Ipod Case

1. What is the most important feature of the iPod? Why?

The most important feature of iPod is its steering wheel besides its high storage capacity. You can easily use its functions just with one touch.

2. Apple continues to operate a closed system (i.e. music downloaded from iTMS can only be played on iPods). Do you recommend Apple continue this strategy, or should it open its system to users of any type of digital music player?

iPod is a really closed system with its hardware, software (iTunes), and distribution of third party digital market (iTunes Music Store). Apple protected the power of its brand against its competitors and imitators. Jobs and his team have created a beautiful functional closed system for selling and consuming digital music and video with iPods and iTunes. It is recommended that Apple should open up its systems voluntarily before it becomes a must. It is seen that soon later due to legislative pressures and lobbying, all closed system would become open. Such a closed system Apple has, would not sustain for a long time in the global world. Apple should start searching for other ways to keep its leading position in the iPod market.

People are willing to get what they like immediately and without facing any obstacle. Apple is a user friendly brand and easy use, so it would be better for Apple to open up its system.

3. Has Apple done a good job of marketing iPod, or have they relied too heavily on word of mouth and buzz to grow the brand?

Definitely yes. Apple relied too heavily on word of mouth and buzz to grow the brand. The Apple name created an association of innovation in people minds. Jobs is the main brand manager of iPod an Apple. His presentations always affect people.

In 2003, iPod got an extreme success with silhouettes commercials. In 2004, Apple took wraps off iPod U2 Special Edition to celebrate the company’s promotional partnership with the legendary rock band U2. For making the iPod brand more desirable, Apple made...