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iPod killers

January 8, 2004 › Sandy McMurray | comment

Media at CES are looking for iPod killers.

I've already seen several reports that describe new digital music players as "challengers to the iPod."

Some challengers: here, here, here, here, and here.

The "iPod killer" label has also been applied to Microsoft's Portable Media Centers (formerly Media2Go), but I don't think it applies. Yes, they're cool gadgets (and yes, I want one), but I don't think they're much of a threat to the iPod. They're not really multi-purpose -- they're portable video players. The concept is obviously TV first, music player second (or, more accurately, computer first, video player second, music player third). You can't strap one on your belt and go jogging. They're too big.

I haven't seen a real competitor for the iPod in the CES reports so far, although many people are trying to ride Apple's coattail. This company probably says it best, when they note that their new player is "similar to Apple's popular iPods" in terms of "sleek appearance" and "huge storage capacity." That's a start. Now all you have to do is write your own version of iTunes and build your own online music store and you'll be ready to compete head-to-head with the iPod.

January 8, 2004 › Sandy McMurray | comment on this item