I just don’t get Apple’s newest iPod release. Do they really think that many people are going to want to watch video on a 2.5 inch screen? The other aspects of the new iPod are great, but I don’t understand the ability to watch video.
How many times can you watch the same music videos? Do you really want to watch music videos on that tiny screen? I know I don’t. $1.99 for music videos you can watch online for free?
Apple’s other addition is the ability to download TV shows. But again, you get to watch them on a 2.5 inch screen. Better yet, you pay $1.99 per episode when you can watch them on your home TV for free. Right now they have a few ABC shows available for download. Guess what, I get these included with my cable bill and I can watch them on my 50 inch TV in HD quality. I can even record the shows with my DVR and watch them again and again. No need to pay $1.99 or watch it on a screen I hold in my hand.
Is anyone excited about the video feature of the new iPod? Raise your hand if you are (actually leave a comment).
I think one of the main reasons portable mp3 players have been such a big thing is because you can do other things while listening to your music. Simply put the mp3 player in your pocket or on an arm band and you can go for a run, mow the lawn, or clean your house. You can connect an mp3 player to your car stereo and listen to anything you want while driving down to work or on a trip. What can you do while watching video on a 2.5 inch screen besides squint to see it? Which company will be the first to release a GameBoy type magnifier for the video iPod?
The iPod nano release was brilliant, but you really have to wonder who thought this latest iPod was a good idea.
Nick Momrik 
I can understand what you mean, living in a car-centric country.
However, here in Japan where I live, a very large number of people commute by train and bus every day, even the more wealthy ones. Sitting inside a train is a good context in which to watch mobile video, as even though you CAN do other things while listening to music, there really isn’t much you can do in a train. So video-watching could possibly join the ranks of cell-phone texting, Gameboy playing or plain old book-reading.
On a slightly unrelated note, I don’t know about how people are viewing the armband in the US, but the Japanese aesthetic considers the it as an embarrasing fashion disaster. (No personal offense to the armband.) So my opinion is that it all depends on culture, aesthetics and the resulting context.
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Even for music videos? How many times can you watch the same music video? Listening to songs over and over again is completely understandable, but I can’t see myself watching music videos again and again. Then again…look at the popularity of MTV’s TRL where they basically show the same videos every show with a few changes from week to week. There are a lot of young people watching TRL, so maybe I’m in the minority with my thoughts.
As far as the armband, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing one during everyday activities, but when running or biking or something of that nature they are very useful.
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I just read about the possibility for video podcasting, something I hadn’t thought of. With the popularity of audio podcasts, this just may work out for Apple. I guess that’s why they’re making millions and I’m here writing a blog.
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whats funny is, there are PLENTY of people who will embrace it. some just to do it because they can and because they think t makes them look cool…i’ll stick to comcast, dvr, and $1.99 more in my pocket
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I’m with you Nick, I think the idea does not really have the customer in mind. People like to watch video, at least here in the US in bigger and bigger screens. My laptop has DVD capabilities and it is quite crisp, but I still don’t like watching movies on it, not even while commuting or in a plane… I think this product will flop.
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It is for commuters who have to work nights and their wives sit at home and watch tv shows everynight and then say things like “you should have seen this on LOST last night” Some people don’t feel comfortable pulling out a laptop on a train. The fact was the ability to watch videos was always there for the color ipod so Apple figured why don’t we just market it. Also it has an added video out option so you could watch videos on larger screens.
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You can watch on a larger screen, but the resolution is so low you would never want to.
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its for porn, dummies.
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Well, surprise surprise, and it’s a huge success!
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There’s a lot you can do with it. For one thing the quality on a big screen isn’t that bad especially if you encode it right. I download tons of movies and tv shows onto my computer (not thru itunes) and it’s easy to convert them to work on the ipod. When converted down, the ipod can hold entire seasons of TV shows and quite a few movies can then be brought to someone’s house and watch on their TV with the right cable. Also, the 2.5 inch screen isn’t that bad especially if you’re just looking to kill some time and watch a couple TV shows.
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agree with you in general, especially when you consider the cost. however, i find myself longing for little pieces of americana since my job often takes me to remote part of the planet. nothing like a little “lost” while trying to live in an african hut for months at a time.
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Well, I think a few years later, this post didn’t hit the mark. From what I’ve read, video on the iPod has been pretty successful. I think there’s just a loyal base of Apple users who will buy into whatever service Apple offers. Look at iTunes muscic – $.99 for every DRM protected track when there are several options for all you can download services? Yet, iTunes has been an unbelievable success for Apple.
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Wow! I can’t believe how far off the original post is! I came across this post while searching for some info on iPod Video. It’s funny how what might have seemed a stupid idea a few years ago has had such an impact on media. Glad that this post was still up after all these years!
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I’ll be the first to admit I was pretty far off with my prediction. I’ll watch the occasional YouTube video on my iPhone, but still don’t watch movies, music videos, or tv shows on it. I would probably only get into that if I had a commute to work on public transportation.
Many people do watch videos on their video iPods and iPhones though and with the addition of iTunes movie rentals, video usage will continue to grow.
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Haha I remember thinking the same thing when the Video Ipod came out. Who wants to watch anything on that little screen?! But as some of the other posters have mentioned, Apples video sales have been pretty great. Definetly brand loyalty there.
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Maybe you’ve never been as bored as I have on a long trip, dull meeting, or waiting for someone who’s late.
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