Apple worrying iPod accessory makers?
updated 09:35 pm EST, Tue February 28, 2006
Apple\'s iPod moves
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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Joined: Jan 2005
Rob Enderle...
Now, with the 'Enderle Group' - I guess he finally got fired.
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.