Ever since the release of the first iPod in October 2001, endless buzz has enveloped the iconic MP3 player. Five years down the road, how well does the media giant hold up against the competition?
Market Hold
In a recent study by consumer studies organization, the NPD Group found the iPod rakes in more than 75 percent of the MP3 player market. So with no company able to dethrone Apple of its top spot, industry analysts wonder how much longer its streak will last.
Richard Waters, a writer for the Financial Times wrote last week that Apple obtained an early market advantage in digital music through the popularity of the program iTunes. Next, Walters writes, is the technology lock-in. iTunes can only be used exclusively with the iPod, virtually cornering the market on other music players. Walters writes, “The iPod plus iTunes is a de facto standard; all others fall short.”
Which, according to Jeffrey Scoble of the Eugene Mac Store, is somewhat true. He admits there are other alternatives, some cheaper than others. But he says it’s a confusing hodgepodge of music files and incompatible devices.
“That’s what makes the combination (iPod and iTunes) so popular: the ease of use. Anyone from a 10-year-old to an 82-year-old can figure it out,” he said.
Apple has also solidified its hold with automakers. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple said in press conference that in 2007, more the 70 percent of vehicles in the U.S. would have iPod compatibility.
Paul Casey of Kendall Acura in Eugene notes the iPod connector as a significant selling point.
“It’s a really popular feature,” he said, “especially among the Acura models.”
There are no other car companies teaming up with other MP3 Players on the market today.
The Alternatives
Sony, Creative, SanDisk, and Microsoft are all edging on the iPod, with most costing less per megabyte than iPods do.
Apple and Creative are the two best buys for a storage to price ratio, while Creative and Sony still carry large price tags for a relatively small amount of storage.
Waters said bad execution and planning of products created by companies like Creative and SanDisk are partially to blame for the lackluster sales of models similar to the iPod.
University freshman Brandon Jacobs talked about his experience purchasing an MP3 player.
“I thought about getting a different player, but in the end, the iPod just beat out all the others in style and ease of use,” he said.
Other industry analysts attributed the iPod’s success to
Apple’s aggressive marketing and advertising campaigns instead of the product quality. They claimed Apple’s vibrant
and prevalent iPod commercials catch the younger audience.
One such analyst is Nick Ross, PC Pro senior writer. He writes, “The iPod and iPod Mini are the two best known
portable MP3 players because Apple has pumped money
into a huge marketing campaign, but there are some fantastic lesser-known alternatives.”
Are the Tunes Turning?
Industry experts anticipate over the next few years people will carry only one mobile device. This means no more palm pilots, cell phones or MP3 players – just one universal device.
Microsoft and Verizon are trying to do just that. They have teamed up to create VCAST, a music download site, putting music directly on your cell phone. According to a study done by ConsumerReports.com, 200 million Americans already own phones that could double as music players.
So what’s the need for the iPod when your cell phone can serve the same purpose? Waters said iPods won’t get outdated anytime soon because they can tie it all together the way no one else can.
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The golden Apple
Daily Emerald
September 27, 2006
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