Apple Video iPod in September (rumor)

Colin Dunstan · 07-18-2005, 03:17 PM

WSJ Online reports that Apple is seeking to license music videos to sell through its iTunes Music Store. The newspaper further states that it is likely that Apple will announce an iPod player that can play video by September. A music clip would be sold for $1.99 each, with the possibility of a discount if consumers buy a music video and a song at the same time. Apple has refused to comment on the report, calling it "industry speculation."

In addition to licensing music video content, Apple might also be looking to license television shows. The creation of a whole video-distribution service could hint at the possibility of future portable Apple devices dedicated for playing video content.

Among those media companies approached were Warner Music Group Corp., EMI Group PLC, Vivendi Universal SA's Universal Music Group and Sony BMG. As to the question whether his Pixar company is also going to make its blockbuster movies available for portable video players, Steve Job replied:

"So far there really hasn't been a successful portable video device other than those that play industry standard DVDs, and that we participate in just because we sell DVDs," Mr. Jobs said in the call. "So who knows what's down the road?"

Update: Paul Sloan has some more information regarding Disney's intent to team up with Apple on the Video iPod.

Pride Of Lions · 07-19-2005, 01:29 AM

It's the smart move right now. What makes it the smart move is that people have been clamoring for a video iPod for the longest time, and it's always smart to give the people what they want. Especially when the people are banging on your doors with fistfulls of money. (The people can get fidgety when you continue to not give them what they want and they will look elsewhere for their needs. See PalmOne.)

We all know that Apple needs outside-the-box comsumer electronics markets to dominate to boost their computer hardware sales and, having conquered the music player market, the next logical step would be to establish and corner the portable video player market. The market is ripe for a product that will replace the portable DVD player, and Apple can be right there with the killer-app as well as the perfect and complimentary computer purchase. Not to mention the perfect and complimentary digital distribution method (iTunes Music Store.)

It's just a matter of time. Steve Jobs earlier machinations were meant to dissuade Apple's competitors (who are clearly looking for any sign or move to copy, sorely lacking their own design initiative.) I look forward to the future of this exciting tech., especially from the eyes of the lay-person who is being introduced to this tech. for the first time (people in my neighborhood/family...) as well as from the jaded geeky perspective.
POL9A

radleyp · 07-19-2005, 10:42 AM

This makes sense to me only if Apple increases the screen size, and I see no indication of that (the photo ipod has the same size screen as its predecessors). What are you going to watch on a 2" square screen? This is more of the "I will put it in because I can" technology method. Philippe Radley

Brian · 07-19-2005, 03:21 PM

Robert X. Cringely writes in his latest column that he thinks Apple could use retinal scan displays like the ones from MicroVision as display devices, similar to the Sony Glasstron displays. While it sounds pretty far-out, I think he's on to something and I had the same thought a few months ago. It would be a high-end device aimed at frequent flyers (business/first class travelers).

On a drive home this past weekend, I drove by several SUVs and minivans that had passengers watching entertainment system LCD displays. You've probably seen these glowing LCD displays yourselves hanging from the headliners. Huge market potential here. This could also be another use for a video iPod. Apple could work with auto manufacturers to offer factory video iPod integration to these systems just as several auto manufacturers are offering iPod integration as a factory option. An iTMS store with Nickelodeon, Disney, Sesame Street (PBS), etc channels could offer these kids favorites along with Pixar & Disney movies for in-car entertainment.

Besides factory iPod Video integration into vehicle entertainment systems, Apple could offer Apple Mobile Cinema Displays to use as a display device for a video iPod, and that rumored Apple tablet could be a new device category for iTMS video content.

Apple could also use video iPods in vehicles to offer content like video travel guides for popular vacation destinations. Add in-car GPS navigation system integration to automatically start playing downloaded travel guides along your pre-planned route, and there are some very interesting possibilities with content partners and other partners...

Brian

Pride Of Lions · 07-19-2005, 05:58 PM

The in-car DVD solution is what makes me think that the people are ready for portable video players. The personal DVD players that cost about $100 aren't the true indicator, but it's a start. The in-car solution that costs whatever (device price plus installation) is a better indicator because people are willing to spend all that money for something that will only be used in the car (and not by the driver when the vehicle's in motion.)

A hard-drive based video player that can be played anywhere is the next big thing (and we all know how Steve Jobs feels about those.) I expect them to create a digital distribution system in the iTunes model, to create an iPod with a bigger screen (a given) and keep their competitors scrambling.
POL9A

Brian · 01-24-2006, 10:39 PM

If there was any doubt about Steve Jobs' desire to get video content into vehicles via the iPod platform, there shouldn't be any now after Steve said this during the Disney-Pixar conference call:

Quote:

For a great animated film, your kid would watch it 10 times or more. The opportunity to exploit it on various devices is huge, whether it is back seat of a car or anywhere else.

Brian

Colin Dunstan · 01-25-2006, 02:49 AM

Let's only hope that the decisions Jobs is going to make for Disney will also be beneficial for Apple.

Brian · 01-25-2006, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin Dunstan

Let's only hope that the decisions Jobs is going to make for Disney will also be beneficial for Apple.

I firmly believe that besides diversifying his Pixar portfolio with his sale to Disney, he's joining Disney's board of directors and will base future decisions with the interest of both Apple and Disney-Pixar in mind. This deal shows how much of a premium quality content is worth to a company that has a focus on family entertainment and a desire to deliver it to consumers wherever they want in a timely manner. I suspect that Iger and Steve want to create an Apple-Disney-Pixar synergy that combines creativity, content, digital distribution and Apple's devices.

Brian

07-18-2005, 03:17 PM	#1
Colin Dunstan Is papyrophobic! Posts: 1,926 Karma: 1009999 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: USA Device: Dell Axim	Apple Video iPod in September (rumor) WSJ Online reports that Apple is seeking to license music videos to sell through its iTunes Music Store. The newspaper further states that it is likely that Apple will announce an iPod player that can play video by September. A music clip would be sold for $1.99 each, with the possibility of a discount if consumers buy a music video and a song at the same time. Apple has refused to comment on the report, calling it "industry speculation." In addition to licensing music video content, Apple might also be looking to license television shows. The creation of a whole video-distribution service could hint at the possibility of future portable Apple devices dedicated for playing video content. Among those media companies approached were Warner Music Group Corp., EMI Group PLC, Vivendi Universal SA's Universal Music Group and Sony BMG. As to the question whether his Pixar company is also going to make its blockbuster movies available for portable video players, Steve Job replied: "So far there really hasn't been a successful portable video device other than those that play industry standard DVDs, and that we participate in just because we sell DVDs," Mr. Jobs said in the call. "So who knows what's down the road?" Update: Paul Sloan has some more information regarding Disney's intent to team up with Apple on the Video iPod.

07-19-2005, 03:21 PM	#4
Brian MobileRead Editor Posts: 447 Karma: 84 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Massachusetts Device: Treo 700p, Zodiac2	Robert X. Cringely writes in his latest column that he thinks Apple could use retinal scan displays like the ones from MicroVision as display devices, similar to the Sony Glasstron displays. While it sounds pretty far-out, I think he's on to something and I had the same thought a few months ago. It would be a high-end device aimed at frequent flyers (business/first class travelers). On a drive home this past weekend, I drove by several SUVs and minivans that had passengers watching entertainment system LCD displays. You've probably seen these glowing LCD displays yourselves hanging from the headliners. Huge market potential here. This could also be another use for a video iPod. Apple could work with auto manufacturers to offer factory video iPod integration to these systems just as several auto manufacturers are offering iPod integration as a factory option. An iTMS store with Nickelodeon, Disney, Sesame Street (PBS), etc channels could offer these kids favorites along with Pixar & Disney movies for in-car entertainment. Besides factory iPod Video integration into vehicle entertainment systems, Apple could offer Apple Mobile Cinema Displays to use as a display device for a video iPod, and that rumored Apple tablet could be a new device category for iTMS video content. Apple could also use video iPods in vehicles to offer content like video travel guides for popular vacation destinations. Add in-car GPS navigation system integration to automatically start playing downloaded travel guides along your pre-planned route, and there are some very interesting possibilities with content partners and other partners... Brian Last edited by ballistic; 07-19-2005 at 03:39 PM.

07-19-2005, 01:29 AM	#2
Pride Of Lions just kinda geeky Posts: 381 Karma: 30 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oakland, California Device: iPhone	It's the smart move right now. What makes it the smart move is that people have been clamoring for a video iPod for the longest time, and it's always smart to give the people what they want. Especially when the people are banging on your doors with fistfulls of money. (The people can get fidgety when you continue to not give them what they want and they will look elsewhere for their needs. See PalmOne.) We all know that Apple needs outside-the-box comsumer electronics markets to dominate to boost their computer hardware sales and, having conquered the music player market, the next logical step would be to establish and corner the portable video player market. The market is ripe for a product that will replace the portable DVD player, and Apple can be right there with the killer-app as well as the perfect and complimentary computer purchase. Not to mention the perfect and complimentary digital distribution method (iTunes Music Store.) It's just a matter of time. Steve Jobs earlier machinations were meant to dissuade Apple's competitors (who are clearly looking for any sign or move to copy, sorely lacking their own design initiative.) I look forward to the future of this exciting tech., especially from the eyes of the lay-person who is being introduced to this tech. for the first time (people in my neighborhood/family...) as well as from the jaded geeky perspective. POL9A

07-19-2005, 10:42 AM	#3
radleyp Evangelist Posts: 499 Karma: 20623 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Salem & NYC, NY Device: Kindle Global, iphone4, ipad	This makes sense to me only if Apple increases the screen size, and I see no indication of that (the photo ipod has the same size screen as its predecessors). What are you going to watch on a 2" square screen? This is more of the "I will put it in because I can" technology method. Philippe Radley

07-19-2005, 05:58 PM	#5
Pride Of Lions just kinda geeky Posts: 381 Karma: 30 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oakland, California Device: iPhone	The in-car DVD solution is what makes me think that the people are ready for portable video players. The personal DVD players that cost about $100 aren't the true indicator, but it's a start. The in-car solution that costs whatever (device price plus installation) is a better indicator because people are willing to spend all that money for something that will only be used in the car (and not by the driver when the vehicle's in motion.) A hard-drive based video player that can be played anywhere is the next big thing (and we all know how Steve Jobs feels about those.) I expect them to create a digital distribution system in the iTunes model, to create an iPod with a bigger screen (a given) and keep their competitors scrambling. POL9A

01-25-2006, 02:49 AM	#7
Colin Dunstan Is papyrophobic! Posts: 1,926 Karma: 1009999 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: USA Device: Dell Axim	Let's only hope that the decisions Jobs is going to make for Disney will also be beneficial for Apple.