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BY EVAN THOMAS
You're watching multisource global video news analysis from Newsy.
If you believe the industry rumors, Apple may soon be killing off one of its most iconic devices.
The iPod classic put Apple on the music map ten years ago. Now, many are speculating Apple is headed in a new direction.
“What you may not have heard, though, is that the ipod classic and the shuffle might be killed off. This comes from the Unofficial Apple Weblog, and it’s not confirmed, but the blog cites an unnamed source that says they could be killed off. It really kind of makes sense, because Apple teased a product transition during its last earnings call.”
CNET says it was a good run, but the timing might just be right.
“...if you can put sentimentality aside, it's really not a bad time for Apple to stick a fork in the iPod. … this year marks the 10-year anniversary of the iPod. I can imagine Apple saying, ‘It had a great run, now go buy an iPhone.’”
Fast Company suggests-- why stop with one iPod? Phones are in.
“Apple should kill the Touch after this latest minimal refresh, mainly because it's likely releasing the iPhone 4S to appeal to a more entry-level smartphone market... It's the natural successor to the iPod touch...”
The Unofficial Apple Weblog, which fueled the rumors, agrees. The classic iPod form factor is lagging behind the tech curve. Maybe it’s time for a change.
“The classic uses a platter-based hard drive, while Apple is largely transitioning to flash-based memory solutions. If Apple killed these off, all of its iPods would have touchscreens, and something tells me it wants it that way.”
And Apple’s phones have stolen the spotlight. The International Business Times reports Apple’s not making the money it used to off iPods.
“Unfortunately, sales of these products have been in perpetual decline since the introduction of the iPhone. In the fourth quarter of 2010, Apple reported that iPod sales made up just 8 percent of the company's total revenue.”
Either way, analysts and fans don’t have long to wait-- Apple is presenting whatever’s up its sleeve on October 4th at its Cupertino campus.
Transcript by Newsy.
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