U2's lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge joined Apple chief executive Steve Jobs on stage in a newly renovated 1920s era theatre in San Jose to unveil the new products.
Apple's latest effort to maintain supremacy in the portable audio player market and the online music business also includes a new special edition U2 iPod.
Analysts expect the Apple-U2 partnerships to be the first of many to come between artists and music product providers.
With three-quarters of the MP3 player market and successive profitable quarters, Apple did not really need to do more this year to enhance its standing. But, it seems that Jobs and designer Jonathan Ive never rest. Once again, they have pleasantly surprised us.
Today, Merrill-Lynch raised estimates on Apple's stock because of the launch of the new iPods and iPod store.
Merrill Lynch raised estimates on Apple Computer after the company unveiled its iPod Photo--earlier than the research firm expected--and announced the iPod U2 special edition.
. . .Merrill-Lynch, citing increased iPod shipments, raised the estimate for the fiscal first quarter ending December to earnings of 42 cents per share on revenue of $2.95 billion, up from earnings of 40 cents per share on revenue of $2.85 billion.
Lie to me. Say the iPod is just a geegaw. That you prefer your compact disc player. Besides, you are not the acquisitive sort. But, be warned, those droplets falling from your mouth to your keyboard give you away.
Note: This entry also appeared at Mac-a-ro-nies.
Article comments
1 - Mac Diva
Everyone is on the iPod. Both tech media and the mainstream press are captivated by the new high resolution color screen and additonal functions of the latest model.
A sampling.
~ The Inquirer says it snaps, crackles and pops.
~ The Seattle PI Microsoft blog compares it to its closest rival. (Guess which wins?)
~ The WaPo chimes in. (I know y'all have subscriptions.)
~ Wired's Mac man, Leander Kahney, focuses on the deal with U2.
~ The NYT has a front page refer and this piece. I suspect David Pogue's Circuits will focus on the iPod in his next column.
2 - sadi
i admit i am acquisitive in this regard... MD, i DO want one.... alas, i do not have - tho am workin' connections to get one... thx for the temptation.
sade
3 - Mac Diva
I am going to have to be just one of the regular 'Pod people now, Sadi. My status as an owner of the latest and greatest ended yesterday. I had my third generation 40 GB for less than six months. Have had my 40 GB fourth generation for two. Can't rationalize scoring the new Photo iPod as much as I like it.
4 - Mac Diva
As predicted, David Pogue has reviewed the new iPod Photo. He got one of the coveted slots at the rollout and new iPods in his hands. Read the review here. If you are a NYT member, you will want to switch to the non-printer view. The pictures are gorgeous. Check out D.P.'s video of the rollout, too.