Video iPod

I guess it is mandantory for me to spend a couple of minutes talking about the video ipod. Some quick bulletted points:

1. Follows almost the same model as existing iTunes strategy, with the key difference being that owners of DVD content cannot use iTunes to rip their DVD's to mpeg-4 for playback. There are plenty of solutions for doing this -- but I think it is good for Apple to think of how they can add that capability to iTunes. I could convert audio cd's to mp3 before iTunes, but once I had it, I pretty much abandoned all other methods.

2. The video ipod will not just leverage apple's investment in iTunes and the online store, but the rise of other content distribution systems, most importantly podcasting. The problem with any new device is content, and Apple has plenty available. If I was a traditional broadcaster dabbling in audio podcasting, I would jump to video immediately, even selling advertising time in podcasted video content. You do not have to partner with Apple to do this, which is critical.

3. Content creators will be challenged to create content for small screens. There will folks who actually shoot and construct content specifically for the form factor. Animation will be particularly popular on this device. Flash support (perhaps Flashlite) would be fantastic.

4. The hardware in this device is different that previous iPods. We will know how different in a few days when someone takes one apart. My guess is that true to Apple, there will be features of the hardware that Apple with either choose to not support, or will unlock at a later date.

5. Recording dock for iPod? Video in and out with timer, tuner. Stay tuned.

6. The video ipod is almost a freebie for Apple. The hardware cost is probably about the same, they got a slimmer player with better battery life and a nicer screen. That would have been news enough. The video support comes along for the ride. Apple can guage utility and customer reaction, and depending on that, release a model with better resolution, more storage, 802.11n, whatever depending on what customers say.

7. The video iPod is a way for them to fine-tune their online purchase video standard. It is no accident that the iMac was announced at the same time, and that the iMac has a remote and a 10 foot interface. Expect to see a living room solution soon. My guess a slightly different version of the remote (bluetooth instead of IR) with an upgraded Mac mini more suitable for recording and playing back HDTV content, using iTunes as the content manager and network video player. With bonjour you can buy more of these things, put on in your bedroom, and suddenly it sees the content on other devices in your home -- no necessarily just Macs (think Intel's unpnp initiative).

Ahhh........I have a 20 GB ipod with accessories for sale. I think it is a white 60 gb for me, because while the black is sexy cool, it shows scratches like crazy.

--hal