IPod: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The iPod is a hard drive-based portable audio player from Apple Computer, capable of playing MP3, WAV, AAC/M4A, AIFF, and Apple Lossless file formats. In addition to its audio capabilities, the iPod may also be used as an external hard drive. iPods are distinguished by their small size, simple user interface designed around a central scroll wheel, and FireWire or USB 2.0 connectivity. As of January 2004, the iPod was the most popular digital music player in the United States, with over 50% of the market.

Original iPod

First announced in October 2001 [1], the iPod was originally available with a 5 GB hard drive. A 10 GB version was announced in March 2002, and a 20 GB version in July. Firmware upgrades have added some PDA functions. Some of the iPod software was developed by Pixo, a company founded by a developer who had worked on the Apple Newton, a Personal Digital Assistant produced by Apple Computer.

The iPod was originally only compatible with Macintosh computers, but in mid-2002 Apple Computer began selling a Windows version with its internal hard drive formatted as FAT32 instead of HFS+. The newest generation of dockable iPods remove this distinction: the iPod is formatted for the Macintosh as sold and the user can format the iPod for Windows use after purchase. An iPod with its hard drive formatted as HFS+ can only be used with a Macintosh because Windows does not recognize HFS+, but since the Macintosh can handle FAT32, an iPod formatted as FAT32 can be used with a Macintosh as well as a PC. There are generally few advantages to formatting an iPod as HFS+, a notable exception being if you wish to use the iPod as a FireWire boot disk for a Macintosh computer.

Third-party products exist to allow the use of Mac-formatted iPods with Windows computers, but have become less relevant since Apple's iTunes software was ported to Windows.

On April 28, 2003, Steve Jobs introduced an "ultrathin" iPod series, which introduced a non-mechanical touch-sensitive scroll wheel and other upgrades. As of January 2004, this model had a capacity ranging from 15 GB up to 40 GB, and Apple introduced a smaller variation, the iPod mini, with 4 GB of storage.

Unlike first and second generation iPods, there is no distinction between third-generation Mac and Windows iPods; one product can be connected to either a Mac or a Windows PC. In the latter case, the user needs to buy an extra USB2 cable, add a FireWire port, or use the included 4-pin FireWire adapter, as the FireWire connection the iPod uses is standard on Macs but somewhat uncommon in Windows PCs, especially older models. The fourth generation iPod, however, now comes bundled with both FireWire and USB connectivity cables for Mac and Windows PC users.

iTunes is used to manage files on the iPod when connected to a Mac or Windows PC. Previously, Musicmatch, ephPod or XPlay was used to manage files on the iPod when connected to a Windows PC. Newer iPod accessories include a memory card reader and a voice recording module, both manufactured by Belkin and officially licensed by Apple Computer.

On January 8, 2004, Hewlett-Packard announced that they would license the iPod from Apple to create an HP-branded MP3 player. The following day, Hewlett-Packard chairman and CEO, Carly Fiorina unveiled the new, blue iPod-based device at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show.

In July 2004, the fourth generation of iPod was released. In a new publicity route Steve Jobs announced the release via Newsweek Magazine. The new generation of iPod was only slightly smaller, however increased battery life (to 12 hours), click-wheel, battery recharging over USB and a price drop (the 20 GB at $299 USD and the 40 GB at $399 USD) were additional selling points. The 4G iPod came in 20 GB and 40 GB versions, with the 15 GB version being phased out. A rumored 60 GB version is unlikely to emerge, as Apple has stated that no such model is planned.

The iPod was designed with an internal lithium ion battery that was not intended by Apple to be replaced by the user after it died, which was generally around 18 months of use.

See also: Planned obsolescence

In December 2003, film-makers and Apple enthusiasts The Neistat Brothers produced a movie highlighting that the battery in their early-model iPod failed after what they thought was a relatively short period of time, and was expensive to replace, and distributed it over the internet. The movie depicted the Brothers vandalizing Apple ads in the New York City area with graffitti proclaiming "iPod's unreplaceable battery lasts only 18 months." Shortly following this, though not necessarily in response to it, Apple Computer introduced a battery replacement scheme (US$99) and offered users the option to extend the warranty of their iPods. In addition, other companies are offering battery replacements for as little as US$50, or the user can purchace a battery (here for example), and replace it by hand (using this simple tutorial). Many other tutorials are also available online.

The iPod is the only portable music player that can play the protected AAC (.m4p) files available at Apple's iTunes Music Store. The restriction is seen by some as a way to increase the sale of iPods. Steve Jobs has said as much: "We would like to break even [or] make a little bit of money [on the iTunes Music Store] but it's not a money maker." It is possible to circumvent the restriction by burning protected files to an audio CD and then re-ripping them, although this is tedious and causes a reduction in sound quality.

• A few third-party software tools supporting iPod include RhythmBox, a GNOME-based iTunes clone.
• iTrip by Griffin Technology allows the iPod to broadcast on FM radio, while borrowing power from the iPod's battery.
• naviPod by TEN Technology is a 5-button infrared remote control for the Apple iPod.
• A wide variety of other third-party products also exists and more are introduced every day, from voice recorders to games and other iPod-based software to various connection devices and adapters