“When Apple Computer introduces new versions of its original iPod digital music player later this year, expect them to sport more home-grown components such as an Apple-branded scroll-wheel,” Kasper Jade reports for AppleInsider. “Since forming a division of the company to focus specifically on iPods, sources say that iPod engineers have increased their efforts not only on broadening the line of digital music players, but also on reducing component outsourcing to maintain tighter control of the company’s intellectual property.”
“In working to develop some of its own component solutions — rather than continue to license them from others — Apple hopes to gain more control over the iPod and shave costs at the same time. These costs saving measures are likely to be reflected in slightly higher margins for Apple and lower iPod costs for the end consumer,” Jade reports. “The iPod’s navigational controls will be one of the first components to see such changes, sources have told AppleInsider. By October, Apple is expected to abandon Synaptics as its supplier of iPod scroll-wheels for its white iPods in favor of an in-house solution.”
Jade also reports that Apple is “developing an iPod that supports user-replaceable batteries.” More information in the full article here.
Related articles:
Apple shares drop 3.8-percent; WSJ says iPod battery settlement could cost $100 million [UPDATED] – June 03, 2005
Apple offers $50 credit for iPod batteries to settle class-action lawsuit – June 02, 2005
Apple posts iPod, iPod mini battery life information webpage – June 30, 2004
Apple hit with five class-action lawsuits over iPod battery life – February 10, 2004
Enough with the Apple product news! We need more Macromedia product news.
did you hear the new Dreamweaver is coming?!?
I’m waiting for a bluetooth ipod along with a BT headset and BT car stereo
It’s good to see a company that listens to its customers. I think Apple is more responsive now than it has ever been. No way Microsoft has ever been this responsive or ever will be.
Customer complaints: Apple’s solution
iPod is too big: iPod Mini
No small flash iPod: shuffle
No color screen/photo support: iPod photo/color
No cheap Mac: Mac mini
No multi-button mouse: Mighty Mouse
Old OS: OS 9 -> OS X
Macs are slow: Intel procs soon
No software: iLife, iWork, Final Cut, etc and new OS X apps everyday from other companies
I want Bluetooth in my head, that way when I think up mindless posts to make on MDN I can jsut think them and they will magically appear.
And I second the request for more Macromedia news. I just can’t get enough of that. Especially now that I own all the Studio apps and can’t wait to see how Adobe is going to bastardize the product line. If we’re voting, can we vote for them to kill GoLive and continue with Dreamweaver?
For that matter, they could kill Illustrator for all I care. Freehand never crashed as much as Illustrator does.
macman.
If you thin macs are too slow, I doubt you’ve used a Power Mac G5.
Speaking of Bluetooth, I came across this little hack for Linux laptops.
http://www.linuxsecurity.com/content/view/120013/65/
What it discusses is the ability of someone with a Linux laptop and an extend antena on their bluetooth adapter to be able to connect to cars and either hear conversations or engage in conversations with the occupants.
I would love to see a bluetooth enabled iPod.
I think it’s a cool idea. Apple really SHOULD get their logo on their best-selling product! Right now it’s tiny on the back and never seen.
yeah the macs are slow thing is just autistic. If you’re running a G4 1Ghz eMac.. it IS slow.. no disillusion there. Get a fast computer (imac g5) and you’ll see..
gingerbread
how about g5 computers in general? my imac is fast as lightning at day to day stuff
“lower iPod costs for the end consumer”
Hahahahahahahahah. Hold on. Hahahahah hahaha hahaha hahah. Oh that’s a good one!
no kidding… they mean:
lower COSTS for Apple.
More PROFIT for Apple.
and Drop the iPod 50$ (as the technology becomes cheaper) so as to create the illusion of dropped prices.
ipods are cash cows.
They’ll milk you until you stop producing.
Please Adobe, kill Dreamweaver and Freehand. They sucks!
‘user-replaceable battery’
Best idea since the user-replaceable battery.
They’re charging $50 for a replacement Battery? You can buy ine from Newertech for $30.
“It’s good to see a company that listens to its customers. I think Apple is more responsive now than it has ever been. No way Microsoft has ever been this responsive or ever will be.”
Well, then, I hope this means that the 5th gen iPod will finally address the main issue that’s kept me (and many others) from buying one:
http://www.petitiononline.com/13421509/
…but somehow, I’m not holding out.