Preaching To The Converted

As we near the release of the next market-changing device (maybe!) from Apple, NPD has released some interesting numbers from a new survey Apple iPad: Consumers’ Perceptions and Attitudes. The good news is that awareness among the general population for the iPad is unbelievably high. Almost two-thirds of all respondents were aware of the product with that number ranging from a low of 61 percent among 55–and-older consumers, to more than 80 percent of consumers who owned another Apple branded product. Among the most aware demographics; young people, $100k income earners, and current Apple product owners not only was general awareness high but ownership interest and purchase intent over the next six months were much higher than overall. More than one-third of those expressing interest in the iPad in both the 18-34 year old demographic and among Apple owners claimed they intended to purchase the device in the next six months. Among the high income earners intention to buy in the next six months was more than 50 percent.

Read more »

Apple Hits The Bits

With such relatively minor updates as new color options for the button-less iPod shuffle, and stronger 3D performance for the iPod touch, Apple may have simply tuned the transmission of the iPod hardware lineup at its annual music update last week, but it was pedal to the metal when it came to greasing the wheels of digital commerce for media and applications. The changes included:

Read more »

Die Hard

Since 2005, Apple has held an event each September that has provided an update on the iPod ecosystem. Most of the rumors around the possibilities of such an event this year have been focused on an Apple tablet device. However, a secondary rumor has speculated that this year might mark the end of the line for the iPod classic, the most direct descendant of the original hard drive-based 5 GB iPod.
Read more »

Apple Won’t Fall Far From The Tree

Apple is announcing perhaps the most significant change in iTunes since the company began to offer video downloads several years ago. Today Apple will unlock the digital rights management (DRM) protections that place certain limits on copying and interoperability of music purchased through iTunes. Apple also plans to improve the quality of its music files, and it will also add variable pricing for songs.

Read more »