Contents |
iPod is one of the digital audio players brands designed and marketed by Apple Computer. iPod family has different versions of models that provide a simple user interface designed around a central scroll wheel. Most of the iPod models with bigger memory use built-in hard drive to store the media, while the smaller models such as iPod shuffle and iPod nano use flash memory. All the iPod models can be served as an external data storage device when connected to a computer (Apple Computer 2005). Hewlett Packard Co. mentioned on 29th of July 2005 that they will stop reselling iPods by the end of September, 2005 (Fordahl 2005).
iTunes is first introduced to Macintosh on the 9 January 2001, with the functions of converting audio CDs into compressed digital audio files, organises digital music collections and plays internet radio. iTunes is used for synchronising iPod by uploading music and photos. iPod can also used as a data storage device when connected to the computer (Apple Computer 2005).
iPod was first released on 23 October 2001 by Apple Inc. The vice president of iPod engineering, Tony Fadell was previously working at General Magic and Philips left to set up as an independent contractor and hardware expert. Fadell is recognized for his business idea (later named iPod) and was hired by Apple in early 2001 to produce iPod (Kahney 2004).
The first release of iPod was only compatible to Mac-products, but later the company released format compatible for Microsoft Windows. All the models of the first generation were discontinued after iPod (Dock Connector) was introduced in April 2003 which allows iPod to be connected to both Mac and Microsoft Windows products. (Music Week 2004; Apple Computer 2005).
Apple is now introducing different models with different capacities or different designs with the name of iPod. iPod now has five generations in the family.
iPod fifth Generation from Apple computer
The previous products which were discontinued are as follow:
iPod can play different audio formats: MP3, MP3 VBR, AAC, Protected AAC, Audible, WAV, (only for iPod nano and iPod) Apple Lossless and AIFF.
Both iPod nano and iPod can view photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac version only) and PNG formats.
The iPod released on October 12, 2005 is featured to play MPEG-4 and H.264 video.
iPodLinux from iPodLinux.org
iPodLinux is a bootloader that allow iPod users to choose between Linux kernel image and the apple software. A patched version of uClinux is used to run Apple’s iPods.
iPodLinux’s primary component is podzilla, an application that provides:
On 16 September 2005, iPodLinux announced the official support for 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of iPods. Although the other generations are still being developed, the iPodLinux project does not plan to support iPod shuffles.
Since the first released of BMW and iPod automobile interface, Apple is now promoting integration of iPod and automobiles. 15 car companies worldwide are now planning to offer iPod integration (Apple Computer 2005).
Rebecca Ngok 18:08, 18 Oct 2005 (EST)
