Podcasting pushes Apple

Apple can credit the popularity of podcasting for some of its present and future potential marketshare gains. With the introduction of podcasting and the dominance of the iPod, Apple has reworked the perception of digital content downloading, making it easier and more accessible to mainstream users. According to an Oxford Analytica report cited by Forbes, Apple is likely to become more popular in the coming years thanks to the attention the company has garnered since the introduction of the iPod. With the video iPod, Forbes says that video podcasting "may provide Apple with a platform that allows it to compete with traditional broadcast media, such as cable television, satellite and film-on-demand."

Referencing a research report by Oxford Analytica, Forbes reports that "technological changes, sophisticated timing and branding, and increased consumer receptiveness to high-quality designs of hardware and software have fueled Apple's resurgence. Continued innovation is likely. The interest in podcasting will only increase Apple's market share in the coming years."

Additionally, Oxford Analytica expects Macs to become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons, including better overall security: "security issues that have plagued Microsoft in recent years tend not to affect Apple software; Apple has always led the way in the design of computer hardware and software; [and] Apple's design approach ensures ease of use and hardware/software compatibility for consumers."

The report forsees stiffer competition for the iPod in the future as other companies are catching on to the styling concept of the iPod, more cell phones begin to come equipped with music playing programs and download abilities, and more digital media download services start up.

by MacNN Staff