Flash-based iPod by Christmas?
According to a recent analyst's quote, Apple will be using controller chips from an Austin, TX based semiconductor company called SigmaTel in an upcoming version of a solid-state, flash-based music player. The analyst, Jason Pflaum of Thomas Weisel Partners LLC, cited "numerous sources in Asia" and predicts SigmaTel will receive $2-4 million from the deal in the first full quarter.
It must be noted that Thomas Weisel has an investment banking relationship with SigmaTel and that neither the semiconductor company nor Apple has confirmed this deal.
If true, it could mean a cheaper, lighter, skip-proof iPod.
Note:
SigmaTel is a manufacturer of MP3 controller, Audio decoder, and USB mass-storage chips. They are not providing the flash storage itself, but the chips that would most likely enable a new iPod to use it.
It must be noted that Thomas Weisel has an investment banking relationship with SigmaTel and that neither the semiconductor company nor Apple has confirmed this deal.
If true, it could mean a cheaper, lighter, skip-proof iPod.
Note:
SigmaTel is a manufacturer of MP3 controller, Audio decoder, and USB mass-storage chips. They are not providing the flash storage itself, but the chips that would most likely enable a new iPod to use it.
Top Rated Comments
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96 months ago
http://www.macdailynews.com/comments.php?id=P3565_0_1_0
Going after everything now.
AND YES, I DID TRY TO FIND IT BEFORE POSTING.
Going after everything now.
AND YES, I DID TRY TO FIND IT BEFORE POSTING.
96 months ago
Does this chip manufacturer make flash chips that only work in music players? I don't know that it's a given that Apple is putting them into a music player.
iPod Micro! 50 songs in your pocket!! WOOOO!!!
I'm skeptical.
iPod Micro! 50 songs in your pocket!! WOOOO!!!
I'm skeptical.
96 months ago
Does this chip manufacturer make flash chips that only work in music players? I don't know that it's a given that Apple is putting them into a music player.
iPod Micro! 50 songs in your pocket!! WOOOO!!!
I'm skeptical.
I would say they Apple would sell a large amount of space like a 1 gig. But what would people pay. 150-200 bucks for it, thats why I'm wondering what the chips are for and why they would state it out loud, Apple hates it when people do that. It could be chips just for antishock protection for all I know, just want to put it out there.
96 months ago
While i am skeptical as well, it does make sense. There are a lot of peole out there that can't aford a $250 or more music player. Not all of us have huge libraries that we want ot carry around. Why not have a small flash drive that can still play songs form the iTMS. I don't have an iPod, but i want one. I still use my trusty Rio 600. But I can't take my iTMS purchases to the gym. this bites. If Apple released a flash based drive that was compatible with Fairplay i think they could sell quite a few.
Think of it as a lower step in the convert everyone to mac plan. 1. Get cheap music player and let them use it with the iTMS. 2. After they buy a bunch of songs because it is so easy and cool they get an iPod. 3. They like the iPod/iTunes experience and want ot carry that to the rest of their computing experience so they get a Mac. 4. World domination!
Think of it as a lower step in the convert everyone to mac plan. 1. Get cheap music player and let them use it with the iTMS. 2. After they buy a bunch of songs because it is so easy and cool they get an iPod. 3. They like the iPod/iTunes experience and want ot carry that to the rest of their computing experience so they get a Mac. 4. World domination!
96 months ago
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041001/15248_1.html
I'm not sure that macdailynews did their research very well. This article from yahoo definitely speaks very clearly of Rio not Apple.
Nuff said.
Too bad though.
EDIT: btw, the link above happens to be the official SigmaTel press release
I'm not sure that macdailynews did their research very well. This article from yahoo definitely speaks very clearly of Rio not Apple.
Nuff said.
Too bad though.
EDIT: btw, the link above happens to be the official SigmaTel press release
96 months ago
Something else that might come of this...it would be interesting to see if Apple sticks with the iPod name or goes with something different on a new player.
96 months ago
I don't see this happening. Flash players have already flooded the market. No premium for Apple. Little to differentiate, other than the interface.
I doubt most people who own the mini even know it has a hard drive.
Who cares?
I can't see Apple cranking out me-too $150 flash players.
I doubt most people who own the mini even know it has a hard drive.
Who cares?
I can't see Apple cranking out me-too $150 flash players.
96 months ago
With Flash increasing in capacity and dropping in price this looks like a good bet. Might no get released for Christmas, but I think Steve J wants the revenues it could bring.
It would certainly address the market for those who cannot afford an iPod with a HD, add customers to The Music Store and drive MS nuts - all good reasons to introduce it.
It would certainly address the market for those who cannot afford an iPod with a HD, add customers to The Music Store and drive MS nuts - all good reasons to introduce it.
96 months ago
My guess would be that these are used in the iPod mini. It would probably be due for an update before it's big brother.
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