14 DAY TRIAL // The iPod is undoubtedly Apple's greatest success. The iPod is not only an iconic digital music player loved by all, it is also a commercial hit. One could say iPods 'put the food on Apple's table'. The Cupertino COO Tim Cook confirmed recently the 90 million figure for global iPod sales, and said they've managed to sell a whopping 21 million units during last quarter alone.
Is this enough for Apple and its CEO? Well, not by a long shot. Though they admit they never expected such a huge impact for the chic player and they are thrilled with the iPod and its evolution over the past couple of years, Apple seems to be 'sacrificing' its most worthy offspring on iPhone's altar.
Metaphor aside, Apple is postponing the launch of the highly-anticipated 6G iPod, hoping this will give a better chance to its iPhone. Many have asked Apple for the iPhone minus phone, what should be the next iPod. But Apple now has to sell its $500 cell phone, and a 6G iPod would probably be too much competition for the little touch-screen gadget to handle.
The fifth generation iPod was launched in October 2005, it is very nice, but left users wanting more. The video iPod had two major flaws, if one could call them as such: first, the screen is too small and, second, the device has a poor battery life. The 6G iPod could as well be the perfect device, Apple's chef-d'oeuvre: wide (touch-sensitive) display, large capacity, removable battery... nobody could ever want more from a digital player.
As things are looking now, I'd say we'll see a two year gap between the 5G and the 6G iPod. Well, we'll just have to trust the wise and believe great things are worth the wait. And the sixth generation iPod is bound to be a great thing.