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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Ipod ~


The iPod is a portable media player designed and marketed by Apple and launched on October 23, 2001. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the iPod Nano, and the compact iPod Shuffle. iPod Classic models store media on an internal hard drive, while all other models use flash memory to enable their smaller size (the discontinued Mini used a Microdrive miniature hard drive). As with many other digital music players, iPods can also serve as external data storage devices. Storage capacity varies by model, ranging from 2 GB for the iPod Shuffle to 160 GB for the iPod Classic. All of the models have been redesigned multiple times since their introduction. The most recent iPod redesigns were introduced on September 1, 2010.
Apple's iTunes software can be used to transfer music to the devices from computers using certain versions of Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems.[2] For users who choose not to use iTunes or whose computers cannot run iTunes, several open source alternatives are available for the iPod.[3] iTunes and its alternatives may also transfer photos, videos, games, contact information, e-mail settings, Web bookmarks, and calendars to iPod models supporting those features.
The iPod branding is also used for the media player applications included with the iPhone and iPad; the iPhone version is essentially a combination of the Music and Videos apps on the iPod Touch. Both devices can therefore function as iPods, but they are generally treated as separate products.
Discontinued models of the line include the iPod Mini and the iPod Photo, which was since reintergrated into the iPod Classic.


iPod
IPod family.png
The current iPod line; from left to right: iPod Shuffle,iPod NanoiPod ClassiciPod Touch.
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerFoxconn (OEM)[1]
TypePortable Media Player (PMP)
Retail availabilityOctober 23, 2001-present (first launched)
Units soldOver 260,000,000 worldwide as of April 2010 (see chart below)
CPUSamsung ARM
Online servicesiTunes Music StoreApp Store,iBooksMobileMe
(online services available only on iPod Touch)



History and design

Various iPod models, all of which have been discontinued.
The iPod line came from Apple's "digital hub" category,[4] when the company began creating software for the growing market of personal digital devices. Digital cameras, camcorders and organizers had well-established mainstream markets, but the company found existing digital music players "big and clunky or small and useless" with user interfaces that were "unbelievably awful,"[4] so Apple decided to develop its own. As ordered by CEO Steve Jobs, Apple's hardware engineering chief Jon Rubinstein assembled a team of engineers to design the iPod line, including hardware engineers Tony Fadell and Michael Dhuey,[5]and design engineer Jonathan Ive.[4] The product was developed in less than one year and unveiled on 23 October 2001. Jobs announced it as a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put "1,000 songs in your pocket."[6]
Apple did not develop the iPod software entirely in-house, instead using PortalPlayer's reference platform based on two ARM cores. The platform had rudimentary software running on a commercial microkernel embedded operating system. PortalPlayer had previously been working on an IBM-branded MP3 player with Bluetooth headphones.[4] Apple contracted another company, Pixo, to help design and implement the user interface under the direct supervision of Steve Jobs.[4] As development progressed, Apple continued to refine the software's look and feel. Starting with the iPod Mini, the Chicago font was replaced with Espy Sans. Later iPods switched fonts again to Podium Sans—a font similar to Apple's corporate font, Myriad. iPods with color displays then adopted some Mac OS X themes like Aqua progress bars, and brushed metal meant to evoke a combination lock. In 2007, Apple modified the iPod interface again with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod Classic and third-generation iPod Nano by changing the font to Helveticaand, in most cases, splitting the screen in half by displaying the menus on the left and album artwork, photos, or videos on the right (whichever was appropriate for the selected item).
In September 2007, during a lawsuit with patent holding company Burst.com, Apple drew attention to a patent for a similar device that was developed in 1979. Kane Kramer applied for a UK patent for his design of a "plastic music box" in 1981, which he called the IXI.[7] He was unable to secure funding to renew the US$ 120,000 worldwide patent, so it lapsed and Kramer never profited from his idea.[7]

Trademark

The name iPod was proposed by Vinnie Chieco, a freelance copywriter, who (with others) was called by Apple to figure out how to introduce the new player to the public. After Chieco saw a prototype, he thought of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey and the phrase "Open the pod bay door, Hal!", which refers to the white EVA Pods of the Discovery One spaceship. Chieco saw an analogy to the relationship between the spaceship and the smaller independent pods in the relationship between a personal computer and the music player.[4] Apple researched the trademark and found that it was already in use. Joseph N. Grasso of New Jersey had originally listed an "iPod" trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in July 2000 for Internet kiosks. The first iPod kiosks had been demonstrated to the public in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000, but had apparently been discontinued by 2001. The trademark was registered by the USPTO in November 2003, and Grasso assigned it to Apple Computer, Inc. in 2005.[8]
The earliest recorded use in commerce of an "ipod" trademark was in 1991 by Chrysalis Corp. of Sturgis, Michigan, styled "iPOD".[9]

Software

The iPod line can play several audio file formats including MP3AAC/M4AProtected AACAIFFWAVAudible audiobook, and Apple Lossless. The iPod Photo introduced the ability to display JPEGBMPGIFTIFF, and PNG image file formats. Fifth and sixth generation iPod Classics, as well as third generation iPod Nanos, can additionally play MPEG-4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) and QuickTime video formats, with restrictions on video dimensions, encoding techniques and data-rates.[10] Originally, iPod software only worked with Mac OS; iPod software for Microsoft Windows was launched with the second generation model.[11] Unlike most other media players, Apple does not support Microsoft's WMA audio format—but a converter for WMA files withoutDigital Rights Management (DRM) is provided with the Windows version of iTunes. MIDI files also cannot be played, but can be converted to audio files using the "Advanced" menu in iTunes. Alternative open-source audio formats, such as Ogg Vorbis andFLAC, are not supported without installing custom firmware onto an iPod (e.g. Rockbox).
During installation, an iPod is associated with one host computer. Each time an iPod connects to its host computer, iTunes can synchronize entire music libraries or music playlists either automatically or manually. Song ratings can be set on an iPod and synchronized later to the iTunes library, and vice versa. A user can access, play, and add music on a second computer if an iPod is set to manual and not automatic sync, but anything added or edited will be reversed upon connecting and syncing with the main computer and its library. If a user wishes to automatically sync music with another computer, an iPod's library will be entirely wiped and replaced with the other computer's library.

User interface

The signature iPod click wheel.
iPods with color displays use anti-aliased graphics and text, with sliding animations. All iPods (except the 3rd-generation iPod shuffle and iPod Touch) have five buttons and the later generations have the buttons integrated into the click wheel — an innovation that gives an uncluttered, minimalist interface. The buttons perform basic functions such as menu, play, pause, next track, and previous track. Other operations, such as scrolling through menu items and controlling the volume, are performed by using the click wheel in a rotational manner. The 3rd-generation iPod Shuffle does not have any controls on the actual player; instead it has a small control on the earphone cable, with volume-up and -down buttons and a single button for play and pause, next track, etc. The iPod Touch has no click-wheel; instead it uses a 3.5" touch screen along with a home button, sleep/wake button and (on the second and third generations of the iPod touch) volume-up and -down buttons. The user interface for the iPod Touch is almost identical to that of the iPhone. Differences include a lack of a phone application and separate apps for viewing music and video content. Both devices use iOS.

iTunes Store

The iTunes Store (introduced 29 April 2003) is an online media store run by Apple and accessed through iTunes. The store became the market leader soon after its launch[12] and Apple announced the sale of videos through the store on 12 October 2005. Full-length movies became available on 12 September 2006.[13]
At the time the store was introduced, purchased audio files used the AAC format with added encryption, based on the FairPlay DRM system. Up to five authorized computers and an unlimited number of iPods could play the files. Burning the files with iTunes as an audio CD, then re-importing would create music files without the DRM. The DRM could also be removed using third-party software. However, in a deal with Apple, EMI began selling DRM-free, higher-quality songs on the iTunes Stores, in a category called "iTunes Plus." While individual songs were made available at a cost of US$1.29, 30¢ more than the cost of a regular DRM song, entire albums were available for the same price, US$9.99, as DRM encoded albums. On 17 October 2007, Apple lowered the cost of individual iTunes Plus songs to US$0.99 per song, the same as DRM encoded tracks. On January 6, 2009, Apple announced that DRM has been removed from 80% of the music catalog, and that it would be removed from all music by April 2009.
iPods cannot play music files from competing music stores that use rival-DRM technologies like Microsoft's protected WMA or RealNetworksHelix DRM. Example stores include Napster and MSN Music. RealNetworks claims that Apple is creating problems for itself[14] by using FairPlay to lock users into using the iTunes Store. Steve Jobs has stated that Apple makes little profit from song sales, although Apple uses the store to promote iPod sales.[15] However, iPods can also play music files from online stores that do not use DRM, such as eMusic or Amie Street.
Universal Music Group decided not to renew their contract with the iTunes Music Store on 3 July 2007. Universal will now supply iTunes in an 'at will' capacity.[16]
Apple debuted the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store on 5 September 2007, in its Media Event entitled "The Beat Goes On..." This service allows users to access the Music Store from either an iPhone or an iPod Touch and download songs directly to the device that can be synced to the user's iTunes Library over a WiFi connection, or, in the case of a iPhone, the telephone network.

Games

Video games are playable on various versions of iPods. The original iPod had the game Brick (originally invented by Apple's co-founder Steve Wozniak) included as an easter egg hidden feature; later firmware versions added it as a menu option. Later revisions of the iPod added three more games: ParachuteSolitaire, and Music Quiz.
In September 2006 the iTunes Store began to offer additional games for purchase with the launch of iTunes 7, compatible with the fifth generation iPod with iPod software 1.2 or later. Those games were: BejeweledCubis 2MahjongMini GolfPac-Man,TetrisTexas Hold 'EmVortexAsphalt 4: Elite Racing and Zuma. Additional games have since been added. These games work on the 6th and 5th generation iPod classic and the 5th and 4th generation iPod nano.
With third parties like NamcoSquare EnixElectronic ArtsSega, and Hudson Soft all making games for the iPod, Apple's MP3 player has taken great steps towards entering the video game handheld console market.[neutrality is disputed] Even video game magazines like GamePro and EGM have reviewed and rated most of their games as of late.[17]
The games are in the form of .ipg files, which are actually .zip archives in disguise[citation needed]. When unzipped, they reveal executable files along with common audio and image files, leading to the possibility of third party games. Apple has not publicly released a software development kit (SDK) for iPod-specific development.[18] Apps produced with the iPhone SDK are compatible only with the iOS on the iPod Touch and iPhone, which cannot run clickwheel-based games.

File storage and transfer

All iPods except for the iPod Touch can function in "disk mode" as mass storage devices to store data files.[19] If an iPod is formatted on a Mac OS X computer, it uses the HFS+ file system format, which allows it to serve as a boot disk for a Mac computer.[20] If it is formatted on Windows, the FAT32 format is used. With the release of the Windows-compatible iPod, the default file system used on the iPod line switched from HFS+ to FAT32, although it can be reformatted to either file system (excluding the iPod Shuffle which is strictly FAT32). Generally, if a new iPod (excluding the iPod Shuffle) is initially plugged into a computer running Windows, it will be formatted with FAT32, and if initially plugged into a Mac running Mac OS X it will be formatted with HFS+.[21]
Unlike many other MP3 players, simply copying audio or video files to the drive with a typical file management application will not allow an iPod to properly access them. The user must use software that has been specifically designed to transfer media files to iPods, so that the files are playable and viewable. Usually iTunes is used to transfer media to an iPod, though several alternative third-party applications are available on a number of different platforms.
iTunes 7 and above can transfer purchased media of the iTunes Store from an iPod to a computer, provided that computer containing the DRM protected media is authorized to play it.
Media files are stored on an iPod in a hidden folder, along with a proprietary database file. The hidden content can be accessed on the host operating system by enabling hidden files to be shown. The media files can then be recovered manually by copying the files or folders off the iPod. Many third-party applications also allow easy copying of media files off of an iPod.

Hardware

Chipsets and Electronics
Chipset or ElectronicProduct(s)Component(s)
MicrocontrolleriPod Classic first to third generationsTwo ARM 7TDMI-derived CPUs running at 90 MHz
iPod Classic fourth and fifth generations, iPod Mini, iPod Nano first generationVariable-speed ARM 7TDMI CPUs, running at a peak of 80 MHz to save battery life
iPod Nano second generationSamsung System-on-a-chip, based around an ARM processor.[22][23]
iPod Shuffle first generationSigmaTel STMP3550 chip that handles both the music decoding and the audio circuitry.[24]
Audio ChipAll iPods (except the iPod Shuffle, 6G Classic and 2G Touch) [25]Audio Codecs developed by Wolfson Microelectronics
Sixth-generation iPod ClassicCirrus Logic Audio Codec Chip
Storage MediumiPod Classic45.7 mm (1.8 in) hard drives (ATA-6, 4200 rpm with proprietary connectors) made by Toshiba
iPod Mini25.4 mm (1 in) Microdrive by Hitachi and Seagate
iPod NanoFlash Memory from SamsungToshiba, and others
iPod Shuffle and TouchFlash Memory
BatteriesiPod Classic first and second generation, ShuffleInternal Lithium Polymer Batteries
iPod Classic 3G onward, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, fourth generation iPod Shuffle (including maybe earlier)Internal Lithium-Ion Batteries
DisplayiPod Nano1.54-inch (diagonal) Multi-Touch, 240-by-240 resolution at 220 pixels per inch[26]
iPod Classic2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight320-by-240 resolution at 163 pixels per inch[27]
iPod Touch3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch, 960-by-640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch[28]

Connectivity

Four iPod wall chargers for North America, all made by Apple. These have FireWire (left) and USB (right three) connectors, which allow iPods to charge without a computer. The units have beenminiaturized over time.
Originally, a FireWire connection to the host computer was used to update songs or recharge the battery. The battery could also be charged with a power adapter that was included with the first four generations. The third generation began including a 30-pin dock connector, allowing for FireWire or USB connectivity. This provided better compatibility with non-Apple machines, as most of them did not have FireWire ports at the time. Eventually Apple began shipping iPods with USB cables instead of FireWire, although the latter was available separately. As of the first-generation iPod Nano and the fifth-generation iPod Classic, Apple discontinued using FireWire for data transfer (while still allowing for use of FireWire to charge the device) in an attempt to reduce cost and form factor. As of the second-generation iPod Touch and the fourth-generation iPod Nano, FireWire charging ability has been removed. The second-, third-, and fifth-generation iPod Shuffle uses a single 3.5 mm jack which acts as both a headphone jack and a data port for the dock.
The dock connector also allowed the iPod to connect to accessories, which often supplement the iPod's music, video, and photo playback. Apple sells a few accessories, such as the now-discontinued iPod Hi-Fi, but most are manufactured by third parties such as Belkin and Griffin. Some peripherals use their own interface, while others use the iPod's own screen. Because the dock connector is a proprietary interface, the implementation of the interface requires paying royalties to Apple.[29]

Accessories

The "Made for iPod" logo found on most classic iPod accessories
Many accessories have been made for the iPod line. A large number are made by third party companies, although many, such as the late iPod Hi-Fi, are made by Apple. Some accessories add extra features that other music players have, such as sound recorders, FM radio tuners, wired remote controls, and audio/visual cables for TV connections. Other accessories offer unique features like the Nike+iPod pedometer and the iPod Camera Connector. Other notable accessories include external speakers, wireless remote controls, protective case, screen films, and wireless earphones.[30] Among the first accessory manufacturers were Griffin TechnologyBelkinJBLBoseMonster Cable, and SendStation.
Two designs of iPod earphones. The current version is shown on the right.
BMW released the first iPod automobile interface,[31] allowing drivers of newer BMW vehicles to control an iPod using either the built-in steering wheel controls or the radio head-unit buttons. Apple announced in 2005 that similar systems would be available for other vehicle brands, including Mercedes-Benz,[32] Volvo,[33] NissanToyota,[34] Alfa RomeoFerrari,[35] AcuraAudiHonda,[36] RenaultInfiniti[37] and Volkswagen.[38] Scion offers standard iPod connectivity on all their cars.
Some independent stereo manufacturers including JVCPioneerKenwoodAlpineSony, and Harman Kardon also have iPod-specific integration solutions. Alternative connection methods include adaptor kits (that use the cassette deck or the CD changer port), audio input jacks, and FM transmitters such as the iTrip—although personal FM transmitters are illegal in some countries. Many car manufacturers have added audio input jacks as standard.[39]
Beginning in mid-2007, four major airlines, UnitedContinentalDelta, and Emirates, reached agreements to install iPod seat connections. The free service will allow passengers to power and charge an iPod, and view video and music libraries on individual seat-back displays.[40] Originally KLM and Air France were reported to be part of the deal with Apple, but they later released statements explaining that they were only contemplating the possibility of incorporating such systems.[41]

Audio performance

The third-generation iPod had a weak bass response, as shown in audio tests.[42][43] The combination of the undersized DC-blocking capacitors and the typical low-impedance of most consumer headphones form a high-pass filter, which attenuates the low-frequency bass output. Similar capacitors were used in the fourth-generation iPods.[44] The problem is reduced when using high-impedance headphones and is completely masked when driving high-impedance (line level) loads, such as an external headphone amplifier. The first-generation iPod Shuffle uses a dual-transistor output stage,[42] rather than a single capacitor-coupled output, and does not exhibit reduced bass response for any load.
From the fifth-generation iPod on, Apple introduced a user-configurable volume limit in response to concerns about hearing loss.[45] Users report that in the sixth-generation iPod, the maximum volume output level is limited to 100 dB in EU markets. Apple previously had to remove iPods from shelves in France for exceeding this legal limit.[46]

Models

ModelGenerationImageCapacityConnectionOriginal release dateMinimum OS to syncRated battery life (hours)
Classicfirstfirst generation iPod5, 10 GBFireWire23 October 2001Mac: 910.1audio: 10
First model, with mechanical scroll wheel. 10 GB model released later.
secondA second generation iPod (2002)10, 20 GBFireWire17 July 2002Mac: 10.1
Win: 2000
audio: 10
Touch-sensitive wheel. FireWire port had a cover. Hold switch revised. Windows compatibility through Musicmatch.
thirdthird generation iPod10, 15, 20, 30, 40 GBFireWire (USB for syncing only)28 April 2003Mac: 10.1
Win: 2000
audio: 8
First complete redesign with all-touch interface, dock connector, and slimmer case. Musicmatch support dropped with later release of iTunes 4.1 for Windows.
fourth
(Photo)
(Color)
fourth generation iPod20, 40 GBFireWire or USB19 July 2004Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 12
Adopted Click Wheel from iPod Mini, hold switch redesigned.
fourth generation iPod with color displayphoto:
30, 40, 60 GB
FireWire or USB26 October 2004Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 15
slideshow: 5
color:
20, 60 GB
28 June 2005
Premium spin-off of 4G iPod with color screen and picture viewing. Later re-integrated into main iPod line.
fifthfifth generation iPod30, 60, 80,160 GBUSB (FireWire for charging only)12 October 2005Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
30 GB
audio: 14
video: 2
(later 3.5)
60/80 GB
audio: 20
video: 3/6.5
Second full redesign with a slimmer case, and larger screen with video playback. Offered in black or white. Hardware and firmware updated with 60 GB model replaced with 80 GB model on 12 September 2006.
sixthsixth generation iPod80, 120, 160 GBUSB (FireWire for charging only)5 September 2007Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
80 GB
audio: 30
video: 5
120 GB
audio: 36
video: 6
160 GB
2007 model
audio: 40
video: 7
2009 model
audio: 36
video: 6
Introduced the "Classic" suffix. New interface and anodized aluminum front plate. Silver replaces white. In September 2008 the hardware and firmware was updated with a 120 GB model replacing the 80 GB model and the 160 GB model was discontinued. In September 2009 the 120GB model was replaced with a 160GB model.
Minifirstfirst generation iPod Mini4 GBUSB or FireWire6 January 2004Mac: 10.1
Win: 2000
audio: 8
New smaller model, available in 5 colors. Introduced the "Click Wheel".
secondsecond generation iPod Mini4, 6 GBUSB or FireWire22 February 2005Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 18
Brighter color variants with longer battery life. Click Wheel lettering matched body color. Gold color discontinued. Later replaced by iPod Nano.
Nanofirstfirst generation iPod Nano1, 2, 4 GBUSB (FireWire for charging only)7 September 2005Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
audio: 14
slideshow: 4
Replaced Mini. Available in black or white and used flash memory. Color screen for picture viewing. 1 GB version released later.
second4 GB blue iPod Nano2, 4, 8 GBUSB (FireWire for charging only)12 September 2006Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
audio: 24
slideshow: 5
Anodized aluminum casing and 6 colors available.
third4 GB third generation iPod Nano4, 8 GBUSB (FireWire for charging only)5 September 2007Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 24
video: 5
2" QVGA screen, colors refreshed with chrome back, new interface, video capability, smaller Click Wheel.
fourth16 GB Flash Drive fourth generation iPod Nano4, 8, 16 GBUSB9 September 2008Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 24
video: 4
Revert to tall form and all-aluminum enclosure with 9 color choices, added accelerometer for shake and horizontal viewing. 4 GB model limited release in select markets.
fifth16 GB Flash Drive fifth generation iPod Nano with camera8, 16 GBUSB9 September 2009Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 24
video: 5
First iPod to include a video camera; also included a larger screen, an FM radio, a speaker, a pedometer, and a polished exterior case while retaining the similar colors as the fourth generation model.
sixthSilver iPod nano 6G8, 16 GBUSB1 September 2010Mac: 10.5
Win: XP
audio: 24
First iPod nano to include multi-touch screen; clip from iPod shuffle added. Video playback and camera removed.
Shufflefirstfirst generation iPod shuffle512 MB, 1 GBUSB
(no adaptor required)
11 January 2005Mac: 10.2
Win: 2000
audio: 12
New entry-level model. Uses flash memory and has no screen.
secondsecond generation iPod shuffle1, 2 GBUSB12 September 2006Mac: 10.3
Win: 2000
audio: 12
Smaller clip design with anodized aluminum casing. 4 color options added later. Colors were later refreshed twice.
thirdthird generation iPod shuffle2, 4 GBUSB11 March 2009Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 10
Smaller design with controls relocated to right earbud cable. Introduced with two colors, and features VoiceOver. More colors and 2GB model added in September 2009.
fourthfouth generation iPod shuffle2 GBUSB1 September 2010Mac: 10.5
Win: XP
audio: 15
Controls returned to the body of the iPod. Introduced with five colors, and features VoiceOver.
TouchfirstThe 1st gen iPod Touch.8, 16, 32 GBUSB (FireWire for charging only)[47]5 September 2007Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 22
video: 5
First iPod with Wi-Fi and a Multi-Touch interface. Features Safari browser and wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. 32 GB model later added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access requires an upgrade fee.
secondThe 2nd & 3rd gen iPod Touch.8, 16, 32 GBUSB9 September 2008Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 36
video: 6
New tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access standard. Bluetooth support added but not made active until iPhone OS 3.0, which requires an upgrade fee.
third32, 64 GBUSB9 September 2009Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 30
video: 6
Updated to include the upgraded internals from the iPhone 3GS; includes Voice Control support and bundled remote earphones.
fourthThe 4th gen iPod Touch.8, 32, 64 GBUSB9 September 2010Mac: 10.5
Win: XP
audio: 40
video: 7
New thinner design including two cameras for FaceTime and HD video recording, Retina display from iPhone 4, Apple A4 chip.

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