Apple's iPod has been a big hit as an "on-the-go living" entertainment feature, says Apple CEO Steve Jobs, and while that will continue to be Apple's focus with the iPod, its second focus will be the home. Second homes have been a popular purchase with American homebuyers in recent years, and it's likely that this new iPod will keep the iPod Boom moving forward. Here's more straight from our friends over at the New York Times (requires registration):
Apple's iPod Hi-Fi, an all-in-one speaker system housed in a case roughly the size of a shoebox, is priced at $349 and available in stores this week. The docking device, though not being promoted as portable, can run off six D batteries or AC power, and comes with a remote control.
Mr. Jobs said the device offered better home stereo quality than more expensive systems already on the market.
"It's home stereo reinvented for the iPod age," Mr. Jobs said.
Apple has sold over 42 million iPods and iPod sales and music downloads have made up 60 percent of Apple's sales in recent months.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Small correction - it is not a new version of the iPod, just a new HiFi accessory for the iPod.
2 - Ken Edwards
Indeed it is, but Apple is calling it "iPod Hi-Fi" nonetheless. They are doing this just to confuse people, I am sure of this.
3 - Mr. Real Estate
I think they're probably doing it to expand the market for the iPod, which will in turn help them to create the Apple Home, and therefore compete with the Microsoft Home (and the Google Home if they ever take my advice and create it). I saw no need to clarify it in my article. I didn't see the New York Times clearly clarify it in their article, which was my source.
-John Mudd
"Mr. Real Estate"
4 - Frank Jackson
I actually owned one of these; they are pretty nice, although they quickly lose their use once you realize you can simply hook up your iPod to the line-in of your stereo.