I recently read an article, Microsoft:
Europe "iPod killer" debut in 2H 2004, about a new type of
device that will be launched in Europe to compete directly with the
iPod. These devices, some of which will be made by Creative Technology (the
Sound Blaster people), are designed in partnership with Microsoft.
They will not only be able to hold up to 10,000 MP3s, but up to 175
hours of video as well.
Running Windows CE, they supposedly beat the iPod by being able
to play video and show images on their color screens.
Unfortunately, they will be USB only, but they will have audio and
video outputs so the videos and images can be displayed on a
television.
Perhaps it's no coincidence that I read in Sources: Apple
readying 4th generation iPod on AppleInsider that the 4th
generation iPod is coming soon. It apparently will feature a 50 GB
hard disk capable of holding 12,500 songs, a 2" color screen, and,
like the devices coming from Creative, be able to play videos and
show digital images.
It will also have outputs to connect the iPod to a television
and have a new set of navigational controls, more like those on the
iPod mini, which may make more sense than the current controls
(which I find to be confusing compared to the original iPod's
controls). It's just too easy to hit the wrong button, as nice as
they look lit up in orange.
I wonder if Apple sees the possible next big thing. Selling
music online is one thing, but if the iPod can play movies, why not
partner with Hollywood to sell movies online?
This may be difficult though, given that Jack Valenti of the
MPAA once said in reference to the increasing popularity of the
videocassette recorder, "The VCR is to the American film producer
and the American public as the Boston Strangler is to the woman
alone." I can only imagine what they might say in regard to selling
movies over the Internet. [Editor's note: I can only imagine how
long downloads might take, even if Apple were to adopt something
like BitTorrent to reduce demand on their servers.]
However, I do think that this is the next logical step in the
evolution of portable entertainment devices. First there was the
transistor radio, then the Walkman and later the CD Walkman - where
you could choose your music - and now the MP3 player, where you
have hundreds or thousands of songs at your fingertips, and you can
buy and download music off the Internet.
Adding the ability to play video is the next step, and offering
video downloads for sale over the Internet seems logical. Yes, you
may want to make the iPod's screen 3" or 4" instead of 2", but a
small device able to carry movies as well as music is almost ideal
for those who want to travel without bringing their laptop computer
or portable DVD player.
What kind of popularity will this new iPod have (if it's
released) given that new devices from other manufacturers will be
able to do the same things, most likely at lesser cost?
I don't think Apple will have too much trouble selling an iPod
with video. I can't tell you how many people I see with iPods -
it's like an invisible club. The devices themselves are distinctive
as well - the silver back and white front, the white wires leading
to the ears - that you can easily spot an iPod owner from afar.
Sometimes it seems like every one in three people have one.
Which also brings up the question, if so many people already
have an iPod, will they buy a new one that plays video and shows
digital pictures? I guess that remains to be seen.
