News
Mix: Wolfson, Senator Burns, iPod knock-offs, CustomFlix
Wolfson Microelectronics, which makes audio chips used in iPods, said its first-quarter profit more than tripled, driven by demand for portable digital music players. The company’s earnings rose to $7.7 million from $2.49 million a year earlier.
Senator Conrad Burns—who is said to be the fourth-highest recipient of entertainment industry money in Congress—has returned the free iPod sent to him by IPac. A campaign spokesperson said the iPod “is the first time we have received something technological” as a donation, adding that “it’s just not a donation that we want” and confirming that while Burns does not own an iPod, “if he wants an iPod, he’ll buy one.”
The Taipei Times has an article on the iPod knock-offs in Taiwan. “These rip-offs can cost as little as half the price of the real thing, and their functions and appearance are, at first glance, indistinguishable from real iPods. The giveaway is that they are currently only available online or after setting up an appointment. These imitation iPods go under the name of the Nano Apple.”
Amazon.com said that its subsidiary, CustomFlix Labs, has signed deals with television networks to sell DVDs of television shows soon after they air. “Greg Greeley, vice president of worldwide media products for Amazon.com, said the networks could choose to offer DVDs of television shows within 24 hours of the first airing, much like Apple Computer Inc.‘s iTunes offers popular shows such as ‘Lost’ for sale online soon after they air.”
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1
Wow, that Taipei Times article is bad!
“People buy Apple Nanos b/c they offer features iPods don’t.”
Like what? Visible screws? Crap Battery Life? Ugly looks? No Warranties? No iTunes functionality? No UniversalDock Port? No Glossy Finish? Crap Memory Amounts? “M” instead of “Menu”? An inoperable click wheel? Trademark infringement? Illegal suppliers? Lower-quality displays? A different OS? Non-functionality with Nano Accessories?
Than the article goes on to say that “fashion-conscious” youth buy them. I think that’s a mistranslation of the gullible, blind, stupid, and ignorant masses.
Anyone with me?
Posted by apple fan on April 25, 2006 at 11:07 AM (PDT)
2
I’m backing you up on this one, i mean the thing is a pile of crap, its everything that makes the iPod what it is. Noone buys this thing becuase they like they buy it becuase they don’t want to pay for top quality but still get the ‘wow you have an iPod” factor.
Posted by Travis on April 25, 2006 at 11:50 AM (PDT)
3
I agree.
People who really listen to music and love quality products will not cut any corners and buy the real thing.
Otherwise, it is just like casting pearls in front of stupid cows. They won’t be able to tell the difference between cream and crap.
So let then buy the imitated Nano Apple crap
Posted by floridante2k on April 25, 2006 at 11:59 AM (PDT)
4
wow, all I can say is Chang can go eat a Wang.
Posted by bobby2k on April 25, 2006 at 12:37 PM (PDT)
5
I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t know anyone that has the knock-off iPod. I don’t think youth are purchasing these, but parents looking to save money and seeing a cheap one online or on ebay may make them jump during the holiday season.
Posted by nojok3 on April 25, 2006 at 2:37 PM (PDT)
6
I can’t see how that “fake” nano’s “functions and appearance are, at first glance, indistinguishable from real iPods”. It looks like crap, iPods do not. That’s not too hard is it?
Posted by anders on April 26, 2006 at 7:22 AM (PDT)
7
Wolfson better diversify their client base; Apple does has a habit of switching suppliers right when things are looking really sweet.
Posted by flatline response on April 26, 2006 at 7:57 AM (PDT)