards auditing company, ], and joined the ] to oversee the measures. On ] ], workers at the Taiwanese factory (owned by Foxconn) formed a union. The union is affiliated with the ].<ref>Bodeen, Chistopher. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| ==Patent disputes== | |||
| In 2005, Apple Computer faced two lawsuits claiming ] by the iPod and its associated technologies:<ref>, ''ChannelRegister'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> Advanced Audio Devices claimed the iPod breached its ] 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'', ]. Retrieved on ].</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> ]'s "Zen" patent.</ref> on part of the music selection interface used by the iPod, which Creative dubbed the "Zen Patent", granted on ], ].<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> On ] ], Creative filed another suit against Apple with the ]. Creative also asked the ] to investigate whether Apple was breaching U.S. trade laws by importing iPods into the ].<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</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. 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.<ref>, , '']''. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| ==Sales== | |||
| ] | |||
| {{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.<ref>Marsal, Katie. , ''AppleInsider'', ]. Retrieved on ].</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> On ] ], ] (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>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| In January 2007, Apple reported record quarterly earnings of US$7.1 billion, of which 48% was made from iPod sales.<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| On ] ], 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 earnings of US$5.2 billion, of which 32% was made from iPod sales.<ref>, '']''. Retrieved on ].</ref> Apple and several industry analysts suggest that iPod users are likely to purchase other Apple products such as Mac computers.<ref>Orlowski, Andrew. , '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| ==Industry impact== | |||
| iPods have won several awards ranging from engineering excellence,<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> to most innovative audio product,<ref>, '']''. Retrieved on ].</ref> to fourth best computer product of 2006.<ref>, ''MacNN''. Retrieved on ].</ref> iPods often receive favorable reviews; scoring on looks, clean design, and ease of use. ] says that iPods have "altered the landscape for portable audio players".<ref name="pcworld25">{{cite web|coauthors = PC World Editors | |||
| | title = The 25 Most Innovative Products of the Year | |||
| | publisher = ] | |||
| | date = ] | |||
| | url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,123942-page,2/article.html}}</ref> Several industries are modifying their products to work better with both the iPod and the AAC audio format. Examples include CD copy-protection schemes,<ref>, ''MacRumors''. Retrieved on ].</ref> and mobile phones, such as phones from ] and ], which 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 ] initiative. ]s 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 ] and ] in ], ] where iPods are used to train new staff.<ref>, '']'', ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|2}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{commons|iPod}} | |||
| {{wikiquote|iPod}} | |||
| * — Official website | |||
| * | |||
| * — Brent Schlender, '']'', October 2001 | |||
| * — ], '']'', July 2004 | |||
| * — Ken Aaron, '']'', 2005 | |||
| * — ], '']'', November 2006 | |||
| {{Apple hardware since 1998}} | |||
| {{Apple}} | |||
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Revision as of 02:32, 17 September 2007
OMGWTFBBQ
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