As Scott Kirsner noted in his blog today, Steve Jobs' keynote at MacWorld focused almost exclusively on the Mac computer. Where was the iPod in the discussion? Before the expo began, many predicted a new version of the Shuffle. It did not materialize. Job sped through the latest iPod/iTunes benchmarks to get to the news on Mac computers.
Maybe there wasn't a new Shuffle because Jobs and co. finally realized they are doing very well and they don't have to push a new iPod every few months. Their numbers clearly indicate that the iPod's appeal isn't slowing down: a third of all iPods ever sold were bought in the last quarter (14 million of 42 million; 83% of the portable music market, says Jobs). And with iTunes selling 850 million songs since its launch, and 8 million videos since they began offering that in October, they are succeeding at content delivery. With new videos every month, (ESPN and Saturday Night Live being the latest) it seems like they won't halt their progress in that arena either.
Though the many iPod product launches of 2005 smacked of desperation to stay on top, Apple's numbers indicate simple success. They will continue to dominate digital music, and the emerging digital video market, and renew their focus on Mac computers. Apple is looking at a bright new year.
Related Stories: | Topics:Technology, technology + computers, Electronics, Science and Technology, Technology, Digital Music Players, Apple iPod |
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Recent Comments | 3 Total
January 11, 2006 at 11:19am by Jeffrey
"Desperation to stay on top" or the ability to unleash innovations embraced by the market at a dizzying pace. The unbelievable 4th quarter sales of iPods seems to suggest Jobs knows what he is doing.
January 11, 2006 at 3:30pm by Steve O'Keefe
The ability to get 14 million units INTO stores in the last quarter is what's so amazing. That requires gambling months earlier on how many to make. Excellent job of predicting the market.
January 21, 2006 at 3:21pm by rick
With all the changes in the consumer domain, who is watching out for the consumer to help make buying decisions? Is there a need for something beyond "Consumer Reports". I would be spending more if I had an overall view on how this all comes together to define a benifit to me.