The iPod is DEAD Part 2 – The Industry

It’s everywhere. If it’s not near you believe me it’s coming. Mobile media. Videos and music everywhere you go. The carriers, the handset manufacturers, the television and radio giants are all in or getting in on it.

Even Google and Microsoft are in on it. More importantly, Bill Gates has stated without question that mobile phones will take the place of the iPod.

That means its serious business, which means Apple (in particular the iPod) needs to adjust. Fast. It’s been happening at a rapid fire pace, agreements between rival companies, across platforms and industries.

Nokia this week, Cingular and Yahoo the next, merging technologies, collaborating, building networks and establishing position to provide feature rich services in the form of videos games and music.

Handset makers know what I’m going to say next is the truth. Music. Video Media (including pictures) and Smartphones are the end all for the next five years.

The manufacturers must milk each enterprise separately and as long as possible until consumers demand all-in-one devices, which operate at what would be considered today’s bleeding edge standards.

Don’t believe me. Take having a camera on a phone for instance.

Not too long ago having a camera on a phone was considered “special” In 2006 however, unless a phone is marketed as a camera phone (meaning taking photos is its selling point) then having a camera is almost considered a default item on any new phone.

The same pressure has already begun to take place in the market when it comes to ringtones and music. The barriers on music at this point are how much is an acceptable minimum and what is the user willing to compromise in return for it?

Now as carriers figure ways to stream content to devices, there is another occurance taking place in the industry but has yet to make it’s presence felt.

Hard drives.

We’ve seen a few articles about and a few phones but makers like Seagate and Cornice are looking to storm in with hard drives for mobile phones. A few 10 GB models are expected to be available by Q4 2006.

Hard drives are the demarcation line right now for the iPod. Any fanatic will tell you. Oh it’s has music but it doesn’t have 40GB, 60GB. That line may soon be crossed over as well.

In addition to what’s been mentioned, we have Amp’d. If you don’t believe me go to the site. I wish I could switch carriers, believe me I do.

Amp’d is like your favorite candy. Games, videos, features it’s all there. Thus far I can say if it’s going to be a fourth phone, for me it will be an Amp’d phone.

So, as users are empowered with choice as manufacturers flood the market to get our attention and money, the question many will come to is this; iPod or mobile phone?

It seems that Yahoo! believes me