IPod: Man's New Best Friend



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= Group Introduction =

Group Members: Vilasini Panjalingam Pillay, Lara Pearl Ahmed, Stephanie Sun, Yukti Khanna, Crystal Conroy and Monika Bulkowski.

= Group Topic [Project Statement] =

The dynamic evolution of iPod is mainly caused by the increasing dependency between humans and iPods. Today's generation considers the iPod a necessity rather than a luxury item. iPod has created its own genre and is no longer considered to be just another MP3 player. This craze drives Apple to provide users with more selection, thus, the iPod line has extended with even smaller and better functioning iPods. Among its many competitors, iPods has become the world's favourite, where its brand name has become synonymous with the very product (iPod = MP3). From recording and playing human voice on vinyl records and the more compact 8-track cassette, to the portability and mastery of the iPod, music technology has spanned centuries of improvement. Furthermore, the growing attachment towards the iPod has even affected sporting goods, stereo systems and automobile industries, which have produced products which are iPod compatible. The iPod is even being considered an educational tool; useful for recording lectures as well as viewing lectures and documentaries via video. To many, including the members of Pineapple, the iPod is considered revolutionary in technology today.

Our main goal of this project is to illustrate the effects of iPod dependency.

= Please Don't Stop the Music! [iPod Evolution] =

Past


Record player/Phonograph

This machine was also known as a phonograph. On December 4, 1877, Thomas Edison recorded and played a human voice. This was the first time this had ever been done. The phonograph is a cross between the telephone and telegraph that consists of a stylus, turntable, drive system, cartridge, tone arm, and an amplifier. A likeness of an original sound is recorded in waves in spirals along the surface of the plastic disc. These waves cause the stylus to create vibrations which are converted into electric signals. These signals are amplified thus creating sound.

8-Track Players

Popular in the 1960s, these music players were supposedly “self-contained”. They are too big to be portable, but they had built in speakers and an amp. The cassettes for the 8-track player could hold multiple tracks, but they could not be rewound or fast forwarded. The large size of the cassettes was inconvenient for many people which eventually led to the decrease in popularity in the mid 1970s

Present
iPod Original


 * Size: 5 or 10 GB
 * This iPod was able to hold 1000 or 2000 songs, depending on the size of the memory.
 * The only color it came in was white.
 * The 5 GB version was introduced on October 23, 2001 and discontinued April 28, 2003.
 * The 10 GB was available after March 21, 2002 and was discontinued on July 17, 2002.
 * The maximum battery life was 10 hours.
 * The dimensions were 4.02 x 2.43 x 0.78 inches (height x width x depth).
 * The original prices were US$399 (5GB) and US$499 (10GB).

iPod Mini


 * Size: 4 GB
 * This iPod was available in silver, gold, pink, blue, and green.
 * Apple announced that this iPod could also hold approximately 1000 songs, despite its size.
 * It was introduced into the market on January 6, 2004 and taken off the market on February 23, 2005.
 * The maximum battery life was 8 hours.
 * The dimensions were 3.6 x 2.0 x 0.5 inches.
 * The original price was US$249.

iPod Nano


 * Size: 1, 2, and 4GB
 * The iPod nano was the first iPod to have photo capability.
 * This iPod was available in black or white.
 * The song capacity for this iPod is 240 (1GB), 500 (2GB), and 1000 (4GB).
 * It was introduced into the market on September 7, 2005 (except for the 1GB which was introduced on February 7, 2006) and discontinued September 12, 2006.
 * The maximum battery life was 14 hours.
 * The dimensions for this product are 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27 inches.
 * The original prices for these iPods were US$149 (1GB), US$199 (2GB), and US$249 (4GB).



iPod Shuffle


 * Size: 1GB and 2 GB
 * This screen less iPod is available in orange, green, blue, pink, and silver.
 * The song capacity is 240.
 * It was introduced January 30, 2007 and discontinued September 5, 2007.
 * The maximum battery life is 12 hours.
 * The dimensions for this product are 1.62 x 1.07 x 0.41 inches.
 * The original price was US$79.



iPod Nano-Video


 * Size: 4 or 8 GB
 * The 4GB only comes in silver, while the 8GB comes in silver, blue, red, green, black, and pink
 * The song capacity for these iPods are 1,000 (4GB) or 2,000 (8GB)
 * These iPod were introduced on September 5, 2007 and have not been discontinued
 * The maximum battery life for these iPods are 24 hours of music or 5 hours of video
 * The dimensions for this product are 2.75 x 2.06 x 0.26 inches
 * The original prices for these products are US$149 (4GB)and US$199 (8GB)



iPod Video


 * Size: 30, 60, and 80GB
 * This iPod comes in white or black
 * The 30 and 60 GB were part of the 5th generation of iPod. The 80GB was part of the 5th generation Enhanced. That is why the price is lower for the 80GB than the 60GB. They were released at different times.
 * The song capacity is 7,500 (30GB), 15,000 (60GB), or 20,000 (80GB)
 * The battery life: (30GB) 14 hours of music; 2 hours of video /// (60GB) 20 hours of music; 3 hours of video /// (80GB) 20 hours of music; 6.5 hours of video
 * This product was released October 12, 2005 and was discontinued September 5, 2007
 * The dimensions for this product are 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.43 (30GB), 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.55 (60GB), and 4.1x 2.4 x 0.55 (80GB)
 * The original price for this iPod is US$299 (30GB), US$399 (60GB) and US$349 (80GB)



iPod Classic


 * Size: 80 and 160GB
 * This iPod model is available in silver and black
 * The song capacity for these iPods are 20,000 (80GB) and 40,000 (160GB)
 * Released September 5, 2007
 * Battery life: (80GB) 30 hours of music; 5 hours of video /// (160GB) 40 hours of music; 7 hours of video
 * The dimensions for the iPod video are 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 inches (80GB) and 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.53 inches (160GB)
 * The original price was US$249 (80GB), US$349 (160GB)

Future


iPod touch


 * Size: 8, 16, or 32GB
 * This iPod is only available in black.
 * Song capacity is 1750, 3500, and 7000 songs
 * The release date for the iPod touch was September 5, 2007 (except for the 32GB which was released on February 5, 2008)
 * The maximum battery life is 22 hours of music or 5 hours of video
 * The dimensions are 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.31 inches
 * The prices for this iPod are US$299 (8GB), US$399 (16GB), and US$499 (32GB).



iPhone


 * Size: 4, 8, 16GB
 * Available in black
 * The release date for the iPhone was January 9, 2007
 * Battery life is 24 hours of music
 * The dimensions are 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches
 * The original prices were between US$499-US$599

= I'm a slave for you! [Apple Brand Loyalty] =

Brand Loyalty

Technology has been constantly improving for several years especially with the breakthrough of the Internet (originally Aprnet) in the early 1970’s. iPod, the small credit card memory stick that is able to hold thousands of songs and movie files on it, has become a way of life, a cult. In a sense it has become a fashion statement as well, used by many celebrities, students and even older generations! iPods are thought to be the most reliable mp3 player out there, just as Starbucks has become the "coffee shop" by consumers.



This past Christmas, statistics presented only 4% of consumers would buy a different brand of an mp3 player, and that more iPods were bought rather than cell phones. However, the experience is the element where you can 'add value' to a product or service.

Although, an iPod is an innovative device which gives consumers access to music, it's all those extra experiential aspects Apple builds into the iPod that sets it aside from other mp3 players. There are music based programs such as iTunes and iTunes Music store, where most songs are priced for $0.99 and entire albums cost $9.99. There's also the possibility of renting movies for $3.99 or downloading your favorite T.V. episodes for about $5.00.

In addition to all these amazing features iPod offers to customers, Apple offers comprehensive customer support. Customer brand loyalty shows up from of these aspects:

• A Store for just Apple products

By creating a store strictly devoted to Apple products, customers can easily waltz into any Apple store and receive specific services on favorable Apple Products.

• Complete Solutions

Consumers do not have to search very far for reasonable answers about their iPod devices, especially with customer service toll free calling, or the help section on the www.apple.com website.

• Proprietary Formats

Changing a .win song file into the proper format for iTunes player has never been easier.

• New innovations

Apple has a standard architecture but it’s portfolio is consistently changing. The company offers consumers a number of different ways to enjoy its products.

Brand loyalty consists of a consumer’s commitment to repurchase a product from a particular brand and can be demonstrated by repetitive purchasing of a product or service and by positive reinforcements such as word of mouth advocacy. True brand loyalty implies that the consumer is willing to commit to only that brand and to put aside their own desires in the interest of the brand.

Apple has built up a cult-like following and this devoted group of consumers can be relied on to purchase every new product that comes out which equals a concrete “brand loyalty” title.

= I can't smile without you! [iPod Dependency] =



iPods have revolutionized our day-to-day lives. They are in constant use that some may argue society has grown a dependency. In an overactive society, a personal device that offers music at our fingertips that we can choose according to our mood, becomes indispensable. It works when we want to block out unwanted distraction from the world around us without disturbing those in close proximity. While losing awareness and concern for our surroundings may help us gain a close more intimate connection with ourselves, where does it leave the connectivity of our community.

Have we become so dependent on this device that we become almost completely internalized?

Many iPod consumers have talked about how numb they have become to their surroundings; as they are trapped in their iPod bubble.

The tragedy of being so engrossed in an iPod has resulted in many life threatening situations for some individuals. One consumer could not hear a truck careening towards him. Some even have their own theme songs for certain tasks, “Need cash from the ATM? The Shin’s Melodic New Slang would accompany me.”

The iPod has such a profound impact on their lives that the detachment from the earphones has created a sense of disparity and withdrawal. Almost like a drug, the dependency for some is so intense that they cannot even start their morning without going through at least 50 songs. Others will not end the night without listening to one last song which resembles a mother’s lullaby. Not all consumers have an extreme obsession with iPods.

Although you may not spend hours on a blog recording recent downloads, do you find yourself incapable of performing certain tasks without your iPod?

Do you need to study or workout with an iPod? Do you need to always have it in class or in the car?

Of course life hasn’t always been like this, but since iPods have become so accessible, it is hard not to fall into the craze. Apple designs and logos are emerging everywhere. From commercials, magazines and people, iPods are virtually everywhere. With varying price points, almost anyone can own an iPod. We are so dependent that as soon as we step out of the house we need to assure ourselves that our iPods are with us. It seems we rather check to see if we have our iPods than check to see if the road is clear to cross. It has become another limb of our bodies.

How is it that humans have become so dependent on such a tiny device?

= Gimme More! [iPod Integration] =

Education



Forms of conveying education have evolved over the generations; from the infamous blackboard to the nauseating smell of whiteboard markers and then the usage of PowerPoint slides which are available to students who have access to the Internet. However, mobile education is a recent evolution which started with the usage of laptops and computer applications which allow completion of assignments and review of online lectures via a software such as "Blackboard". iPod however has become a recent addition to mobile technology. As a result of the dependency of students and their iPod, Apple Education decided to take advantage of the situation by implementing a collection of educator-created lesson plans for educators to use as idea starters for using iPod in their classrooms which can enhance their curricula and student performance.

For instance, Duke University has been using the iPod for educational purposes "in fields from engineering to foreign languages". They implemented iPods in 11 courses in the fall semester and 17 in the spring semester. Their main goal is to integrate technology broadly into the teaching and learning process and iPods have helped jump-start this process. The project has been getting very good feedback throughout the year. For example, "more than 600 first-year students enrolled in at least one course that used iPods". Most of these courses were for "music or a foreign language" and the iPods were used to record and receive audio files. Students also began using the iPods for "gathering field notes, conducting interviews, podcasting or audio blogging, as well as for portable hard drives or as signal generators in an engineering class". Daniel Foster, a Theater Studies professor at Duke University, found that "iPods allowed students to rehearse in class and produce their own shows" which at the end of the class were used as podcasts. His students could also go through audio recordings of performances that were discussed in class when finding specific reference points; "similar to looking through a book for a specific page". Duke University's Economics professor, Lori Leachman, records her lectures and then allows students to access and review it on their computers or iPods. She calls the iPod “an accessory to the learning process.” In conclusion, they discovered that “[t]he mobility of digital media really seems to add to the academic experience, such as by allowing students to listen to lectures or other educational material while riding on a bus between classes” which can maximize their learning time in a day.

Here are a few other examples of how the iPod is being used as an educational tool:

1) Learning World Languages

Many students have an interest in learning a second language, thus, enrolling in foreign language classes at school or university, such as French and Italian classes. In this case, the iPod can be a very valuable tool for students, as they can record conversations in the language they are studying and then replay it on their iPods when they decide to practice their oral abilities in the language.

2) Journalism

Journalism students can record interviews on their iPods and then later use those sources as articles for a school newspaper.

3) Science

Teachers can record lab instructions and send it as a file to each student so it can be uploaded onto their iPods. Later, students can listen to the instructions while doing their science experiment. Furthermore, students can also record the whole experiment using a digital camera and an iPod with a voice recorder and create an iMovie project.

Sports

Ten years ago, noone would have expected buying a pair of running shoes with inbuilt sensors and fancy plugins. However recently, Nike in conjunction with iPod, released a line of running shoes that are iPod compatible. These shoes have an inbuilt sensor which "use a sensitive accelerometer to measure your activity, then wirelessly transfers this data to the receiver on your iPod nano.

As you run or walk, the sensor sends information to your iPod nano, tracking your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. Also, if you choose real-time, "spoken feedback can even alert you to milestones throughout your workout". Once your iPod is connected to your computer, your workout data is transferred to iTunes where you can view your performance history as well as challenge other runners to virtual races.

This Nike+iPod creation has revolutionized workouts by allowing people to break out of the four walls of the gym, letting them experience nature's true beauty while they burn their calories. Not only are these runners inspired by their favourite song selection but they can also keep track of their workout time and distance.



Fashion

Even the fashion industry refused to be left out of the loop; creating iPod integrated jackets, bags and even jeans!! Here are a few revolutionary examples :

1) Kenpo Jacket

The Kenpo jacket has an inner iPod pocket and controller. A typical inner pocket is replaced on the left side of the jacket with a lined pocket for the iPod while the controller that plugs into your iPod sits in the pocket beside it. There is also a larger pocket for storing earphones, extra wire and anything else.

There are five buttons which control Play/Pause, Track Forward, Track Back, Volume Up, and Volume Down functions and it is "discreetly located towards the end of the left sleeve". These controls are just a couple shades lighter than the jacket's outer shell and are also slightly reflective, making it easy to find even in low light conditions. "The secret to Kenpo's iPod jacket is the ElekTex controller from Eleksen" which is a super thin and ultra lightweight bendable material that "integrates circuitry capable of registering pressure". Besides that, the controls themselves lock out after a seven second period of inactivity, therefore, buttons can't be accidentally hit. To unlock the controls, press the Track Forward button for three seconds, after which all the controls become usable.

Although Kenpo's jacket is warm and attractive, it could be found a little cumbersome when constantly wanting to change song tracks. Thus, those looking for a new jacket with a little iPod feature may not find this investment that worthwhile.



2) Levi's iPod Jeans



"A white leather patch and joystick, bluffed back pockets with hidden stitching, and minimalist buttons and rivets allude to the iPod’s famously pure design."

Levi's announced its new line of RedWire DLX Jeans worldwide in fall 2006. Their jeans feature an in-built "iPod docking cradle, joystick and retractable headphones", designed for both men and women. The jeans are compatible with most iPod systems

The special joystick is built into the jeans’ watch pocket, with four-way controls which allows the user to play, pause, track forward, track back and adjust the volume control without ever having to remove their iPod from the pocket.

Besides that, the iPod docking cradle is safely kept within a side pocket. This cradle is connected to "a red conductive ribbon that allows users to remove their iPod from the pocket to view its screen while staying connected".

Levi’s designed the pocket in such a way that there is virtually no bulge from the iPod. Furthermore, the jeans are machine washable after removing the iPod from the pocket.

3) Designer iPod Accessories



"The iPod has become iconic, and fashion designers have picked up on it. It's a fashion item in itself." said iPod product manager, Danika Clearly

"It's a hot gadget right now, and these designers don't want to miss the boat," said Janet Ozzard, executive editor of Style.com.

The ultimate iPod accessory is a $1500 Fendi's Juke Box, which has the capacity of holding a dozen iPods. The juke box bag is the size of a bread bin and was designed specifically as an iPod carrying case with one side for designated for iPod earphones.

It was designed by German designer Karl Lagerfeld who modeled it after his own iPod carrying case. A true iPod fanatic, Lagerfeld owns 40 iPods. The iPod's influence can indeed be seen throughout Lagerfeld's latest collection for Fendi.

"The iPod completely changed the way people approach music," Lagerfeld told WWD.

Fendi is not the only fashion house to create iPod accessories. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Coach have all jumped on the bandwagon.

Automobiles



On January 11, 2005, Mercedes-Benz USA and Apple announced the creation of an iPod Integration kit for Mercedes-Benz which was set to launch in April for most 2005 and 2006 models.

The kit allows for drivers to listen to their entire iPod library through the Mercedes-Benz audio system and control what they listen to through multifunction controls and displays located on the steering wheel and dashboard. It also provides outstanding sound quality, charges the iPod and stores in the glove compartment.

“Music lovers want to listen to their digital music in their cars, and we’re delighted to be working with Mercedes to offer a fully integrated solution,” said Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs. “The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz features the quality and attention to detail Mercedes is famous for, perfectly complementing Apple’s innovative iPod.”

Mercedes-Benz is the first automotive retailer to offer full iPod music navigation.

Events



The Silent Party

''“A Silent Rave, or Mobile Club, or Silent Disco is a simple concept. Hundreds, hopefully thousands, of people from any background of life turn up in a public place at a pre-arranged time, turn on their iPods and dance freely to whatever music they choose to listen to.”''

Taking the iPod addiction to another level, there are now even events where people listen to their own iPods or exchange them with others and dance to music only they can hear. A well known “Silent Party” was held in Victoria Station, London, involving 4000 participants. Even Calgary will be hosting the first Silent Rave party on May 1st.

The parties involving iPod are more commonly known as the Silent disco or iPod Flash Mob. This variation of the Silent Party occurred October 11th 2006 at the Liverpool Station in England where a flash mob danced in the station listening to their separate iPods.

After that, a similar event occurred on 18th January 2007 in Bristol Square with over 300 people who gathered together at 10:30 pm to dance to their music and this event was organized through the Facebook. Another event was on 10th February 2007 from 6:42pm until 7:42 pm when another flash mob occurred at the Paddington Station in London where around 250 people participated in another session of “mobile clubbing”.

The Silent Rave New York was a group that started off by getting people with same interest in music together but eventually ended up progressing into an event. The Silent Rave Calgary is similar to the Silent Party that occurred in London and New York.

Silent parties are the only events where you can actually bust move to your favourite songs and it does not matter what your taste in music you have or how old you are. This is the perfect chance for everyone to gather with their iPods and just have plain fun.

= Money money money money, MONEY!! [iPod Statistics] =

On January 16, 2002, Apple announced a net profit of $38 million for the first fiscal quarter and a revenue of $1.38 billion (up 37% from last year). International sales contributed to 48% of the quarter's revenue.

“Apple delivered a solid quarter and is one of the few companies making a profit in personal computers during these challenging times,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “During last quarter we continued our strategy of innovation. We launched the wildly popular iPod and sold more than 125,000 of them in two months. And we ended the year with 27 Apple retail stores that attracted over 800,000 visitors in the month of December alone.” In October 2004, iPod dominated the U.S digital music player market, taking 90% of the hard drive-based players and 70% of the overall market.

From January 2004-2005 iPod's market share to rise 31% to 65%. Seven months later, it rose to 74% of the overall market. It was also reported that in the United States, approximately 22 million people owned an iPod.

In 2006, Apple's market share had risen from 53% to 68%, trailed by Creative Labs with a mere 6% of the market. Ownership of digital music players have tripled from 8% to 27%. The number of female iPod users has also tripled while male ownership has increased from 18% to 28%. Furthermore almost half of all Americans (45%) download music, up from 31%. Purchasing songs online has risen from 8% to 23%

In January 2007 reached a market share of almost 73%. Apple also gained a record quarterly revenue of $7.1 billion U.S (48% contributing to iPod sales). On April 9th, 2007, Ipod was dubbed the largest selling digital music player, selling 100 million units. Apple also reported $5.2 billion as its second quarter revenue.

During “the Beat Goes On” event held on September 5th, Apple announced selling over 110 million iPods.

In October 2007, 26% of the $6.22 billion quarterly revenue contributed to iPod sales (73% from notebooks and desktop sales). Apple's year revenue grew t0 $24.01 billion with profits of $3.5 billion U.S, ending the fiscal year with no debt and $15.4 billion.

Late January 2008, Apple reported its best quarter revenue ever with $9.6 billion revenue and net quarterly profits of $1.58 billion. of which, 42% deemed by iPod sales. Over 140 million iPods have been sold.

= I'm a ''Survivor! ''   [iPod Competency] =

Put simply, iPods are on top; they play a major role in our day-to-day lives, and also boast a dominant presence in today's market. How is it that an MP3 player with countless competitors bragging manifold features with arguably more to offer, can place so highly in consumer standings.

Flash Media Players versus Hard Drive Players

Flash
 * Data is stored on chips. When turned off, data is not lost.
 * Non-moving parts. No sound skipping or restarts.
 * Players are small and lightweight. Fits in your pocket!

Hard Drive
 * Can hold all your CD collection. More storage space.
 * Same storage tech as your computer and laptop.
 * Many spinning parts. A serious hit or drop equals damage.
 * No memory source is all 100% safe from loss. Keep back up.

The following tables demonstrate the different features of the contending MP3 players. Notice the similarities and compare differences. Remember, these essentially serve the same purpose. The tables assess look and feel, including sale price, as well as technical specifics including battery, drive capacity, system requirements and additional capabilities of the iPod, ZEN, Sansa, FL 350 and Zune.



iPod by Apple


 * Comments:
 * Readily available and in stock at a multitude of locations
 * Easiest to utilize, most compatible with iTunes.
 * Capabilites:
 * Ability to store uploaded photos
 * Clocks for different time zones

ZEN by Creative


 * Capabilites:
 * Built-in FM radio and Microphone
 * SD Card (SD and SDHC) slot for memory upgrades
 * Voice recorder, Alarm clock and Organizer

Sansa by SanDisk


 * Capabilites:
 * Digital FM radio with 20 pre-sets and Microphone, Voice recorder
 * Expandable MicroSD/SDHC™ card slot for additional storage
 * Also supports protected and unprotected WMA, WAV, DRM-free MP3 downloads

FL 350 by Digital Cool MP10


 * Capabilites:
 * Built-In Digital Clock, Alarm Clock with Timer
 * Comments:
 * FL350 is the upgraded model of their IF Design Award and Good Design award winning design.
 * The 220V AC adapter to charge FL350's Li-polymer battery is sold separately.

Zune by Microsoft


 * Capabilites:
 * Built-In FM Radio
 * Comments:
 * With the use of a wireless network, your Zune can receive new tunes while charging.
 * Customize your games' soundtracks when you plug your Zune into your Xbox 360®.
 * With that wireless connection, share songs, albums, playlists, pictures and even audio podcasts with other Zunes.
 * Any song received via wireless connection can be played back three times.
 * Pass along those songs you received to other friends nearby who have a Zune.

= References =

(Vilasini)

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Apple - Education - Mobile Learning - iPod. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from: http://www.apple.com/education/itunesu_mobilelearning/ipod.html

Apple - Nike + iPod Gear. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from: http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/gear.html

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The Apple Store(U.S.) - Nike + iPod Sport Kit. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=MA365LL/B

walking_dog.gif. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.palmerston.nt.gov.au/webdata/resources/images/walking_dog.gif/

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4000 flash mob dancers startle commuters at Victoria. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23391632-details/4,000%20flash%20mob%20dancers%20startle%20commuters%20at%20Victoria/article.do

(Monika)

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(Stephanie)

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First on TMO - Apple Exec: Shuffle Grabs 58% of Flash Player Market; What Cell Phone Threat? (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2008, from themacobserver.com: http://www.macobserver.com/article/2005/05/04.4.shtml

Apple Reports First Quarter Profit of $38 Million (January 16, 2002). Retrieved February 18, 2008, from Apple Inc.: http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2002/jan/16results.html

Worldwide iPod Storage Total (May 3, 2005). Retrieved March 1, 2008, from Travis Smith Unvarnished: http://www.hopstudios.com/nep/unvarnished/item/worldwide_ipod_storage_total.html/

iPod still hitting right note for retailers (July 5, 2005). Retrieved March 1, 2008, from thenewage.com.au: http://www.theage.com.au/news/breaking/ipod-still-on-song/2005/07/04/1120329384593.html

Apple & Mercedes-Benz Unveil iPod Integration Kit (January 11, 2005). Retrieved March 1, 2008, from Apple Inc.: http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/jan/11mercedes.html

iPod All the Rage in High Fashion (May 12, 2004). Retrieved March 21, 2008, from wired.com: http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/news/2004/05/63423.

iPod Fetish Fashion - One For the Babes (February 22, 2006). Retrieved April 1, 2008, from macworld.co/uk: http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=13918&Page=1&pagePos=2.

Fendi iPod Case (December 30, 2006). Retrieved April 3, 2008, from sybarites.org: http://www.sybarites.org/2006/12/30/fendi-ipod-case/.

iPod Fashions: Cases From Prada and Gucci and a Bag From Fendi (June 6, 2006). Retrieved April 3, 2008, from associatedcontent.com: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/35952/ipod_fashions_cases_from_prada_and.html.

Must Haves: Upper Case (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2008, from City Magazine: http://www.city-magazine.com/musthaves_31.html.

(Yukti) 

Silent Disco( 25 March 2008). Retrieved April 14th ,2008, from wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_disco

Mobile Clubbing (11 Feburary 2008). Retrieved April 1st ,2008, from wikipedia.org: Aprilhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Clubbing

The iPod Dependency ( 25 Feburary 2005).Retrieved Feburary 10 ,2008,from thesimon.com:http://www.thesimon.com/magazine/articles/dispatches_nyc/0766_the_ipod_dependency.html

Boy in a Bubble ( September 24 2004). Retrieved Feburary 29th, 2008, from guardian.co.uk :http://arts.guardian.co.uk/netmusic/story/0,13368,1311300,00.html

Silent Rave Calgary. Retrieved April 14th 2008, from facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15092025195

4000 flash mob dancers startle commuters at Victoria picture. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23391632-details/4,000%20flash%20mob%20dancers%20startle%20commuters%20at%20Victoria/article.do

MacDailyNews - 3500 iPod flash mobbers hit London's Paddington Station picture. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from: http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/3500_ipod_flash_mobbers_hit_londons_paddington_station/

Brothers Sharing iPod. Retrieved April 10th,2008, from: http://flickr.com/photos/davidlaplante/191226358/

(Crystal)

Retrieved March 29th

Invention of the Phonograph. http://www.ushistory.net/phono.html

Phonograpy. http://library.thinkquest.org/J002039F/phonograph.htm

8-Track Players- Self contained. http://www.8trackheaven.com/selfcontain.html

8-Track Tapes. http://www.badfads.com/pages/collectibles/8track.html

Stason.Org- 2. Who invented the 8-Track tape? http://stason.org/TULARC/musical-instruments/8-track-tapes/2-Who-invented-the-8-track-tape.html

Retrieved April 3rd:

EveryiPod.com – iPod specs. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/index-ipod.html

EveryiPod.com – iPod Original. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/stats/ipod.html

EveryiPod.com – iPod mini. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/stats/ipod_mini.html

EveryiPod.com – iPod Nano. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/stats/ipod_nano.html

EveryiPod.com – Shuffle. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/stats/ipod-2nd-generation-shuffle-five-colors-specs.html

EveryiPod.com - iPod Nano (3GB/Fat). http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/stats/ipod-3rd-generation-fat-nano-specs.html

EveryiPod.com – iPod Touch. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/stats/ipod-touch-specs.html

iPod Classic. http://www.apple.com/ipodclassic/specs.html

(Lara)

Mp3 players : Flash or Hard Drive Which One Was Made For Your Music? Retrieved April 3rd. http://www.webraydian.com/content/view/182/32/

iPod Nano. technical Specifications. Retrieved February 14th. http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/specs.html

Creative United Kingdom. ZEN. Retrieved March 8th. http://uk.europe.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=10795

SanDisk Sansa® View MP3 Players. Retrieved March 8th. http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Catalog(1372)-SanDisk_Sansa_View_MP3_Players.aspx

MP10 Global FL 350. Retrieved March 8th. http://www.mpio.com/product/productview_fl350.html?view=s

The Shopping Bags. The W Network Product Review. Retrieved March 17th. http://www.wnetwork.com/tv_shows/shows/the_shopping_bags/ViewProduct.asp?ID=539

Best Buy. SanDisk Sansa 8GB. Retrieved April 16th. http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10079592&catid=25234

anythingbutipod. Retrieved April 16th. http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21361

iPod Pictures. Apple. Retrieved April 17th. http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/gallery/index.html

SanDisk Sansa View Pictures. Tech Shout.Retrieved April 17th. http://www.techshout.com/gadgets/2007/11/sandisk-sansa-view-a-slim-and-highly-affordable-media-player-unveiled/