ipod
02/28/2006, 9:35pm, EST
Tuesday, February 28th
Apple worrying iPod accessory makers?
Apple's more aggressive move into the iPod accessory market with the introduction of the new high-end cases and the iPod Hi-Fi may have some iPod accessory makers nervous, according to a new report. Dubbed as the "home stereo reinvented for the iPod age" by Steve Jobs, some analysts believe that Apple is encroaching on others' territory, which could impact the $1 billion iPod economy. "Buyers of iPods spend $1 on accessories for each $3 they spend on the iPod, said Stephen Baker, an analyst with research firm NPD Group. In 2005 that amounted to $1 billion spent on everything from car adapters to clothing, Baker said. Furthermore, NPD research shows that the biggest chunk of spending 26.5 percent was for speaker systems. 'If you're an iPod accessories maker, (Tuesday's) announcement has to make you nervous,' said Rob Enderle, principal analyst for the Enderle Group in San Jose, Calif. 'The accessories market is clearly very lucrative, and Apple will be getting more aggressive.'"
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Considering Enderle's reputation, I'm surprised he gets traction on here.
Yes, Apple's making iPod accessories. Apple's been making iPod accessories for a while, now. This isn't news.
Yes, the speaker market is a huge segment, but to be honest, I'd still rather get the Bose iPod Altar, instead of Apple's iPod Hi-Fi, for a variety of reasons. Additionally, this means that accessory makers now simply have to get more competitive, but also have more functions and features to use, as Apple provides them.
Both offerings are overpriced and don't provide anything particularly unique or special over what's already out there.
I guess Apple could stop certifying 3rd Party stuff for their iPods, and only sell their own stuff in Apple Stores. But I doubt that will happen anytime soon.
No, I didn't spend $300 on the iPod, either. Thanks to all you "GOTTA UPGRADE" pansies I scooped up two 30GB 3Gs for under $100 on ebay. Thanks, suckers!
BTW: if you want the Hi-Fi, wait 4 months and it'll drop in price by at least $100. It's the Apple way.