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Steve Wozniak predicts the demise of iPod

Added 01-10-2009

As a co-founder of Apple Computer, a certain amount of weight is given to what Steve Wozniak prenounces, especially when it concerns Apple. What's surprising is it's not always positive, especially when it's related to Apple's best selling product, the iPod.

The problem Wozniak highlighted was as technology advances all hardware devices eventually become obsolete - like the Walkman. Take the iPod Classic for example. It's demise is already being predicted. The issue is the size and storage technology of the Classic. It's probable that flash memory will equal the storage space of a hard disk, but with the added advantage of weight and less power usage. Which pits the Classic at a distinct disadvanteg.

The question is how long does the iPod have? Many analysts believe it's alot less time than most people assume. With Apple making only minor tweaks and form factor changes to their iPod range at the end of 2008. Are Apple already putting most of their efforts into developing other products?

The iPhone and Touch appear to indicate so, devices which offer a multitude of services, rather than a single purpose product like the Shuffle. However, due to the small form factor of the Shuffle, it's hard to believe technology will advance enough to offer iPhone like features in such a small device in the next 2-4 years.

Apple appear to have noted Wozniak's warning , evolving their range of 'i' products with the introduction of the iPhone. Steve Jobs has indicated that the next 'i' product could be the iWatch.