Apples iPod Video Master Plan

October 14th, 2005 · No Comments

iPod

Engadget has an interesting analysis on what they think the deal is with Apples new iPod video:

You’ve got to love Apple. Crazy like a fox they are. Oh sure – some of their decisions regarding the new iPod might seem a little odd to the gadget-lovers among us. “No DivX???” is the phrase most often muttered when Engageteers start reading of the new iPod’s video functions. This is often followed by “No fast forward and rewind?!?” These really should be death knells for a portable media player and, as a rule of thumb, gaping voids in product functionality aren’t considered wise strategic maneuvers. However, this is Apple we’re talking about. They just think different, uh, ly.

So, is Apple worried? Heck no, and why should they be? The iPod’s success has been off-the-charts phenomenal. As such, Apple has rightfully made the decision to, like physicians, “First do no harm.” Make no bones about it – there’s a reason this thing isn’t called the Video iPod. Above all, the new iPod is, well, an iPod.

So why include video at all? Steve Jobs has long maintained that a video iPod wasn’t a good idea. He’s firmly dismissed the market for such a player. Why backpedal now? Could it be that this is Apple’s attempt to steer the still nascent market right to their front door?

Below is Apple’s (imaginary and far-fetched) plan to use the new iPod to capture the portable video market.

Like a lot of Apples decisions, there is more than meets the eye here. Only time will tell what those slew foxes are up too…