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Is Apple Trying to Take Over iPod Accessories?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the signs-point-to-no dept.

An anonymous reader writes "With more and more iPod accessories being released by Apple all the time many users are speculating that Apple is trying to shoulder the after-market iPod companies aside. However, at least one user doesn't see it that way, and thinks that Apple's move may actually help the after-market companies. From the article: 'Even if it wanted to, Apple knows that it couldn't simply make the iPod accessory market participants magically go away. If Apple did try to steal their lunch, all it would succeed in doing would be to drive those companies straight into the arms of the iPod's competitors, most of whom are desperate to see any kind of an accessory market form around their players. And that's the last thing Apple wants to have happen.'"

7 of 193 comments (clear)

  1. This seems appropriate by guitaristx · · Score: 4, Interesting

    linky

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    I pity the foo that isn't metasyntactic
  2. After-Market ipod accessories are generally poor by TheWorkz · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I dont feel that there is any issue with Apple releasing their accessories. In fact, the "Apple" Branded accessories I have purchased for the NANO are much better quality than third parties. An example is the armband which is a leather that feels much softer and gentler on the skin. Third party accessories for the same item are half the price, but normally elastic and plastic.

    It all comes down to quality of product, and I would much rather have something confortable and that lasts longer and looks nicer for a little more..

    One exception is the new itrip nano.. that thing rocks.

  3. Raising the bar by woozlewuzzle · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It may be a case of Apple simply not being impressed with the 3rd party products currently offered. If quality accessories will help sell your product, and the after market isn't releasing high enough quality, Apple may well want to 'show them how it is done'. Basically Apple spends its marketing and development dollars to prove that a quality accessory can make money and that should encourage the after market companies to improve their wares.

    Or maybe Steve is really on one of his kicks to control everything. What do I know?

  4. the footsteps of HD ??? by hihihihi · · Score: 3, Interesting

    if I remember correctly, many decades back Harley Devidson motorbikes did the same thing by creating the black fashionable leather garments for its fans, as they already had a *cult* following, this just helped them in strengthening it further.

    i think apple is also following the same footsteps..

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    everyone downmodding this post will be prosecuted for reading my post without first buying a license!!!
  5. Re:brand strength by hunterx11 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I can't tell the difference between jeans from Tommy Hilfiger and Old Navy, yet plenty of people buy the former despite the price sometimes being several times as much.

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    English is easier said than done.
  6. So that's why they are so easily scratched by angle_slam · · Score: 2, Interesting

    This explains why the iPod is so easily scratched--they want people to buy aftermarket cases. (Seriously, I bought an iPod yesterday. The back already has several long scratches on it.)

  7. Rockbox is free anyway! by bagder · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I thought Rockbox was the coolest accessory anyway, and Apple sure can't take over that! ;-)