Billboard.com reports that a "prominent" Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) spokesperson said that the next generation of iPods due out this fall or winter will feature similar functions to the new iPhone. This report came out yesterday, the same day that Apple shares dropped almost two dollars. Disappointed iPod users who are intrigued by the functions of the iPhone but do not necessarily want the phone itself, may feel this rumor makes up for their disappointment (if one can really call it that).
With the iPhone launch being such a success in terms of sales, one cannot help but wonder whether an iPod that is so close in design will enjoy the same level of success. The lack of phone and internet services might entice consumers with phone services other than AT&T (NYSE: T) to buy this device, by giving them the option of an iPhone (basically).
The new iPod could also find a home with current iPod owners (like me) who do not wish to buy the iPhone out of fear of bugs and problems. I still own an iPod model that was released before the introduction of the model with video, so that function especially interests me; I just do not know that the iPhone is not for me. Of course, the iPhone would certainly be me if I suddenly became impulsive!
Apple closed at $130.33 yesterday, down from $132.30 on Friday.
Earnings preview for Ford
Apple shares rise on report Steve Jobs is free of cancer
Toyota whups GM in the first half of 2008
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-10-2007 @ 9:52AM
Ryan said...
Would these "iPods" also contain the web browsing features? Because THAT would be utterly killer, and would be a device that I would very seriously consider springing $300-$400 for.
7-10-2007 @ 9:57AM
Richard Driver said...
The report indicates that the new iPod (if it is a reality) will feature the same features that the current iPod has, only upgraded to function as the iPod does on the iPhone. Internet capabilities would be very nice, but at this point unknown.
7-10-2007 @ 1:23PM
Dave G said...
I thought it worth pointing out that there are some of us who want both the iPhone and a separate iPod. I have my iPhone and absolutely love it. However because of concerns that watching a movie will drain too much of my phone battery, I still use my iPod for such things. Also my iPod has 80 gb of storage. That's a lot of TV shows and movies I can fit on at one time versus the 8 gb on my iPhone. I would love to have the big beautiful screen from my iPhone on a dedicated video iPod. Just my two cents.
7-10-2007 @ 2:18PM
Richard Driver said...
Dave, I completely agree with you and would like to have both a new iPod (it's just a rumor remember) and a new iPhone. I also think the iPhone is too limited for consumers who do not have AT&T service and do not wish to switch. For those that do, the option of both also exists, which is why I agree with you. Thanks for the thoughts.
7-10-2007 @ 7:58PM
robert said...
I agree with Dave. I (like many others) am to careless with my cell phone and would prefer to keep my cell phone and ipod seperate. I would love to have the new technology of the iphone on an ipod and would gladly trade in my old one for a new one. I think there are plenty of people out there who would do the same, making tons of money for Apple.
Rob
7-11-2007 @ 10:23AM
OS11 said...
What I'd realllly like to see is an iPod, with all the same features of the current iPhone, but WITHOUT the "Cell Phone" part, BUT WITH Voice over IP, or "iTalk". That way you could talk to anyone else with this iPod over any wireless network, and not have to incur any phone charges.
It would be a HUGE hit, and make all iPods and the iPhone pale in comparison of sales. Basically it would be a Internet based Walkie Talkie.
-
7-11-2007 @ 10:23AM
OS12 said...
What I'd realllly like to see is an iPod, with all the same features of the current iPhone, but WITHOUT the "Cell Phone" part, BUT WITH Voice over IP, or "iTalk". That way you could talk to anyone else with this iPod over any wireless network, and not have to incur any phone charges.
It would be a HUGE hit, and make all iPods and the iPhone pale in comparison of sales. Basically it would be a Internet based Walkie Talkie.
-