Thoughts on the iPod Photo
Well, it wasn’t unexpected. The rumor mills had been talking about a color screen iPod for some time. They were speculating on whether the color screen would be for photos or for video, and Steve Jobs, in his presentation of the new iPod, stated that video is not the right direction for the iPod. I wholeheartedly agree with that, because I cannot fathom how anyone would want to watch a movie or other video (even music videos) on a tiny screen.But photos… What about photos? Aside from the fact that the iPod Photo has a color screen, which makes its overall display more attractive, do people really want to carry around their photos and look at them on their iPods? Do they want to go to their friends’ houses and show their vacation pictures on a TV? Perhaps. But for how long?
I cannot help but think that the iPod Photo will be nothing more than a niche product. (Of course, I was wrong about the iPod mini, so take my opinion for what it’s worth.) While it extends the abilities of the iPod, I don’t think it goes far enough. For what’s the point of merely being able to look at photos? What the iPod Photo needs is the ability to take photos, with some sort of add-on device that plugs into the dock connector. Then it would be an interesting marriage of music and image.
As it is, time will tell whether the idea of viewing photos on an iPod attracts users. It’s clear that the real fanatics will buy the 60GB model if only to have more room to hold their music. But photos?
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What would make the iPod Photo interesting was a built in high-speed card
reader. If I could use my iPod to empty my digicam while on the road, I’d
consider buying one. I know there is an add on for existing iPod models, but
reviews have been less than favorable. I’m sure Apple could do better,
// Mads
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http://www.madspedersen.com
Yes, the existing ones are relatively slow. But don’t count Apple out yet – they
may come up with something.
I’m betting on an add-on to take pictures and put them on the iPod – that is,
something that turns the iPod into a camera, using the same type of digital
camera that cellphones have…
Not having seen the new ipod, these are just general musings.
Firstly the ability to carry images, the latest baby photo’s when visiting
relatives is useful when most cameras dont allow up-loading from iphoto.
Also I use cameras as an artist for reference, again camera’s dont allow
uploading of older images.
To be able to look at stuff downloaded from a full camera directly to ipod
would be handy.
I think the iPod photo can be seen as the digital wallet. No more watching that trail of photos fall to the floor. Just store them in the iPod photo and simply scroll right through. With iPod photo you’lll have no bent photos, no lost photos (unless you hit delete and I bet there are a few photos we all would love to do that to, heh) and a trim wallet. A plus in my book.