iPod

iPod
iPod
IPod family.png
The current iPod line; from left to right: iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Touch.
Developer Apple Inc.
Manufacturer Foxconn (OEM)[1]
Retail availability October 23, 2001 – present (first launched)
Units sold Over 300,000,000 worldwide as of October 2011 (see chart below)
CPU Samsung ARM and Apple A4
Online services iTunes Music Store, App Store, iCloud, iBooks, MobileMe, Game Center
(online services available only on iPod Touch)

iPod is a line of portable media players created and marketed by Apple Inc. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the compact iPod Nano, and the ultra-compact iPod Shuffle. iPod Classic models store media on an internal hard drive, while all other models use flash memory to enable their smaller size (the discontinued Mini used a Microdrive miniature hard drive). As with many other digital music players, iPods can also serve as external data storage devices. Storage capacity varies by model, ranging from 2 GB for the iPod Shuffle to 160 GB for the iPod Classic. The iPod line was announced by Apple on October 23, 2001, and released on November 10, 2001. All of the models have been redesigned multiple times since their introduction. The most recent iPod redesigns were introduced on September 1, 2010.

Apple's iTunes software can be used to transfer music to the devices from computers using certain versions of Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems.[2] For users who choose not to use iTunes or whose computers cannot run iTunes, several open source alternatives are available for the iPod.[3] iTunes and its alternatives may also transfer photos, videos, games, contact information, e-mail settings, Web bookmarks, and calendars to iPod models supporting those features.

For iOS versions prior to iOS 5, the iPod branding is also used for the media player applications included with the iPhone and iPad; the iPhone version is essentially a combination of the Music and Videos apps on the iPod Touch. (As of iOS 5, separate apps named 'Music' and 'Video' are to be standardized across all iOS-powered products.[4]) In either event, the iPhone and iPad have essentially the same media-player capabilities as the iPod line, but they are generally treated as separate products.

Discontinued models of the line include the iPod Mini and the iPod Photo, the former being replaced by the iPod Nano, and the latter reintegrated into the main iPod line (now the iPod Classic).

Contents

History and design

Various iPod models, all of which have been discontinued or updated.

The iPod line came from Apple's "digital hub" category,[5] when the company began creating software for the growing market of personal digital devices. 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,"[5] so Apple decided to develop its own. As ordered by CEO Steve Jobs, Apple's hardware engineering chief Jon Rubinstein assembled a team of engineers to design the iPod line, including hardware engineers Tony Fadell and Michael Dhuey,[6] and design engineer Jonathan Ive.[5] The product was developed in less than one year and unveiled on October 23, 2001. Jobs announced it as a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put "1,000 songs in your pocket."[7]

Apple did not develop the iPod software entirely in-house, instead using PortalPlayer's reference platform based on two ARM 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 Bluetooth headphones.[5] Apple contracted another company, Pixo, to help design and implement the user interface under the direct supervision of Steve Jobs.[5] As development progressed, Apple continued to refine the software's look and feel. Starting with the iPod Mini, the Chicago font was replaced with Espy Sans. Later iPods switched fonts again to Podium Sans—a font similar to Apple's corporate font, Myriad. iPods with color displays then adopted some Mac OS X themes like Aqua progress bars, and brushed metal meant to evoke a combination lock. In 2007, Apple modified the iPod interface again with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod Classic and third-generation iPod Nano by changing the font to Helvetica and, in most cases, splitting the screen in half by displaying the menus on the left and album artwork, photos, or videos on the right (whichever was appropriate for the selected item).

In September 2007, during a lawsuit with patent holding company Burst.com, Apple drew attention to a patent for a similar device that was developed in 1979. Kane Kramer applied for a UK patent for his design of a "plastic music box" in 1981, which he called the IXI.[8] He was unable to secure funding to renew the US$ 120,000 worldwide patent, so it lapsed and Kramer never profited from his idea.[8]

Trademark

The name iPod was proposed by Vinnie Chieco, 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 2001: A Space Odyssey and the phrase "Open the pod bay door, Hal!", which refers to the white EVA Pods of the Discovery One spaceship. Chieco saw an analogy to the relationship between the spaceship and the smaller independent pods in the relationship between a personal computer and the music player.[5] Apple researched the trademark and found that it was already in use. Joseph N. Grasso of New Jersey had originally listed an "iPod" trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in July 2000 for Internet kiosks. The first iPod kiosks had been demonstrated to the public in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000, but had apparently been discontinued by 2001. The trademark was registered by the USPTO in November 2003, and Grasso assigned it to Apple Computer, Inc. in 2005.[9]

The earliest recorded use in commerce of an "ipod" trademark was in 1991 by Chrysalis Corp. of Sturgis, Michigan, styled "iPOD".[10]

Software

The iPod line can play several audio file formats including MP3, AAC/M4A, Protected AAC, AIFF, WAV, Audible audiobook, and Apple Lossless. The iPod Photo introduced the ability to display JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PNG image file formats. Fifth and sixth generation iPod Classics, as well as third generation iPod Nanos, can additionally play MPEG-4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) and QuickTime video formats, with restrictions on video dimensions, encoding techniques and data-rates.[11] Originally, iPod software only worked with Mac OS; iPod software for Microsoft Windows was launched with the second generation model.[12] Unlike most other media players, Apple does not support Microsoft's WMA audio format—but a converter for WMA files without Digital Rights Management (DRM) is provided with the Windows version of iTunes. MIDI 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 Ogg Vorbis and FLAC, are not supported without installing custom firmware onto an iPod (e.g., Rockbox).

During installation, an 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 an iPod and synchronized later to the iTunes library, and vice versa. A user can access, play, and add music on a second computer if an iPod is set to manual and not automatic sync, but anything added or edited will be reversed upon connecting and syncing with the main computer and its library. If a user wishes to automatically sync music with another computer, an iPod's library will be entirely wiped and replaced with the other computer's library.

User interface

The signature iPod click wheel.

iPods with color displays use anti-aliased graphics and text, with sliding animations. All iPods (except the 3rd-generation iPod shuffle, the 6th generation iPod Nano, and iPod Touch) have five buttons and the later generations have the buttons integrated into the click wheel – an innovation that gives an uncluttered, minimalist interface. The buttons perform basic functions such as menu, play, pause, next track, and previous track. Other operations, such as scrolling through menu items and controlling the volume, are performed by using the click wheel in a rotational manner. The 3rd-generation iPod Shuffle does not have any controls on the actual player; instead it has a small control on the earphone cable, with volume-up and -down buttons and a single button for play and pause, next track, etc. The iPod Touch has no click-wheel; instead it uses a 3.5" touch screen along with a home button, sleep/wake button and (on the second and third generations of the iPod touch) volume-up and -down buttons. The user interface for the iPod Touch is identical to that of the iPhone. Differences include a lack of a phone application. Both devices use iOS.

iTunes Store

The iTunes Store (introduced April 29, 2003) is an online media store run by Apple and accessed through iTunes. The store became the market leader soon after its launch[13] and Apple announced the sale of videos through the store on October 12, 2005. Full-length movies became available on September 12, 2006.[14]

At the time the store was introduced, purchased audio files used the AAC format with added encryption, based on the FairPlay DRM system. Up to five authorized computers and an unlimited number of iPods could play the files. Burning the files with iTunes as an audio CD, then re-importing would create music files without the DRM. The DRM could also be removed using third-party software. However, in a deal with Apple, EMI began selling DRM-free, higher-quality songs on the iTunes Stores, in a category called "iTunes Plus." While individual songs were made available at a cost of US$1.29, 30¢ more than the cost of a regular DRM song, entire albums were available for the same price, US$9.99, as DRM encoded albums. On 17 October 2007, Apple lowered the cost of individual iTunes Plus songs to US$0.99 per song, the same as DRM encoded tracks. On January 6, 2009, Apple announced that DRM has been removed from 80% of the music catalog, and that it would be removed from all music by April 2009.

iPods cannot play music files from competing music stores that use rival-DRM technologies like Microsoft's protected WMA or RealNetworks' Helix DRM. Example stores include Napster and MSN Music. RealNetworks claims that Apple is creating problems for itself[15] 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.[16] However, iPods can also play music files from online stores that do not use DRM, such as eMusic or Amie Street.

Universal Music Group decided not to renew their contract with the iTunes Music Store on July 3, 2007. Universal will now supply iTunes in an 'at will' capacity.[17]

Apple debuted the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store on September 5, 2007, in its Media Event entitled "The Beat Goes On..." This service allows users to access the Music Store from either an iPhone or an iPod Touch and download songs directly to the device that can be synced to the user's iTunes Library over a WiFi connection, or, in the case of a iPhone, the telephone network.

Games

Video games are playable on various versions of iPods. The original iPod had the game Brick (originally invented by Apple's co-founder Steve Wozniak) included as an easter egg hidden feature; later firmware versions added it as a menu option. Later revisions of the iPod added three more games: Parachute, Solitaire, and Music Quiz.

In September 2006, the iTunes Store began to offer additional games for purchase with the launch of iTunes 7, compatible with the fifth generation iPod with iPod software 1.2 or later. Those games were: Bejeweled, Cubis 2, Mahjong, Mini Golf, Pac-Man, Tetris, Texas Hold 'Em, Vortex, Asphalt 4: Elite Racing and Zuma. Additional games have since been added. These games work on the 6th and 5th generation iPod classic and the 5th and 4th generation iPod nano.

With third parties like Namco, Square Enix, Electronic Arts, Sega, and Hudson Soft all making games for the iPod, Apple's MP3 player has taken steps towards entering the video game handheld console market. Even video game magazines like GamePro and EGM have reviewed and rated most of their games as of late.[18]

The games are in the form of .ipg files, which are actually .zip archives in disguise[citation needed]. When unzipped, they reveal executable files along with common audio and image files, leading to the possibility of third party games. Apple has not publicly released a software development kit (SDK) for iPod-specific development.[19] Apps produced with the iPhone SDK are compatible only with the iOS on the iPod Touch and iPhone, which cannot run clickwheel-based games.

File storage and transfer

All iPods except for the iPod Touch can function in "disk mode" as mass storage devices to store data files[20] but this may not be the default behavior, and in the case of the iPod Touch, requires special software.[21] If an iPod is formatted on a Mac OS X computer, it uses the HFS+ file system format, which allows it to serve as a boot disk for a Mac computer.[22] If it is formatted on Windows, the FAT32 format is used. With the release of the Windows-compatible iPod, the default file system used on the iPod line switched from HFS+ to FAT32, although it can be reformatted to either file system (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+.[23]

Unlike many other MP3 players, simply copying audio or video files to the drive with a typical file management application will not allow an 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. Usually iTunes is used to transfer media to an iPod, though several alternative third-party applications are available on a number of different platforms.

iTunes 7 and above can transfer purchased media of the iTunes Store from an iPod to a computer, provided that computer containing the DRM protected media is authorized to play it.

Media files are stored on an iPod in a hidden folder, along with a proprietary database file. The hidden content can be accessed on the host operating system by enabling hidden files to be shown. The media files can then be recovered manually by copying the files or folders off the iPod. Many third-party applications also allow easy copying of media files off of an iPod.

Hardware

Chipsets and Electronics
Chipset or Electronic Product(s) Component(s)
Microcontroller iPod Classic first to third generations Two ARM 7TDMI-derived CPUs 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-a-chip, based around an ARM processor.[24][25]
iPod Shuffle first generation SigmaTel STMP3550 chip that handles both the music decoding and the audio circuitry.[26]
Audio Chip All iPods (except the iPod Shuffle, 6G Classic and 2G Touch)[27] Audio Codecs developed by Wolfson Microelectronics
Sixth-generation iPod Classic Cirrus Logic Audio Codec Chip
Storage Medium iPod Classic 45.7 mm (1.8 in) hard drives (ATA-6, 4200 rpm with proprietary connectors) made by Toshiba
iPod Mini 25.4 mm (1 in) Microdrive by Hitachi and Seagate
iPod Nano Flash Memory from Samsung, Toshiba, and others
iPod Shuffle and Touch Flash Memory
Batteries iPod first and second generation, Shuffle Internal Lithium Polymer Batteries
iPod third generation onward, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, fourth generation iPod Shuffle (including maybe earlier) Internal Lithium-Ion Batteries
Display iPod Nano 1.54-inch (diagonal) Multi-Touch, 240-by-240 resolution at 220 pixels per inch[28]
iPod Classic 2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight, 320-by-240 resolution at 163 pixels per inch[29]
iPod Touch 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch, 960-by-640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch[30]

Connectivity

Four iPod wall chargers for North America, all made by Apple. These have FireWire (left) and USB (right three) connectors, which allow iPods to charge without a computer. The units have been miniaturized over time.

Originally, a FireWire connection to the host computer was used to update songs or recharge the battery. The battery could also be charged with a power adapter that was included with the first four generations. The third generation began including a 30-pin dock connector, allowing for FireWire or USB connectivity. This provided better compatibility with non-Apple machines, as most of them did not have FireWire ports at the time. Eventually Apple began shipping iPods with USB cables instead of FireWire, although the latter was available separately. As of the first-generation iPod Nano and the fifth-generation iPod Classic, Apple discontinued using FireWire for data transfer (while still allowing for use of FireWire to charge the device) in an attempt to reduce cost and form factor. As of the second-generation iPod Touch and the fourth-generation iPod Nano, FireWire charging ability has been removed. The second-, third-, and fifth-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 dock connector also allowed the iPod to connect to accessories, which often supplement the iPod's music, video, and photo playback. Apple sells a few accessories, such as the now-discontinued iPod Hi-Fi, but most are manufactured by third parties such as Belkin and Griffin. Some peripherals use their own interface, while others use the iPod's own screen. Because the dock connector is a proprietary interface, the implementation of the interface requires paying royalties to Apple.[31]

Accessories

The "Made for iPod" logo found on most classic iPod accessories

Many accessories have been made for the iPod line. A large number are made by third party companies, although many, such as the late iPod Hi-Fi, are made by Apple. 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 unique features like the Nike+iPod pedometer and the iPod Camera Connector. Other notable accessories include external speakers, wireless remote controls, protective case, screen films, and wireless earphones.[32] Among the first accessory manufacturers were Griffin Technology, Belkin, JBL, Bose, Monster Cable, and SendStation.

Two designs of iPod earphones. The current version is shown on the right.

BMW released the first iPod automobile interface,[33] allowing drivers of newer BMW vehicles to control an 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 Mercedes-Benz,[34] Volvo,[35] Nissan, Toyota,[36] Alfa Romeo, Ferrari,[37] Acura, Audi, Honda,[38] Renault, Infiniti[39] and Volkswagen.[40] Scion offers standard iPod connectivity on all their cars.

Some independent stereo manufacturers including JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, and Harman Kardon 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 iTrip—although personal FM transmitters are illegal in some countries. Many car manufacturers have added audio input jacks as standard.[41]

Beginning in mid-2007, four major airlines, United, Continental, Delta, and Emirates, reached agreements to install iPod seat connections. The free service will allow passengers to power and charge an iPod, and view video and music libraries on individual seat-back displays.[42] Originally KLM and Air France 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.[43]

Audio performance

The third-generation iPod had a weak bass response, as shown in audio tests.[44][45] The combination of the undersized DC-blocking capacitors and the typical low-impedance of most consumer headphones form a high-pass filter, which attenuates the low-frequency bass output. Similar capacitors were used in the fourth-generation iPods.[46] The problem is reduced when using high-impedance headphones and is completely masked when driving high-impedance (line level) loads, such as an external headphone amplifier. The first-generation iPod Shuffle uses a dual-transistor output stage,[44] rather than a single capacitor-coupled output, and does not exhibit reduced bass response for any load.

For all iPods released in 2006 and earlier, some equalizer (EQ) sound settings could "distort the [bass] sound far too easily, even on undemanding songs".[47] This would happen for EQ settings like R&B, Rock, Acoustic, and Bass Booster, because the equalizer amplified the digital audio level beyond the software's limit, causing distortion (clipping) on bass instruments.

From the fifth-generation iPod on, Apple introduced a user-configurable volume limit in response to concerns about hearing loss.[48] Users report that in the sixth-generation iPod, the maximum volume output level is limited to 100 dB in EU markets. Apple previously had to remove iPods from shelves in France for exceeding this legal limit.[49]

Models

While the suffix "Classic" was not introduced until the sixth generation, it has been applied here retroactively to all generic iPods for clarity.

Model Generation Image Capacity Connection Original release date Minimum OS to sync Rated battery life (hours)
Classic first first generation iPod 5, 10 GB FireWire 23 October 2001 Mac: 910.1 audio: 10
First model, with mechanical scroll wheel. 10 GB model released later.
second A second generation iPod (2002) 10, 20 GB FireWire 17 July 2002 Mac: 10.1
Win: 2000
audio: 10
Touch-sensitive wheel. FireWire port had a cover. Hold switch revised. Windows compatibility through Musicmatch.
third third generation iPod 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 GB FireWire (USB for syncing only) 28 April 2003 Mac: 10.1
Win: 2000
audio: 8
First complete redesign with all-touch interface, dock connector, and slimmer case. Musicmatch support dropped with later release of iTunes 4.1 for Windows.
fourth
(Photo)
(Color)
fourth generation iPod 20, 40 GB FireWire or USB 19 July 2004 Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 12
Adopted Click Wheel from iPod Mini, hold switch redesigned.
fourth generation iPod with color display photo:
30, 40, 60 GB
FireWire or USB 26 October 2004 Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 15
slideshow: 5
color:
20, 60 GB
28 June 2005
Premium spin-off of 4G iPod with color screen and picture viewing. Later re-integrated into main iPod line.
fifth fifth generation iPod 30, 60, 80 GB USB (FireWire for charging only) 12 October 2005 Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
30 GB
audio: 14
video: 2
(later 3.5)
60/80 GB
audio: 20
video: 3/6.5
Second full redesign with a slimmer case, and larger screen with video playback. Offered in black or white. Hardware and firmware updated with 60 GB model replaced with 80 GB model on 12 September 2006.
sixth sixth generation iPod 80, 120, 160 GB USB (FireWire for charging only) 5 September 2007 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
80 GB
audio: 30
video: 5
120 GB
audio: 36
video: 6
160 GB
2007 model
audio: 40
video: 7
2009 model
audio: 36
video: 6
Introduced the "Classic" suffix. New interface and anodized aluminum front plate. Silver replaces white. In September 2008 the hardware and firmware was updated with a 120 GB model replacing the 80 GB model and the 160 GB model was discontinued. In September 2009, the 120GB model was replaced with a 160GB model.
Mini first first generation iPod Mini 4 GB USB or FireWire 6 January 2004 Mac: 10.1
Win: 2000
audio: 8
New smaller model, available in 5 colors. Introduced the "Click Wheel".
second second generation iPod Mini 4, 6 GB USB or FireWire 22 February 2005 Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 18
Brighter color variants with longer battery life. Click Wheel lettering matched body color. Gold color discontinued. Later replaced by iPod Nano.
Nano first first generation iPod Nano 1, 2, 4 GB USB (FireWire for charging only) 7 September 2005 Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
audio: 14
slideshow: 4
Replaced Mini. Available in black or white and used flash memory. Color screen for picture viewing. 1 GB version released later.
second 4 GB blue iPod Nano 2, 4, 8 GB USB (FireWire for charging only) 12 September 2006 Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
audio: 24
slideshow: 5
Anodized aluminum casing and 6 colors available.
third 4 GB third generation iPod Nano 4, 8 GB USB (FireWire for charging only) 5 September 2007 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 24
video: 5
2" QVGA screen, colors refreshed with chrome back, new interface, video capability, smaller Click Wheel.
fourth 16 GB Flash Drive fourth generation iPod Nano 4, 8, 16 GB USB 9 September 2008 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 24
video: 4
Revert to tall form and all-aluminum enclosure with 9 color choices, added accelerometer for shake and horizontal viewing. 4 GB model limited release in select markets.
fifth 16 GB Flash Drive fifth generation iPod Nano with camera 8, 16 GB USB 9 September 2009 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 24
video: 5
First iPod to include a video camera; also included a larger screen, an FM radio, a speaker, a pedometer, and a polished exterior case while retaining the similar colors as the fourth generation model.
sixth Silver iPod nano 6G 8, 16 GB USB 1 September 2010 Mac: 10.5
Win: XP
audio: 24
First iPod nano to include multi-touch screen; clip from iPod shuffle added. Video playback, speakers and camera removed.
Shuffle first first generation iPod shuffle 512 MB, 1 GB USB
(no adaptor required)
11 January 2005 Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 12
New entry-level model. Uses flash memory and has no screen.
second second generation iPod shuffle 1, 2 GB USB 12 September 2006 Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
audio: 12
Smaller clip design with anodized aluminum casing. 4 color options added later. Colors were later refreshed twice.
third third generation iPod shuffle 2, 4 GB USB 11 March 2009 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 10
Smaller design with controls relocated to right earbud cable. Introduced with two colors, and features VoiceOver. More colors and 2GB model added in September 2009.
fourth fouth generation iPod shuffle 2 GB USB 1 September 2010 Mac: 10.5
Win: XP
audio: 15
Controls returned to the body of the iPod. Introduced with five colors, and features VoiceOver.
Touch first The 1st gen iPod Touch. 8, 16, 32 GB USB (FireWire for charging only)[50] 5 September 2007 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 22
video: 5
First iPod with Wi-Fi and a Multi-Touch interface. Features Safari browser and wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. 32 GB model later added. iOS 2.0 and App Store access requires an upgrade fee.
second The 2nd & 3rd gen iPod Touch. 8, 16, 32 GB USB 9 September 2008 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 36
video: 6
New tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added. iOS 2.0 and App Store access standard. Bluetooth support added but not made active until iOS 3.0, which requires an upgrade fee.
third 32, 64 GB USB 9 September 2009 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 30
video: 6
Updated to include the upgraded internals from the iPhone 3GS; includes Voice Control support and bundled remote earphones.
fourth The 4th gen iPod Touch. 8, 32, 64 GB USB 9 September 2010 Mac: 10.5
Win: XP
audio: 40
video: 7
New thinner design including two cameras for FaceTime and HD video recording, hold button moved to top right corner, Retina display similar to iPhone 4, Apple A4 chip. White-colored version added on 4 October 2011.

Timeline of iPod models

Apple TV Apple TV iPad 2 iPad iPhone 4 iPhone 4S iPhone 3GS iPhone 3G iPhone (original) iPod touch#Fourth generation iPod touch#Third generation iPod touch#Second generation iPod touch#First generation iPod classic iPod classic#Fifth generation iPod classic#iPod (with color display) iPod photo iPod classic#Fourth generation iPod classic#Third generation iPod classic#Second generation iPod classic#First generation iPod nano#Sixth generation iPod nano#Fifth generation iPod nano#Fourth generation iPod nano#Third generation iPod nano#Second generation iPod nano#First generation iPod mini iPod mini iPod shuffle#Fourth generation iPod shuffle#Third generation iPod shuffle#Second generation iPod shuffle#First generation
Sources: Apple press release library,[53] Mactracker Apple Inc. model database[52]

Patent disputes

In 2005, Apple faced two lawsuits claiming patent infringement by the iPod line and its associated technologies:[54] Advanced Audio Devices claimed the iPod line breached its patent on a "music jukebox",[55] while a Hong Kong-based IP portfolio company called Pat-rights filed a suit claiming that Apple's FairPlay technology breached a patent[56] issued to inventor Ho Keung Tse. The latter case also includes the online music stores of Sony, RealNetworks, Napster, and Musicmatch as defendants.[57]

Apple's application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a patent on "rotational user inputs",[58] as used on the iPod interface, received a third "non-final rejection" (NFR) in August 2005. Also in August 2005, Creative Technology, one of Apple's main rivals in the MP3 player market, announced that it held a patent[59] on part of the music selection interface used by the iPod line, which Creative dubbed the "Zen Patent", granted on August 9, 2005.[60] On May 15, 2006, Creative filed another suit against Apple with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Creative also asked the United States International Trade Commission to investigate whether Apple was breaching U.S. trade laws by importing iPods into the United States.[61]

On August 24, 2006, 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.[62]

Sales

iPod quarterly sales. Click for table of data and sources. Note that Q1 is October through December of previous year, the holiday season.

Since October 2004, the iPod line 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.[63] 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%. In January 2007 the iPod market share reached 72.7% according to Bloomberg Online.

On January 8, 2004, Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced that they would sell HP-branded iPods under a license agreement from Apple. Several new retail channels were used—including Wal-Mart—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.[64]

In January 2007, Apple reported record quarterly revenue of US$7.1 billion, of which 48% was made from iPod sales.[65]

On April 9, 2007, 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 revenue of US$5.2 billion, of which 32% was made from iPod sales.[66] Apple and several industry analysts suggest that iPod users are likely to purchase other Apple products such as Mac computers.[67]

On October 22, 2007, Apple reported quarterly revenue of US$6.22 billion, of which 30.69% came from Apple notebook sales, 19.22% from desktop sales and 26% from iPod sales. Apple's 2007 year revenue increased to US$24.01 billion with US$3.5 billion in profits. Apple ended the fiscal year 2007 with US$15.4 billion in cash and no debt.[68]

On January 22, 2008, Apple reported the best quarter revenue and earnings in Apple's history so far. Apple posted record revenue of US$9.6 billion and record net quarterly profit of US$1.58 billion. 42% of Apple's revenue for the First fiscal quarter of 2008 came from iPod sales, followed by 21% from notebook sales and 16% from desktop sales.[69]

On October 21, 2008, Apple reported that only 14.21% of total revenue for fiscal quarter 4 of year 2008 came from iPods.[70] At the September 9, 2009 keynote presentation at the Apple Event, Phil Schiller announced total cumulative sales of iPods exceeded 220 million.[71]

As of October 2011, Apple reported that total number of iPods sold worldwide was 300 million.[72]

Industry impact

iPods have won several awards ranging from engineering excellence,[73] to most innovative audio product,[74] to fourth best computer product of 2006.[75] iPods often receive favorable reviews; scoring on looks, clean design, and ease of use. PC World says that iPod line has "altered the landscape for portable audio players".[74] Several industries are modifying their products to work better with both the iPod line and the AAC audio format. Examples include CD copy-protection schemes,[76] and mobile phones, such as phones from Sony Ericsson and Nokia, which play AAC files rather than WMA.

Besides earning a reputation as a respected entertainment device, the iPod has also been accepted as a business device. Government departments, major institutions and international organisations have turned to the iPod line as a delivery mechanism for business communication and training, such as the Royal and Western Infirmaries in Glasgow, Scotland, where iPods are used to train new staff.[77]

iPods have also gained popularity for use in education. Apple offers more information on educational uses for iPods on their website,[78] including a collection of lesson plans. There has also been academic research done in this area in nursing education[79] and more general K-16 education.[80] Duke University provided iPods to all incoming freshmen in the fall of 2004, and the iPod program continues today with modifications.[81] Entertainment Weekly put it on its end-of-the-decade, "best-of" list, saying, "Yes, children, there really was a time when we roamed the earth without thousands of our favorite jams tucked comfortably into our hip pockets. Weird."[82]

Criticism

Battery problems

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 an iPod.[83] 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.[84] The lawsuits were settled by offering individuals either US$50 store credit or a free battery replacement.[85]

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 lose capacity during their lifetime even when not in use[86] (guidelines are available for prolonging life-span) and this situation led to a market for third-party battery replacement kits.

Apple announced a battery replacement program on November 14, 2003, a week before[87] a high publicity stunt and website by the Neistat Brothers.[88] The initial cost was US$99,[89] and it was lowered to US$59 in 2005. One week later, Apple offered an extended iPod warranty for US$59.[90] For the iPod Nano, soldering tools are needed because the battery is soldered onto the main board. Fifth generation iPods have their battery attached to the backplate with adhesive.[91][92]

The first generation iPod nano may overheat and pose a health and safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006. This is due a flawed battery used by Apple from a single battery manufacturer.[93]

Reliability and durability

iPods have been criticized for alleged short life-span and fragile hard drives. A 2005 survey conducted on the MacInTouch website found that the iPod line had an average failure rate of 13.7% (although they note that comments from respondents indicate that "the true iPod failure rate may be lower than it appears"). It concluded that some models were more durable than others.[94] In particular, failure rates for iPods employing hard drives was usually above 20% while those with flash memory had a failure rate 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.[95][96] A class action lawsuit was also filed.[97] Apple initially considered the issue a minor defect, but later began shipping these iPods with protective sleeves. 

Allegations of worker exploitation

On June 11, 2006, the British tabloid The Mail on Sunday reported that iPods are mainly manufactured by workers who earn no more than US$50 per month and work 15-hour shifts.[98] 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.[99]

Foxconn, Apple's manufacturer, initially denied the abuses,[100] but when an auditing team from Apple found that workers had been working longer hours than were allowed under Chinese law, they promised to prevent workers working more hours than the code allowed. Apple hired a workplace standards auditing company, Verité, and joined the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct Implementation Group to oversee the measures. On December 31, 2006, workers at the Foxconn factory in Longhua, Shenzhen formed a union affiliated with the All-China Federation of Trade Unions,[101] the Chinese government-approved union umbrella organization.[102][103]

In 2010, a number of workers committed suicide at a Foxconn operations in China. Apple, HP, and others stated that they were investigating the situation. Foxconn guards have been videotaped beating employees. Another employee killed himself in 2009 when an Apple prototype went missing, and claimed in messages to friends, that he had been beaten and interrogated.[104][105]

As of 2006, the iPod was produced by about 14,000 workers in the U.S. and 27,000 overseas. Further, the salaries attributed to this product were overwhelmingly distributed to highly skilled U.S. professionals, as opposed to lower skilled U.S. retail employees or overseas manufacturing labor. One interpretation of this result is that U.S. innovation can create more jobs overseas than domestically.[106]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Apple, HP, Dell Looking Into Foxconn’s Working Conditions In China – ChinaTechNews.com – The Technology Source for the Latest Chinese News on Internet, Computers, Digital, Science, Electronics, Law, Security, Software, Web 2.0, Telecom, and Wireless Industries". ChinaTechNews.com. May 28, 2010. http://www.chinatechnews.com/2010/05/28/12117-apple-hp-dell-looking-into-foxconns-working-conditions-in-china. Retrieved June 2, 2010. 
  2. ^ Apple Inc.. "iTunes system requirements. Apple iTunes software runs on Mac OS X 10.3.9 or OS X 10.4.9 or later and on Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or Vista". http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/. Retrieved May 28, 2008. 
  3. ^ Ross McKillop, simplehelp.net. "Alternatives to iTunes for managing your iPod". http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/07/08/10-alternatives-to-itunes-for-managing-your-ipod/. Retrieved May 28, 2008. 
  4. ^ "APPLE IOS 5 IPHONE / IPAD HANDS-ON (screenshot of iPhone home screen with iOS 5 preview)". Boy Genius Report. June 6, 2011. http://www.bgr.com/nggallery/page-320/album-all/gallery-186/image/2403/. Retrieved June 6, 2011. 
  5. ^ a b c d e f Kahney, Leander.Straight Dope on the iPod's Birth, Wired News, October 17, 2006. Retrieved on October 30, 2006.
  6. ^ "2007 Engineer of the Year Finalist Michael Dhuey’s Hardware Knowledge Helps Breathe Life Into iPod, TelePresence", Design News, September 24, 2007.
  7. ^ "A History of the iPod: 2000 to 2004". Lowendmac.com. http://lowendmac.com/orchard/05/origin-of-the-ipod.html. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 
  8. ^ a b Boffey, Daniel Apple admit Briton DID invent iPod, but he's still not getting any money Daily Mail, September 8, 2008. Retrieved on September 8, 2008.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4010:2fg03t.6.41
  11. ^ The restrictions vary from generation to generation; for the earliest video iPods, video is required to be Baseline Profile (BP), up to Level 1.3, meaning most significantly no B-frames (BP), a maximum bitrate of 768 kb/s (BP Level 1.3), and a maximum framerate of 30 frame/s at 320×240 resolution. Newer iPods support BP up to level 3.0 (10,000 kb/s), for a maximum framerate of 30 frame/s at 640×480 resolution. Current specifications can be seen at iPod Classic Technical Specs, and practical implementations can be seen in the libx264-ipod320.ffpreset and libx264-ipod640.ffpreset preset files for FFmpeg, as discussed in [Ffmpeg-user] Successful ipod h264 encoding, by Daniel Rogers, Jun 11, 2006.
  12. ^ "iTunes Downloads". Apple.com. 2008-02-07. http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 
  13. ^ iTunes Music Store Catalog Tops One Million Songs, Apple Inc., August 10, 2004. Retrieved on December 28, 2006.
  14. ^ Scott-Joynt, Jeremy. Apple targets TV and film market, BBC News, September 12, 2006. Retrieved on September 12, 2006.
  15. ^ Kanellos, Michael. Real's Glaser exhorts Apple to open iPod, CNet News, March 23, 2004. Retrieved on June 20, 2006.
  16. ^ Orlowski, Andrew. Your 99c belong to the RIAA – Steve Jobs, The Register, November 7, 2003. Retrieved on2006-06-20.
  17. ^ Evans, Jonny. Universal confirms iTunes contract change, Macworld UK, July 4, 2007. Retrieved on July 5, 2007.
  18. ^ "iPod Games Review Roundup". Gamepro.com. 2006-09-15. http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/81588/ipod-games-review-roundup/. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 
  19. ^ "What's Inside an iPod Game?" bensinclair.com, September 14, 2006.
  20. ^ "iPod touch: Appears in iTunes but not in Finder or Windows Desktop". Docs.info.apple.com. 2010-01-06. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306414. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 
  21. ^ "iTunes Tutorial". Internet Archive copy of untitled page about and instructing how to store (non-music) files on an iPod. Archived from the original on August 18, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070818015409/http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/windows/tutorial/segment102092b.html. Retrieved October 28, 2010. 
  22. ^ —Gina Trapani (2007-05-14). "How To: Boot up your Mac from your iPod". Lifehacker.com. http://lifehacker.com/software/how-to/boot-up-your-mac-from-your-ipod-260157.php. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 
  23. ^ "Restore iPod – Format iPod – Reformat iPod – iPod Restore Software". Ipod.about.com. February 1, 2010. http://ipod.about.com/od/restoreandreformatipod/a/ipod_format_a.htm. Retrieved June 2, 2010. 
  24. ^ Cassell, Jonathan. Apple Delivers More For Less With New iPod Nano, iSuppli Corporation, September 20, 2006. Retrieved on October 21, 2006.
  25. ^ "mobile SoC". Samsung Group. Archived from the original on February 25, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080225041633/http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/products/mobilesoc/Products_MobileSoC.html. Retrieved August 4, 2009. 
  26. ^ Williams, Martyn. How Much Should an IPod Shuffle Cost?, PC World, February 24, 2005. Retrieved on August 14, 2006.
  27. ^ Macworld Wolfson loses Apple iPod business
  28. ^ "iPod nano Technical Specifications". Apple Inc.. http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/specs.html. Retrieved September 3, 2010. 
  29. ^ "iPod classic Technical Specifications". Apple Inc.. http://www.apple.com/ipodclassic/specs.html. Retrieved August 4, 2009. 
  30. ^ "iPod touch Technical Specifications". Apple Inc.. http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html. Retrieved September 3, 2010. 
  31. ^ Johnson, Joel (July 10, 2008). "How the "Apple Tax" Boosts Prices on iPod & iPhone Accessories". Popular Mechanics. http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4272628.html?page=1. Retrieved September 9, 2008. 
  32. ^ In-The-Ear Bluetooth Earphones. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  33. ^ iPod Your BMW. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  34. ^ Apple & Mercedes-Benz Unveil iPod Integration Kit, Apple Inc., January 11, 2005. Retrieved on June 20, 2006.
  35. ^ Apple & Volvo Announce iPod Connectivity For Entire 2005 US Model Line, Apple Inc., January 11, 2005. Retrieved on June 20, 2006.
  36. ^ "Toyota introduce iPod integration kit". Gizmag.com. September 4, 2007. http://www.gizmag.com/go/7945/. Retrieved June 2, 2010. 
  37. ^ Apple & Leading Car Companies Team Up to Deliver iPod Integration in 2005, Apple Inc., January 11, 2005. Retrieved on June 20, 2006.
  38. ^ Honda Music Link for iPods, Honda. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  39. ^ Apple Car Integration page[dead link]
  40. ^ Apple Teams Up With Acura, Audi, Honda & Volkswagen to Deliver Seamless iPod Experience, Apple Inc., September 7, 2005. Retrieved on June 20, 2006.
  41. ^ Car Integration: iPod your car, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  42. ^ Apple Teams Up With Continental, Delta, Emirates, & United to deliver iPod Integration, Apple Inc., November 14, 2006. Retrieved on December 7, 2006.
  43. ^ Marsal, Katie. Two of six airlines say there's no ink on iPod deal, AppleInsider, November 15, 2006. Retrieved on December 7, 2006.
  44. ^ a b Machrone, Bill. iPod audio measurements, PC Magazine, 2005. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  45. ^ Heijligers, Marc. iPod audio measurements. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  46. ^ Heijligers, Marc. iPod circuit design engineering, May 2006. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  47. ^ Kuzmanoski, Brian. Tweaking the iPod equalizer, DAP review, 2005. Retrieved on July 22, 2011.
  48. ^ Cohen, Peter. iPod update limits iPod volume setting, Macworld, 2006. Retrieved on November 7, 2008.
  49. ^ Fried, Ian. Apple pulls iPod in France. Retrieved on November 7, 2008.
  50. ^ "iPhone and iPod touch: Charging the battery". Apple. 15 October 2009. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1476. Retrieved 12 January 2010. 
  51. ^ Apple Inc., Identifying iPod models, retrieved 31 October 2007.
  52. ^ a b Mactracker (mactracker.ca), Apple Inc. model database, version as of 26 July 2007.
  53. ^ Apple Inc., Apple press release library, Retrieved September 19, 2007.
  54. ^ Apple faces patent lawsuits over its iPod, ChannelRegister, March 10, 2005. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  55. ^ U.S. Patent 6,587,403 — Advanced Audio Devices' "music jukebox" patent.
  56. ^ U.S. Patent 6,665,797 — "Protection of software again against unauthorized use" (corrected to "Computer Apparatus/Software Access Control").
  57. ^ Apple, Sony among those named in new DRM lawsuit, AppleInsider, August 16, 2005. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  58. ^ U.S. patent application 20030095096 Apple Inc.'s application on "rotational user inputs".
  59. ^ U.S. Patent 6,928,433 Creative Technology's "Zen" patent.
  60. ^ Creative wins MP3 player patent, BBC News, August 30, 2005. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  61. ^ Creative sues Apple over patent, Macworld UK, May 16, 2006. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
  62. ^ Apple & Creative Announce Broad Settlement..., , Apple Inc.. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  63. ^ Marsal, Katie. iPod: how big can it get?, AppleInsider, May 24, 2006. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  64. ^ HP to stop selling Apple's iPods, AppleInsider, July 29, 2005. Retrieved on August 6, 2007.
  65. ^ Apple Reports First Quarter Results, Apple Inc., January 17, 2007. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  66. ^ Apple Reports Second Quarter Results, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on April 25, 2007.
  67. ^ Orlowski, Andrew. For Apple, Halo effect eclipses Osborne effect, The Register, October 11, 2005. Retrieved on July 13, 2006.
  68. ^ Apple Reports Fourth Quarter 2007 Results, Apple Inc., October 22, 2007. Retrieved on October 22, 2007.
  69. ^ Apple Inc. (January 22, 2008). Apple Reports First Quarter Results. Press release. Retrieved on January 23, 2008
  70. ^ AppleInsider (October 27, 2008). [1] Retrieved on October 27, 2008
  71. ^ World of Apple. (September 9, 2009). Live Coverage From Apple’s “It’s Only Rock and Roll” Event. Press release. Retrieved on September 9, 2009
  72. ^ Apple Unveils Updated iPod Nano, Touch
  73. ^ iPod and Bluetooth lead to prizes, BBC News, June 3, 2005. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
  74. ^ a b "The 25 Most Innovative Products of the Year". PC World. August 3, 2007. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,123942-page,2/article.html. Retrieved February 17, 2007. 
  75. ^ Apple wins 5 'World Class' awards, MacNN. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  76. ^ Apple, iPod, and CD Copy Protection, MacRumors. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  77. ^ Hospitals train staff with iPods, BBC News, March 29, 2006. Retrieved on June 16, 2007.
  78. ^ "Mobile Learning". Apple.com. http://www.apple.com/education/teachers-professors/mobile-learning.html. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 
  79. ^ Maag, M.E.D. (2006). "Scopus database: a review". CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing 24 (1): 9–13. doi:10.1186/1742-5581-3-1. PMC 1420322. PMID 16522216. http://www.cinjournal.com/pt/re/cin/fulltext.00024665-200601000-00005.htm. Retrieved February 8, 2008. 
  80. ^ Slykhuis, D. (2006). Have an iPod? Then you need to know this about how to use it in your classroom. http://www.aace.org/newdl/index.cfm?fuseaction=Reader.ViewAbstract&paper_id=22435. Retrieved February 8, 2008. [dead link]
  81. ^ — Doug Lederman. "Duke’s Ever-Evolving iPod Initiative". Insidehighered.com. http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/04/28/ipod. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 
  82. ^ Geier, Thom; Jensen, Jeff; Jordan, Tina; Lyons, Margaret; Markovitz, Adam; Nashawaty, Chris; Pastorek, Whitney; Rice, Lynette; Rottenberg, Josh; Schwartz, Missy; Slezak, Michael; Snierson, Dan; Stack, Tim; Stroup, Kate; Tucker, Ken; Vary, Adam B.; Vozick-Levinson, Simon; Ward, Kate (December 11, 2009), "THE 100 Greatest MOVIES, TV SHOWS, ALBUMS, BOOKS, CHARACTERS, SCENES, EPISODES, SONGS, DRESSES, MUSIC VIDEOS, AND TRENDS THAT ENTERTAINED US OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS". Entertainment Weekly. (1079/1080):74-84
  83. ^ MP3 Insider: The truth about your battery life, mp3.com, March 13, 2006. Retrieved on July 10, 2006.
  84. ^ Apple investigates iPod batteries, BBC News, February 10, 2004. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
  85. ^ Horwitz, Jeremy. Apple’s iPod Battery Settlement, Explained, iLounge, June 10, 2005. Retrieved on August 27, 2006.
  86. ^ The Curse of Lithium Ion Batteries, MP3 Newswire, January 6, 2006. Retrieved on November 30, 2006.
  87. ^ iPod Battery FAQ. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
  88. ^ Neistat, Casey. A Message From the Neistat Brothers, November 20, 2003. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  89. ^ Apple offers iPod battery replacement service, MacMinute, November 14, 2003. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
  90. ^ AppleCare for iPod now available, MacMinute, November 21, 2003. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
  91. ^ Ecker, Clint. Vivisection of the Video iPod, Ars Technica, October 19, 2005. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
  92. ^ Disassemble Guide for Video iPod. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
  93. ^ appleinsider.com - Apple opens up replacement program for first-gen iPod nano
  94. ^ iPod Reliability Survey, MacInTouch, November 28, 2005. Retrieved on October 29, 2006.
  95. ^ Apple responds to iPod nano screen concerns, Macworld, September 27, 2005. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  96. ^ Arthur, Charles. iPod Nano owners in screen scratch trauma, The Register, September 25, 2005. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  97. ^ Fried, Ina. Suit filed over Nano scratches, CNet News, October 21, 2005. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  98. ^ Inside Apple's iPod factories, Macworld UK, June 12, 2006. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
  99. ^ Millard, Elizabeth. Is It Ethical To Own an iPod?. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
  100. ^ Foxconn denies iPod 'sweatshop' claims, MacNN, June 19, 2006. Retrieved on February 17, 2007.
  101. ^ ITUC Hong Kong Liaison Office (January 2, 2007). "ACFTU Union established at Foxconn on the very last day of 2006". http://www.ihlo.org/LRC/ACFTU/030107.html. Retrieved February 2, 2010. 
  102. ^ McDonald's and KFC seeking to resolve Chinese minimum wage issue ..., April 5, 2007, nytimes.com. Retrieved 2010 5 27.
  103. ^ Wal-Mart backs down and allows Chinese workers to join union, August 11, 2006, Jonathan Watts, The Guardian
  104. ^ Suicides Spark Inquiries Apple, H-P to Examine Asian Supplier After String of Deaths at Factory, Jason Dean, Ting-i Tsai, May 27, 2010, accessed May 27, 2010
  105. ^ The Foxconn Suicides, May 28, 2010, wsj.com, WSJ opinion, accessed May 27, 2010
  106. ^ "Reuters-Freeland-Winners and Losers in the Apple Economy-July 2011". Blogs.reuters.com. http://blogs.reuters.com/chrystia-freeland/2011/07/01/winners-and-losers-in-the-apple-economy/. Retrieved 2011-08-15. 

External links


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • IPod —  Cet article traite de l iPod en général. Pour des informations concernant les iPod de la gamme actuelle, voir iPod classic, iPod touch, iPod nano et iPod shuffle …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Ipod —  Cet article traite de l iPod en général. Pour des informations concernant les iPod de la gamme actuelle, voir iPod classic, iPod touch, iPod nano et iPod shuffle …   Wikipédia en Français

  • IPod — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda iPod Fabricante Apple Inc. Tipo Reproductor de audio digital …   Wikipedia Español

  • iPod — Fabricante Apple Inc. Tipo Reproductor de audio digital Generación …   Wikipedia Español

  • IPod — (ай Под)  торговая марка серии портативных медиа проигрывателей компании Apple, в качестве носителя данных использующих флеш память или, в ряде моделей, жёсткий диск (самый известный  iPod classic). Дебют бренда состоялся 21 октября… …   Википедия

  • iPod Hi-Fi — iPod Hi Fi  это активная акустическая стереофоническая Hi Fi система (с поддержкой surround звука в формате 5.1) от Apple, используемая для проигрывания музыки совместно с плеером …   Википедия

  • IPod Hi-Fi — iPod Hi Fi  это активная акустическая стереофоническая Hi Fi система (с поддержкой surround звука в формате 5.1) от Apple, используемая для проигрывания музыки совместно с плеером iPod. Анонс iPod Hi Fi  28 февраля 2006 года …   Википедия

  • IPod Hi-Fi — war ein portables Lautsprechersystem von Apple Inc. Es wurde am 28. Februar 2006 vorgestellt und kostete 349 €. Anfang September 2007 wurde der iPod Hi Fi eingestellt und aus dem Sortiment genommen. Ein Nachfolgemodell gibt es nicht. Funktionen… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • IPod Hi-Fi — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda El iPod Hi Fi es un aparato manufacturado por la compañía Apple. El mismo fue puesto a la venta el 28 de febrero de 2006. Tiene la forma de caja blanca con la sección de salida de los altavoces en negro. Sus… …   Wikipedia Español

  • iPod™ — 8 [iPod] [ˈaɪpɒd] [ˈaɪpɑːd] noun a small piece of equipment that can store information taken from the Internet and that you carry with you, for example so that you can listen to music • The iPod plays audio for up to 20 hours. • …   Useful english dictionary

  • iPod® — 〈[aıpɔd] m. 6; EDV〉 mobiles Abspielgerät im Taschenformat (MP3 Player) der Firma Apple für die Wiedergabe von Musikdaten, Videos u. Texten * * * iPod®, I Pod [ a̮ipɔt ], der; [s], s [aus »i« für engl. internet (oder: information) …   Universal-Lexikon

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”