Technology Legends of Tech: The Apple iPod: Pocket Music Before That Phone

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 81
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Apr 24, 2016
7,068
These days, everyone has a phone in their pocket that can stream and download music, but two decades ago, that wasn't the case. If you wanted to listen to your favorite songs on the go, you needed a dedicated music player.

At the turn of the millennium, these devices either used tens of megabytes of expensive flash memory or pocket-stretching and power-hungry 2.5-inch hard disks. Years before the iPhone, the iPod offered an unbeatable combination of storage size, compact dimensions, and software support, arguably starting a new journey that turned Apple into the company it is today.

Months before the iPod was launched, Apple released iTunes in January 2001, allowing users to transfer songs from a music CD into a Mac computer and create playlists. The real reason for its existence was revealed later that year.

The iPod was developed under the code name "P-68 Dulcimer." In typical Apple fashion, the secrecy around the project was so intense that even many Apple employees didn't know what the team was working on.

CEO Steve Jobs wanted to create a more appealing music player. Apple's head of hardware engineering, Jon Rubinstein, had met with Toshiba who had created a 1.8-inch hard disk that could still hold gigabytes of data.
 

blackice

Level 39
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Apr 1, 2019
2,862
I still use an iPod. I have no interest carrying my phone around the house while I do chores to hear my favorite podcasts. I had one iPod nano 7th gen die on me due to a cracked sceeen. I may try to repair. But I now use my wife’s old one she never really used and it’s still trucking along.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gandalf_The_Grey

About us

  • MalwareTips is a community-driven platform providing the latest information and resources on malware and cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals and passionate volunteers work to keep the internet safe and secure. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and strive to build a strong and supportive community dedicated to cybersecurity.

User Menu

Follow us

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to know first about the latest cybersecurity incidents and malware threats.

Top