Mix: Lugz ad, Incompatible gear, Nano suit, Steve Jobs

News

Mix: Lugz ad, Incompatible gear, Nano suit, Steve Jobs

The New York Times looks at the controversy over Apple’s new Eminem iPod commercial, which has raised eyebrows for its similarities with a Lugz shoe commercial from 2002. “We’re very upset,” Larry Schwartz, executive vice president and principal at Lugz, told the Times. “The look and feel are awfully similar. We’re going to take all the steps we need to protect our rights.”

As noted in iLounge’s comprehensive review of the video-enabled fifth-generation iPod, the new device renders numerous iPod accessories incompatible because of its missing remote port.

Macsimum News points out that Steve Berman, the lead attorney in the iPod nano class-action lawsuit, has done some “intensive work” for Apple rival Microsoft. The website of Berman’s law firm states: “More recently, Microsoft recognized Mr. Berman’s experience and expertise when the company retained him to be part of the core national team representing the company in antitrust class actions arising from Judge Jackson’s Findings of Fact in the Department of Justice antitrust case against the company.” [via MDN]

U.S. News & World Report has named Apple CEO Steve Jobs one of America’s Best Leaders. “For the past 29 years, ever since he built the first Apple computer in a garage, Jobs has been a commercial innovator, cultural inspiration, and entrepreneurial icon. He’s an iconoclast who has enhanced our society’s digital self-image.”

« Apple brings Chinese music collection to iTunes

PodGear unveils new products for iPod, iPod nano »

Comments

1

While I do think Steve Jobs would qualify for one of America’s best leaders, I also think he’s being misrepresented and overestimated in the article. Look no further than the first sentence in your quote, which implies that Jobs alone built the Apple I. He didn’t *build* it, as most people know - Woz did, even though Jobs and Woz both *assembled* the machines.

Posted by Jesper on October 25, 2005 at 12:45 PM (PDT)

2

AHA! I KNEW IT! It’s a sneaky MSFT end-around on the iPod Universe after all! All this talk about Xbox 360 compatibility with the iPod was just a covert smoke screen!

Well…we DO love conspiracies, don’t we? Especially if it involves Redmond. Now if only Intel could figure out how to blame Itanium on Bill…my news day would be complete.

<<<sarcastic smile>>>

Posted by flatline response on October 25, 2005 at 1:21 PM (PDT)

3

“Steve Berman, the lead attorney in the iPod nano class-action lawsuit, has done some “intensive work�? for Apple rival Microsoft.”

For Apple to actually be Microsoft’s rival, it would actually have to be competing with them in the computer and software markets. With Apple having less than 10% of the markets, the only company it is rival to is Linux.

Posted by Huh on October 25, 2005 at 6:09 PM (PDT)

4

Now of course, Linux isn’t enough a company? -.-

Posted by Kristiano on October 25, 2005 at 9:03 PM (PDT)

5

Isn’t Steve Berman Eminem’s lawyer as well?

Posted by qwert on October 25, 2005 at 9:46 PM (PDT)

6

qwert. I think he is Eminem’s lawyer.

Posted by Poida on October 26, 2005 at 4:31 AM (PDT)

7

“For Apple to actually be Microsoft’s rival, it would actually have to be competing with them in the computer and software markets. With Apple having less than 10% of the markets, the only company it is rival to is Linux.”

I disagree. It’s about mindshare. The average Mac user loves the machine. The average Windows just puts up with the machine. It’s a big difference.

This is why Microsoft needs to hold on to its monopoly as long as possible. Given a *true* Office replacement (don’t talk to me about NeoOffice/OpenOffice/etc), people will jump ship in droves. It’s only a matter of time before Apple releases a true Office replacement, and I believe MS knows this.

Posted by m. sherman on October 26, 2005 at 6:12 AM (PDT)

8

I can’t believe you just used the term “mindshare” with a straight face.

Posted by Hrothgar on October 26, 2005 at 6:23 AM (PDT)

9

Mindshare, isn’t that a euphemism for brainwash?

Posted by Graybeard on October 26, 2005 at 6:30 AM (PDT)

10

The Apple ad does look highly similar to Lugz… I worked in the ad world and execs “steal” ideas off each other all time ... it’s about tweaking which didn’t happen here to make it seem not-so-similar…

Posted by Chris on October 26, 2005 at 6:46 AM (PDT)

11

Regarding the whole Lugz situation, has anyone seen that car commercial (I think it’s for the Honda Civic, but not sure) where the silhouette of the car is bouncing over the tops of buildings and swinging around on a crane and stuff? The orange cityscape and frenetic style are ALSO remarkably reminiscient of these other two supposedly wholly original and distinct ad campaigns.

Posted by Hrothgar on October 26, 2005 at 6:53 AM (PDT)

12

I was just going to mention the new Honda Civic commercial!!!! Somebody beat me to it.

Posted by Bruin on October 26, 2005 at 3:17 PM (PDT)

If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.

Recent Reviews

New Deals

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.

iLounge

News