JupiterResearch VP & Research Director Michael Gartenberg attended the Nike and Apple event this morning in New York City featuring Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Nike CEO Mark Parker, seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe.
Gartenberg writes on his blog, “This is pretty big news. While there’s a lot of things to talk about from a co-branding perspective, it also underscores the whole nature of the iPod as not just a device but a cornerstone for the digital lifestyle. It also drives home the power of the iPod as a platform that can be built on. I’ve already talked about the notion of a BMW or Mercedes as iPod accessories. Now you can count Nike sneakers into that category as well. Another nice win for both Apple and Nike and another way that they continue to differentiate the product relative to the competition.”
Gartenberg’s blog is here: http://weblogs.jupiterresearch.com/analysts/gartenberg/
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “LinuxGuy” for the heads up.]
MacDailyNews Take: Accessories have become a major selling point for Apple iPod. Your sneakers don’t talk to also-ran digital media devices. Cases don’t fit, vehicles don’t integrate, software is incompatible, etc. It’s a big part of why we can so confidently state that Apple has already won. We just fill in the blank every couple of months: “More blood on Apple iPod’s Click Wheel: __________ is dead.” And, yes, we can’t wait until we can get “Creative” with that one.
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Thanks, rb. I have my days.
How about a shoe with a built-in click wheel and display? Squats and toe touches guaranteed. O.k., maybe that’s a stretch.
Gartenberg said: “I’ve already talked about the notion of a BMW or Mercedes as iPod accessories.”
Dude, give your head a shake! That’s it, we’re cutting you off the “kool aid”.
“How about iBalls? Wireless vibrating ben-wa balls with a biofeedback circuit to your iPod that let’s you know just how close you are to…”
That’ll be the next generation to come after this: <a href=”http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?id=5294#fulldescription”>iBuzz</a>
What the eff did I do wrong??? Can’t get the damn tag to work!
that’s a funny page… complete w customer reviews (recommends bass)
mdn magic word: history>clear history
“What the eff did I do wrong??? Can’t get the damn tag to work!”
<a> href=”http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?id=5294#fulldescription”>iBuzz</a>
Don’t you just hate it?
Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil. Makes me wonder how lovehoney holds out. Inquiring minds.
The real win here for Apple is the exposure the iPod will receive as a co-product in Nike ads.
I’m sure Apple contributed to the expense of developing and airing the ads, but the cost isn’t anywhere near what it would have been if Apple had carried on alone.
This is much bigger than the kiddie posters above can imagine.
I can just see Creative or anyone of the also rans saying, “get Reebok on the phone now!”…as though all they have to do is line up there own shoe company to succeed. When will they learn?!
AG Pennypacker,
No redneck here, just thought Ampar was unusually brilliant.
“Beast Man on “The Skeletor Show” are you? – Chicken Butt!” Don’t even know what this means.
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“another way that they continue to differentiate the product relative to the competition.”
What competition? Oh, you mean Nike!
The iPod isn’t a platform until you can write software for it.
Imagine a Playstation/Geneises/SNES emulator for the iPod with video or the upcoming full screen video iPod.
Totally illegal of course, but the chance to play old retro games titles on a video iPod? I’d buy one in a heartbeat.
I’ll own up to the unusual part! Thanks again. Seacrest out.
BTW, The Skeletor Show:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C92B8ADA8247C55D
Macintosh IS already a platform!
The momentum is on our side!