IPods
The iPod was a line of portable digital audio players designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was first introduced on October 23, 2001 by Steve Jobs.
General information
The iPod Classic stores media on an internal hard drive, while all other models use flash memory to allow for smaller size (the iPod Mini used a Microdrive hard drive). As with many other digital music players, iPods can also serve as external data storage devices. Storage capacity varies by model (the largest is the iPod Classic).
Apple iTunes software can be used to transfer music to iPod from a computer running certain Apple applications for Macintosh and Microsoft Windows. For users who choose not to use Apple software or whose computers cannot run iTunes, several open source alternatives exist, although it is not possible for any unlicensed manufacturer to guarantee proper operation, as Apple does not provide specifications regarding the iPod's software interface, only officially supporting iTunes as its only interface.
From iTunes and its alternatives, you can transfer photos, videos, games, contact information, email, web bookmarks, and calendars to iPod models that support these features. Apple focused the development of its iPod line on the unique user interface and its ease of use, rather than technical ability. As of September 2007, more than 150 million iPods have been sold worldwide, making it the best-selling digital music player.
Development
Steve Jobs along with other Apple insiders saw that the Macintosh was being left out of the "music revolution" from 2000, which had been originated by Napster, since there were no programs that played the MP3 format on those computers. Because of this, they decided to purchase the music management program "SoundJam" which in turn was enhanced and renamed iTunes after its purchase. This program was in charge of managing the music from portable devices created by other companies. Jobs, seeing that these devices did not integrate well with iTunes, decided to create his own portable music device to work better. An Apple engineer, Jon Rubinstein, was in charge of obtaining the necessary materials for the construction of the iPod on a trip that accompanied Steve to Japan. Rubinstein decided to hire Tony Fadell, who for his part had already thought of the idea of creating a device for music reproduction. Fadell was then put in charge of the iPod project by Rubinstein as he believed that he was the best person to handle the project. There is great controversy over who was the creator of the iPod: Fadell or Rubinstein, although there is no doubt that both contributed their ideas to the project, as did Jonathan Ive and Steve Jobs himself. It should also be clarified that everything that is the design of the device was carried out by Jonathan Ive's team.
The iPod evolved; New models were created such as the iPod mini (which later gave way to the iPod Nano) to which the ability to play video was integrated and later the multi-touch technology of the iPhone was integrated with the iPod Touch and iPod Nano (only the 6. th and 7th generation).
Integration and new iPod models
In January 2005, at Macworld, Apple introduced the iPod Shuffle, an iPod that had (and does not) have a screen and was available with either 512mb or 1GB memory. At the end of June of that same year, Apple integrated the iPod 4G with the iPod photo; since then all white models have a color screen and the ability to store and play music and photos.
October 12, 2005 Apple released iPod 5G, featuring a 2.5-inch color display capable of displaying album art and photos, as well as playing images from music videos, video podcasts, home movies and television shows.
On February 7, 2006 Apple introduced a new model for the Nano, which has 1 GB. With this, Apple plans to make iPods more accessible than ever. In addition, Shuffle also drops in price in the 512 MB and 1 GB models.
On June 6, 2006 Apple presented the special version of the iPod 5G (video) of the musical group U2, Like its predecessor, this iPod has the signatures of the four members of the musical group engraved on the metal back, instead this time is the first time that the company changes the color of this metal (in this model it is not silver but black). This iPod is only available with the capacity of 30 GB. This special edition adds an exclusive 30-minute video featuring U2 interviews and performances to the pack.
In September 2006, the enhanced version of the fifth generation iPod, also known as iPod 5.5G, was released. Among the main changes are better battery efficiency, and better lighting.
On September 5, 2007, Apple introduced the next generations of iPods: the (original) iPod was renamed "iPod Classic" and its capacities increased; the iPod Nano was completely redesigned, and the iPod Touch was added to the lineup, which has the large touchscreen and features audio, video, photos, and Internet browsing over Wi-Fi, similar to the iPhone.
A change to the iPod Touch software was announced on January 15, 2008 at MacWorld, which added new applications: Email capable of viewing HTML pages, opening PDF, Microsoft Word and Excel documents, as well as Google Maps, which by triangulating with Wi-Fi networks can show the approximate location of the iPod and give on-screen directions to get from one point to another other.
On September 9, 2008 at Apple's Let's Rock event, enhancements to the iPod range were announced.
- New colors for iPod Shuffle.
- New iPod Nano with 8 or 16GB flash memory (in silver, black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red and pink). New design similar to second generation iPod Nano, function acelometer Shake to Shuffle (by stirring it changes to a random song), with the new Genius system activated, with the CoverFlow system, which is automatically activated when placed in horizontal and new interface.
- New iPod Classic with unique capacity of 120 GB and two colors (white and black).
- New iPod Touch with 2.1 software.
On September 9, 2009, after a long wait, the new iPod Nano (5th generation) was presented, which retains the design of the previous model, this time with the click wheel a bit more towards the edge, a longer screen, FM radio, pedometer to count the steps when we exercise (same that generates a direct connection with "nike on line" through iTunes to save the reference of our progress) and a great digital camera that records H264 (quicktime) video, complete with microphone and speaker so you can listen to music without headphones. It is available in two capacities of its flash memory: 8 and 16 GB.
On September 1, 2010, the new iPod Nano (6th generation), iPod Touch (4th generation), and iPod Shuffle (4th generation) models were introduced. The following changes were introduced:
- The new iPod Touch model features a high-definition Retina display (the same on iPhone 4), front and rear camera (with less than 1 megapixel), as well as the addition of FaceTime service, the possibility of recording 720p video, VoiceOver voice control and the addition of Apple's A4 processor. The movement detection system was also improved, with the incorporation of a gyroscope. As for connectivity it is quite limited, because even if it has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hardware; Bluetooth only allows to be used for synchronization with MacOS and also for use of a hands-free, nothing more (no file sharing, no remote control, no internet connection via a phone); and Wi-Fi as the iPhone does not allow to use networks that use WEP encryption (mostly) whose key index is not 1
- In the new iPod Nano model, the design has been changed, suppressing the control by click wheel and providing it with a multi-touch display, with the same system as on iPhone and iPod Touch. VoiceOver control and Genius service have also been added.
- The new iPod Shuffle model has modified the design, making it more compact. It also includes the possibility of adding songs playlists.
Advertising
Graphically, iPod advertising consists of a monochrome background —never black or white— on which black silhouettes of moving subjects carry the device, which is represented in white. Apple Inc. has used a number of entertainment figures to promote the iPod, including the Black Eyed Peas, U2, and dancer David Elsewhere.
Brand
Joseph N. Grasso of New Jersey had originally patented an "iPod" in the United States Patent and Trademark Office in July 2000 for Internet kiosks. The first iPod kiosk was shown to the public in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000, but had apparently been abandoned by 2001. The trademark was registered by the U.S.P.T.O. in November 2003 and assigned by Grasso to Apple Inc. in 2005.
Software
The iPod can play MP3, WAV, AAC/M4A, AIFF, and Apple Lossless files. The 5th generation iPod is also capable of playing video files in H.264 and MPEG-4 formats.
Apple designed the iPod to work primarily in conjunction with its iTunes program. With iTunes, music from the user's library can be automatically synced with the music from the iPod each time it is connected to the computer. New songs, photos, and playlists are automatically copied to iPod, and deleted songs are also removed from iPod. This works in reverse as well, if you rate a song on your iPod, the rating will be copied to your iTunes library. In addition, if audiobooks are listened to, the position of these will also be automatically synchronized. iTunes gives manual sync option in addition to auto sync feature. The iPod 5th Generation, iPod Classic, and the latest generation of iPod players (except the Shuffle) have the ability to download games of various themes from the iTunes Store.
The iPod operating system includes simple video games. Originally, the first and second generations only included the game "brick", a clone of the Breakout game. From the third generation onwards, three additional games are included, which are:
- Parachute (Parachute): a simple game where the player shoots helicopters and paratroopers.
- Solitaire (Solitarian): Card game.
- Music Quiz (Concurso de Música): a game where a song is played and five titles (four on the iPod mini) are presented randomly, among which one matches the reproduction. The maximum score for each success decreases depending on the time elapsed to make the choice, while the game is discarding false titles. The game continues until the user closes it.
The sixth generation iPod Nano now uses an adapted version of iOS 4.
User interface
iPods with color screens use text and graphics with anti-aliasing and animations. All iPods (except the Shuffle, Touch, "Nano" and "classic") have 5 buttons and generations The following have the buttons built into the click wheel. The buttons do basic functions like play, next track, etc. Other operations like scrolling through the menu and controlling the volume are done by turning the click wheel. The second generation iPod Shuffle does not have a click wheel, in turn, it uses 5 buttons, as for the third generation, it does not use any buttons and all its functions are executed through the microphone integrated in the headphones. The iPod Touch does not have a click wheel or buttons, instead it uses an interface.
Models
| Chipset or electronics | Product(s) | Component(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller | iPod 1G to 3G | Two ARMs derived from CPU 7TDMI running to 90 MHz |
| iPod 8G and 16G, iPod Mini, iPod Nano 8G | Variable speed ARM 7TDMI CPUs, running up to 80 MHz for better battery life | |
| iPod Nano 2G | Samsung System-On-Chip, based on an ARM processor. | |
| iPod Shuffle 1G | SigmaTel STMP3550 The chip that handles the decoding of music and audio circuitry. | |
| Chip de Audio | All iPods (except Shuffle, 2G and iPod Touch 8G)) | Audio Codecs developed by Wolfson Microelectronics |
| 6G iPods | Cirrus Logic Chip audio and Codecs | |
| Storage medium | iPod 1G to 5G, iPod Classic | 45.7 mm (1.8 in) Hard disks (ATA-6, 4200 rpm) made by Toshiba |
| iPod Mini | 25.4 mm (1 in) Microdrive hard drive by Hitachi and Seagate | |
| iPod Nano | Samsung flash memory, Toshiba, and others. | |
| iPod Shuffle and iPod Touch | Flash memory | |
| Batteries | iPod Classic 1G, 2G, Nano and Shuffle | Internal Lithium-Polymer Battery |
| iPod 3G, 4G, iPod Classic and iPod Touch | Internal Lithium ion battery |
| Model | Generation | Image | Capacity | Connection | Release date | minimum | Battery duration (hours) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | First | | 5, 10 GB | FireWire | 23 October 2001 | Mac: 9, 10.1 | audio: 10 | ||
| First model, with mechanical wheel click. A 10 GB model was launched later. | |||||||||
| Second |  | 10, 20 GB | FireWire | 17 July 2002 | Mac: 10.1 Win: 2000 | audio: 10 | |||
| Clic wheel tactile. The FireWire port has a lid, compatibility with Windows via Musicmatch. | |||||||||
| Third |  | 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 GB | FireWire (USB for synchronization only) | 28 April 2003 | Mac: 10.1 Win: 2000 | audio: 8 | |||
| First full redesign, with a touch interface and dock connector. He stopped supporting Musicmatch with the release of iTunes 4.1 for Windows. | |||||||||
| Fourth |  | 20, 40 GB | FireWire or USB | 19 July 2004 | Mac: 10.2 Win: 2000 | audio: 12 | |||
| Adopted the CD Wheel of iPod Mini, switch Hold redesigned. | |||||||||
| photo: 30, 40, 60 GB | FireWire or USB | 26 October 2004 | Mac: 10.2 Win: 2000 | audio: 15 photos5 | |||||
| color: 20, 60 GB | 28 June 2005 | ||||||||
| Fourth generation iPod version with color display and image display. Later it was integrated into the main line of iPod. | |||||||||
| Fifth |  | 30, 60, 80 GB | USB (FireWire only to load) | 12 October 2005 | Mac: 10.3 Win: 2000 | 30 GB audio: 14 video: 2 (after 3.5) | 60/80 GB audio: 20 video: 3/6.5 | ||
| Second full redesign, thinner, larger screen and video support. In black or white. Updated hardware and firmware with the 60 GB version and replaced with an 80 GB version on September 12, 2006. | |||||||||
| Sixth |  | 80, 120, 160 GB | USB (FireWire only to load) | 5 September 2007 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | 80 GB audio: 30 video5 | 120 GB audio36 video: 6 | 160 GB Model 2007 audio: 40 video7 model 2009 audio36 video: 6 | |
| The "Classic" suffix was introduced. New interface and anodized aluminium card. A silver color replaced the 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 120 GB model was replaced by one of 160 GB. | |||||||||
| Mini | First |  | 4 GB | USB or FireWire | 6 January 2004 | Mac: 10.1 Win: 2000 | audio: 8 | ||
| New smaller model, available in 5 colors. He introduced the wheel click. | |||||||||
| Second | 4, 6 GB | USB or FireWire | 22 February 2005 | Mac: 10.2 Win: 2000 | audio: 18 | ||||
| Variants with brighter colors and longer battery life. The text of the click wheel matches the color of the housing. The golden color was discontinued. | |||||||||
| Nano | First |  | 1, 2, 4 GB | USB (FireWire only to load) | 7 September 2005 | Mac: 10.3 Win: 2000 | audio: 14 photos4 | ||
| He replaced the Mini. Available in black or white, and use flash memory. Color screen, then released a version of 1 GB. | |||||||||
| Second |  | 2, 4, 8 GB | USB (FireWire only to load) | 12 September 2006 | Mac: 10.3 Win: 2000 | audio: 24 photos5 | |||
| Aluminum housing, available in six colours. | |||||||||
| Third |  | 4, 8 GB | USB (FireWire only to load) | 5 September 2007 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | audio: 24 video5 | |||
| 2" QVGA display, color change and chrome back, new interface, ability to play videos, smaller click wheel. | |||||||||
| Fourth |  | 4, 8, 16 GB | USB | 9 September 2008 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | audio: 24 video4 | |||
| It again has an elongated shape and totally aluminum housing with 9 colors to choose from. Accelerator was added. Limited version of 4 GB. | |||||||||
| Fifth |  | 8, 16 GB | USB | 9 September 2009 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | audio: 24 video5 | |||
| First iPod to include a video camera, also introduced a larger screen, FM radio tuner, speaker, podometer and a new polished exterior maintaining colors similar to the previous generation. | |||||||||
| Sixth |  | 8, 16 GB | USB | 1 September 2010 | Mac: 10.5 Win: XP | audio: 24 | |||
| The screen was changed by a multi-touch touch; a clip like iPod Shuffle was added. Reproduction of deleted video, speaker and camera. | |||||||||
| Seventh |  | 16 GB | USB | 12 September 2012 | Mac: 10.5 Win: XP | audio: 24 video5 | |||
| The multitouch display extends to 2.5 inches, with a resolution of 240x432 pixels. It has a new front button similar to iPod Touch and new volume buttons. Thinness up to 0.55 cm deep, with an anodized aluminium housing, and the connector becomes Lightning type. Recovers video playback. (discontinued on July 28, 2017) | |||||||||
| Shuffle | First |  | 512 MB, 1 GB | USB (dapter not required) | 11 January 2005 | Mac: 10.2 Win: 2000 | audio: 12 | ||
| New entry model, uses flash memory and has no screen. | |||||||||
| Second |  | 1, 2 GB | USB | 12 September 2006 | Mac: 10.3 Win: 2000 | audio: 12 | |||
| Smaller clip and anodized aluminium housing. 4 color options, updated later. | |||||||||
| Third |  | 2, 4 GB | USB | 11 March 2009 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | audio: 10 | |||
| Smaller design, without controls (now placed on the right headphone cable). Two new colors, and VoiceOver. More colors and a 2GB model added in September 2009. | |||||||||
| Fourth |  | 2 GB | USB | 1 September 2010 | Mac: 10.5 Win: XP | audio: 15 | |||
| Apple has renewed this generation twice (in 2012 and 2015) changing only the colors. The hardware is identical in all three. (discontinued on July 28, 2017) | |||||||||
| Touch | First |  | 8, 16, 32 GB | 30 pin connector | 5 September 2007 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | audio: 22 video5 | ||
| First iPod with Wi-Fi and Multi-Touch interface. Includes Safari browser and access to iTunes Store and YouTube. 32 GB version released later. | |||||||||
| Second |  | 8, 16, 32 GB | 30 pin connector | 9 September 2008 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | audio36 video: 6 | |||
| New rounded and chrome housing, with support for Nike+, volume buttons and internal speaker. iOS 2.0, with Bluetooth support on iOS 3.0. | |||||||||
| Third | 8, 32, 64 GB | 30 pin connector | 9 September 2009 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP | audio: 30 video: 6 | ||||
| Updated with better technical specifications, support for Voice Control and wireless headphones. | |||||||||
| Fourth |  | 8, 16, 32, 64 GB | 30 pin connector | 9 September 2010 | Mac: 10.5 Win: XP | audio: 40 video7 | |||
| Slimer design, including two FaceTime cameras and HD video recording, the lock button was moved to the right. Retina screen similar to iPhone 4, Apple A4 chip. White version released on October 4, 2011. | |||||||||
| Fifth |  | 8, 16, 32, 64 GB | Lightning | 13 September 2012 | Mac: 10.6-10.7 Win: XP | audio: 40 video: 8 | |||
| Design thinner than the previous model; longer high-definition high-quality video recording duration; 5Mpx iSight camera; LED flash; anti-huella cover; integrated rechargeable lithium polymer battery; accelerometer. | |||||||||
| Sixth | | 16, 32, 64, 128 GB | Lightning | 15 July 2015 | Mac: 10.9 and beyond Win: 7 and beyond | audio: 40 video: 8 | |||
| It includes the 64-bit A8 processor (the same as the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus), which is up to 6 times faster than the previous model and in GPU up to 10 times more powerful. Your iSight camera has been upgraded to 8 Mpx. In design change the back part by removing the button to put the iPod Touch Loop strap. In addition, it includes 6 different colors: Silver, Gold, Spatial, Pink, Blue (more dark than in the previous generation) and Red (Product Red). | |||||||||
| Seventh | | 32, 128, 256 GB | Lightning | May 28, 2019 | Mac: 10.15 | audio: 40 video: 8 | |||
| It includes the A10 Fusion processor (the same as the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus), which is up to 6 times faster than the previous model and in GPU up to 10 times more powerful. Your iSight camera has been upgraded to 12 Mpx. In design it includes 6 different colors: Silver, Gold, Spatial, Pink, Blue (more dark than in the previous generation) and Red (Product Red). | |||||||||
Timeline
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