the Apple iPod
1. Tony Fadell, more than anyone (perhaps even Steve Jobs), is widely credited as the father of the iPod. Fadell, a software and electronics engineer, had invented a portable, hard-drive based music player which he called Fuse and shopped it around to various companies. RealNetworks initially took on the project, but Fadell ultimately brought the idea to Apple, which brought him in as a contractor to design the first iPod and help plan Apple's music strategy.
2. The font on Apple iPod displays has changed several times throughout its evolution. The first several generations used the font Chicago, which was dropped in favor of Espy Sans when the iPod Mini was unveiled. Later iPods were switched to Podium Sans, perhaps due to its similarity to Apple's corporate font, Myriad.
3. Apple originally registered the iPod name as a trademark for a series of internet kiosks, though its use was never implemented. The first suggestion of calling Apple's music device the iPod is credited to Vinnie Chieco, a freelance copywriter, who along with a team of product strategists thought the name evoked the sleek white spacecraft that was the subject of the infamous line from 2001: A Space Odyssey ("Open the pod bay door, Hal.")
4. The initial software that ran the first iPods was not developed by Apple, but rather PortalPlayer. And Apple contracted Pixo to develop the user interface software.
5. BMW was the first automaker to be savvy enough to integrate iPod connectivity into its vehicles. Unveiled in June 2004, this connectivity allowed drivers of BMW 3 series and other vehicles to control the iPod via buttons on the car's steering wheel.
6. Did you know the iTunes program pre-dates the iPod? Prior to the first iPod's release in 2001, Apple released iTunes as part of the iLife suite of personal utilities. Its icon was similar to today's iTunes logo, though it featured three multi-colored notes instead of the two green musical notes we're so familiar with today.7. In October 2006, Apple joined other popular brands such as The Gap in participating in (PRODUCT)RED. Apple produced a red version of the iPod nano, sold it at the same price as the regular version, and donated $10 from each sale to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria.
8. In April 2007, Apple announced it had sold its 100 millionth iPod.
9. Perhaps prompted by the fact that iPod sales now account for roughly one third of Apple's revenues (32% according to Apple's second quarter earnings reported in April 2007), Apple Computer, Inc. dropped the "Computer" from its name to become Apple, Inc. in January 2007.
10. The site AppleInsider has reported that a long-rumored sixth generation iPod with widescreen video capabilities may be on tap for late 2007. It's been speculated that Apple is delaying a refresh of the iPod (which hasn't seen a major revision since late 2005) in order to give the upcoming iPhone a better chance at establishing its footing in the market.
Sources: Engadget.com, AppleInsider.com, MacRumors.com, BMW.com, Wikipedia.org.
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