Industry insiders say the world-wide MP3 accessory market is destine to become a half billion dollar business by the close of the 2005 calendar year. Apple, whose iPod digital music player dominates the MP3 player market, is looking to reap some of the benefits of this capitalization through an iPod marketing campaign it will roll-out sometime in the next two months.
The campaign, which Apple announced last January, introduced a "Made for iPod" certification (or badge) that iPod accessory manufactures can display to differentiate their Apple-authorized accessories from those that have not been approved by the iPod maker. In recent months, the iPod accessory market has been met with a proliferation of low-quality iPod accessories that, in some cases, have proven to be hazardous to Apple's iPod hardware, even when used as instructed.
News source: AppleInsider
The campaign, which Apple announced last January, introduced a "Made for iPod" certification (or badge) that iPod accessory manufactures can display to differentiate their Apple-authorized accessories from those that have not been approved by the iPod maker. In recent months, the iPod accessory market has been met with a proliferation of low-quality iPod accessories that, in some cases, have proven to be hazardous to Apple's iPod hardware, even when used as instructed.
News source: AppleInsider
Taking much of its inspiration from the PC game Doom 3, the film will take place in a paramilitary research facility on Mars, where things go awry and hell is literally raised. Some theories say that the Rock is actually Satan in disguise, which would tie in to the film and game's devilish setting.
Johnson let on about his excitement for the film. "Here's the great thing about Doom... It's rated 'R,' it's unapologetic, just like the video game. I love blowing [expletive] up, and in this movie..." Johnson also gave details about the legendary BFG, calling it a "bio-force gun," rather than the more profane term gamers pegged the acronym as standing for.
Doom the movie is expected to hit the screen in August and is being directed by Cradle 2 the Grave director Andrzej Bartkowiak. Contrary to earlier reports by id Software, the film is indeed being developed by Universal Pictures and will costar Die Another Day's Rosamund Pike in a less villainous role.
Doom 3 was released on the PC last August, and an Xbox version will hit shelves April 3.
Mine doesn't remember what station it was set to when I unplug it and plug in my headphones, then plug the itrip back in. Then It won't actually program itself properly for about an hour afterwards. Unfortunately I didn't notice this sooner as I usually just haver the itrip in the mini, as I hardly ever use the headphones
Approved? The program hasn't begun yet.
So, now, Walmart "APPROVES" everything it sells, Amazon approves everything it sells, etc...
The question is: if you can sell something, why wouldn't you? (...unless you disapprove it of course.)
But moreover, Apple provides download links or links to the web site for almost every single application available for Mac OS X... Does Apple approve of every single application ever created for the platform? I doubt it.
How are they different?
First, it's not Apple's accessory. You mean Griffin? So? Amazon markets the iPod.
Not in the way a badging system does. They approve it only insofar as they sell it.
No kidding, how is this approval. Amazon markets and sells iPods: does Amazon approve the iPod?
Apple is a second part here as well.
Griffin manufactuers, and Apple distributes under their store.
And they also distribute simialr products by Belkin and Monster. So?
10% is a very high number, seems like there trying to kill off a chunk of the market!
What is clear: Apple will approve some resellers and others will not be approved. What wil be the difference: Apple makes the decision based on some reason -- whether that be style, quality, flawlessness... who knows.
Fatal mistake IMHO.. way too much of a Microsoft type tactic that will lose them some of their support behind people who consider them a fair company!
not to be confused with a "buisness practice"
forgive me if im wrong but.... i think apple is in the buisness of making money
but i could be wrong
The point I was trying to make is that a lot of people like Apple because they just come across as a 'nice' company - little maneuvers like this help tarnish that image a little. I couldn't give two $hits personally.. i'll still buy their stuff!
Though 10% seems a bit high.
Did you forget the iPod, iPod mini, iPod shuffle sales, the evermounting success of the iTMS, the fact that Apple is selling more hardware and software, the fact that their retail operations are profitable and growing... What makes you think this is"all they have going for them"?
Don't worry, all the products out will continue to be sold, and I figure most won't opt for this badge. Everyone already knows that products like the griffin iTrip and belkin's cables and such are made just for iPod. No need for a badge to tell people that. This is more for lesser known accessory-makers that want to bust into the market, with Apple's help.
Some people will look for anything to predict Apple's demise...
You are correct, this is strickly voluntary. Unlike the Intel inside badge that is required for all advertising of products that use intel products.
Does that should official or something you would read in a supermarket tabloid? I'm quite frankly sick of rumor sites alltogether. Their "sources" could be their arse or the wiskey drinking janitor at Apple.
The guy on top ?
Anyway, I think these licensing deals are beneficial to the consumer because if you buy a licensed you are assured that the accessory will work with the iPod and approved by Apple. Apple is just doing it for profit, though, and who knows if they will test the products that they give a license to.
But, if I start my own trade industry association - and let it slip out to some blogger that I will roll-out my previously rumored "Not Made for iPod" certification (or badge); Do you think the other 'MP3' DAP manufacturers will want to buy into it? I'll go as low as 1.5%
Oh, and if it's hazardous to Apple's iPod - I won't give it a badge either.
Oh, and by the way, bringing a completely unrelated argument is no way to back your own point, if you have one.
This is going to help consumers if anything.
Going from CD to MP3 is like going from Film to a 2 MP Camera thinking its going to be better.
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