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Gadgets iPod Integration Reaches New Heights
Brandon Hill (Blog) - November 15, 2006 11:37 AM
Print 33 comment(s) - last by michael2k.. on Nov 16 at 12:16 PM
Apple signs up six airlines for in-seat iPod integration

Apple has already seen iPod integration reach 70% with new automobiles being introduced in the United States these days, but the company still has much loftier goals in mind. The company is now looking to take iPod integration to the skies and has signed up major airlines to spread more iPod lovin’.

In an announcement made today, Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United stated that they will offer iPod integration in individual seats. “There is no better traveling companion than an iPod, and now travelers can power their iPods during flight and even watch their iPod movies and TV shows on their seat back displays,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing.

Apple, which has sold nearly 70 million iPods since its 2001 introduction, says that the in-flight iPod connectivity will be available starting in mid-2007.

Apple's iPod commands over 75% of the digital audio player market and has lead a pretty easy life as far as competition goes. Microsoft's newly released Zune looks to change matters though with a 3" color screen, 30GB hard drive, FM radio support and WiFi sharing.

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Where is the DOJ?
By Spivonious on 11/15/2006 1:11:14 PM , Rating: 5
I know this is getting to be an old argument, but if Microsoft came out with a player that required a proprietary connector, then struck a deal with auto-makers and airlines to carry only their special connector, the antitrust people would be all over them in seconds! Why is Apple free to do as they please with their 75%+ marketshare?




RE: Where is the DOJ?
By thebrown13 on 11/15/2006 1:18:28 PM , Rating: 1
yeah, hypocracy at it's best. Die Apple.


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By wien on 11/15/2006 3:30:42 PM , Rating: 2
75% != 99%. It's as easy as that really. There's much more competition in the portable music player market, than in the x86 OS market.


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By creathir on 11/15/2006 6:32:59 PM , Rating: 1
Microsoft does not have 99%...
90%... at best...
The point is valid, given the market penetration of the iPod.
- Creathir


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By michael2k on 11/15/2006 7:21:13 PM , Rating: 2
The point is invalid because Apple hasn't done anything anticompetitive.

Microsoft has, by raising Windows prices for IBM and withholding Windows licenses from Compaq.


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By creathir on 11/16/2006 12:14:03 AM , Rating: 3
I'm sorry? How on earth is Microsoft refusing to do business with certain companies or rasing their rates "unfair"? There is no "right to buy Windows"... it is their product.
By your logic, it is anticompetitive for American Airlines to sell tickets at a lower price for passenger A, while passenger B pays 4 times as much.

Business is business... deals are deals.

If someone wants to buy my product, it is MY right to sell that product to someone else for a different rate. I can also REFUSE business with whom I want.

Your points, are not valid.

- Creathir


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By Pjotr on 11/16/2006 5:56:02 AM , Rating: 2
Microsoft has told it's potential customers that if they are to deliver Windows, they *cannot* sell Linux or any other competitive OS. That's why Microsoft has illegally used it's market position to raise prices to us customers, by forcefully hindering competition.

Try to read up on all the cases before you spread FUD.


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By wien on 11/16/2006 7:22:49 AM , Rating: 2
It's your right, UNLESS you're a monopoly. Microsoft has been established as a monopoly by the court, and that's why they get kicked in the teeth when they try to pull a fast one. You are of course free to disagree with the court's definition of a monopoly, and by the looks of things you do, but that matters exactly none at all.

Apple and American Airlines are not convicted monopolists, so the same rules do not apply to them. Sucks to be Microsoft, sure, but in the end it benefits us the consumers to have some sort of restraint put on them.


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By michael2k on 11/16/2006 12:16:48 PM , Rating: 2
Why is it wrong for Apple to have 75% of the market then?

Microsoft was convicted of abusing it's monopoly (other things you can do is set prices to destroy competitors or manipulate customers to harm competitors), which under old longstanding antitrust laws is illegal.

In fact, these laws are over 100 years old now. They, among other things, are meant to protect the competitive landscape. Apple does not prevent Microsoft from releasing the Zune, does not raise prices on Walmart for selling the Zune, or anything else anticompetitive; it is of course their right but then they too would be hit by the same antitrust lawsuits that Microsoft was.

And that is why they aren't.


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By michael2k on 11/15/2006 7:20:29 PM , Rating: 2
Except Microsoft wasn't busted for having 90+% marketshare, they were busted for raising license fees with IBM and withholding licenses from Compaq for, respectively, developing a competing OS and bundling Netscape as the default browser.

For Apple to be hit with antitrust concerns they would have to do something like raising iPod prices at Target because they sell Creative or Sony MP3 players or refusing to license iTunes to manufacturers, such as Sony, that create their own MP3 players.


RE: Where is the DOJ?
By Oregonian2 on 11/15/2006 7:56:59 PM , Rating: 3
Because they wouldn't. Even with major monopoly actions, the US Gov't just slapped Microsoft's wrist.

You must be thinking of the EU.



Standard connections
By ATWindsor on 11/15/2006 11:54:02 AM , Rating: 5
What is wrong with standard sound and video-in, so people actually can use the player they want?

AtW




RE: Standard connections
By Brainonska511 on 11/15/2006 12:02:31 PM , Rating: 2
Not just that, why can't we get a standard dock-type connection for ALL mp3 players to use?


RE: Standard connections
By othercents on 11/15/2006 2:26:06 PM , Rating: 3
Proprietary... The doc connections on each of the MP3 units are proprietary, so that they can charge accessory manufactures to make accessories for their device. Yeah it is dumb. The only standard thing on MP3 players are the headphone jacks and for some players those are not even standard.

It would be really nice if the MP3 companies came together and just used mini USB jacks and standard 1/8 plug for the headphones. That way you can charge and transfer stuff without having to buy extra docking bays for every computer in every location you might be at.

Other


RE: Standard connections
By creathir on 11/15/2006 12:15:14 PM , Rating: 4
Here is a concept...
Or how about standard A/C outlets for ALL the seats...?

- Creathir


RE: Standard connections
By ChugokuOtaku on 11/15/2006 1:24:42 PM , Rating: 2
I'd even settle with the lack of a TV screen in front of me as long as they provide power outlets.
besides, wouldn't it cost more to implement proprietary iPod power connectors?


RE: Standard connections
By MonkeyPaw on 11/15/2006 5:31:52 PM , Rating: 2
I take Amtrak home for Christmas, and the trains have AC power at every row, even in coach. Sure came in handy for my notebook and my movies!


RE: Standard connections
By jmunjr on 11/15/2006 6:34:41 PM , Rating: 2
I dunno if it is legal but I wish there were adapters for ipod conections so you could basically use your own player on an iPod connection. The very fact that Apple is making all these deals to force users to use the iPod is the primary thing keeping me from buying one.


RE: Standard connections
By XtremeM3 on 11/16/2006 12:26:54 AM , Rating: 2
Because then putting that in their planes means they foot the bill. Apple wanting the integration to greater the desire for their Ipod, will most likely foot the bill for the install into planes. Costing the airlines nada. Basically advertising for Ipod. The more things that the Ipod is integrated to (vehicles, planes, etc) the less that are easily Zune/Zen/etc integrated and greaters the appeal for Ipod. Good for Ipod owners (I'm one) but it sucks to see consumer choice going away.

Jeff



the REAL advantage
By GodsAnnoyance on 11/15/2006 12:17:01 PM , Rating: 3
ipod integration is nice, but i think people are missing the real possibilities to this... which is a power source in every seat. i'm sure we'll be seeing tons of charger adapters to charge our phones, laptops, etc in the near future. wouldn't THAT be something?




RE: the REAL advantage
By TheShniz on 11/15/2006 12:57:46 PM , Rating: 2
How bout seats that are tall enough for people over 5' tall?!? Just took a couple flights on some new(er) Airbus, I'm 6'4", and I couldn't even see the seat numbers w/out keeling over when boarding the plane cuz of WHERE they mounted them... then when I sit down & put my head back I'm looking @ the overhead compartment bottom, ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gimme Boeing back pleaz...
- J


RE: the REAL advantage
By vanka on 11/15/2006 7:01:27 PM , Rating: 2
I feel your pain man. I'm also 6'4" and what I would really like is some leg room which is in very short supply, especially when the person in front of you reclines. Also, lose the dual jacks for headphones and go with a standard stereo jack so people can use their own headphones; but then they won't be able to charge you $3-$6 for $1 headphones.


Less Is More
By Dustin25 on 11/15/06, Rating: 0
RE: Less Is More
By Ralph The Magician on 11/15/2006 12:48:51 PM , Rating: 2
That parachute won't do you much good when you get sucked into the turbine or bounce off the tail wing.

Plus, at 35,000ft you are prolly going to need some oxygen too.


RE: Less Is More
By Dustin25 on 11/15/2006 12:57:47 PM , Rating: 2
Indeed, but at least getting sucked into the turbine would be instant death. There wouldn't be those passing minutes of absolute gut wrenching terror as you wait for the plane to crash. Also the plane would probably go below 35,000ft at some point during its descent o' death. Or how about the ultra high altitude masks and chutes the navy seals use under every seat.


RE: Less Is More
By Zirconium on 11/15/2006 1:47:58 PM , Rating: 2
Because the average Joe doesn't know how to use them. They will probably not save too many lives even in the event of a disaster and it costs money to make sure that the parachutes are in working order periodically.


What class seats?
By lennylim on 11/15/2006 2:28:49 PM , Rating: 1
Wanna bet us peons in cattle class don't get these?




RE: What class seats?
By Oregonian2 on 11/15/2006 8:05:30 PM , Rating: 2
Having a hookup for your seat's video display only works for those seats that have a video display. I don't think I've ever had one. :-)

Went to Europe earlier this year (from Oregon, USA), first leg was a bi t over 10 hours. iPod plus external adapter that takes AA batteries worked great for my video watching. Trick part was wedging it into a position where I could see it and not have to hold it up continuously. So I'd just be happy for something that could hold the (5G) in place and be power-adapter compatible.

P.S. - I think there is a "standard" power connector for seats in an Airplane. Has been around for a very long time. Not sure how popular they are or even if I'd recognize it if I saw it. It's unique to planes I think, like the odd headphone connector (which my anti-noise headphones had an adapter for).


RE: What class seats?
By XtremeM3 on 11/16/2006 12:37:52 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Having a hookup for your seat's video display only works for those seats that have a video display. I don't think I've ever had one. :-)


I've been working overseas for a while and more of the planes outside the US have TVs even in the "cattle cars". And that's one for each seat. It just depends on the airline. I hate being back stateside and flying the crappy airlines there. Especially flying business(with hundreds of movies/TV shows on demand with pause, ffw, rw capabilities) then getting to the states and seeing the "First" that is just a garbage bigger seat...woohoo. This isn't really much news for the states as far as video, but the recharge capability will definitely help...

Jeff


Why??
By othercents on 11/15/2006 11:50:18 AM , Rating: 2
Most people have ipod mini or nanos. The video ipods didn't sell as well as the other one. Because of this I don't think this airline feature is going to be a big deal. Most of the iPods last long enough for a flight.

Other




RE: Why??
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 11/15/2006 11:53:15 AM , Rating: 2
My 5G iPod died a couple of hours into a flight from San Fran to Taiwan. I watched a couple of videos and listened to some music.

The in-flight recharging sounds good enough to me.


Simple is better
By InternetGeek on 11/15/2006 1:20:24 PM , Rating: 2
Headphones, Movies, radio... Too much wiring.

They should just put an RJ45, Headphones and a AC outlet. They would cash more from giving people internet access (kids IMing, Skype/video combos, etc etc) and invest a lot lest.




RE: Simple is better
By ChugokuOtaku on 11/15/2006 1:40:06 PM , Rating: 2
lol... I'd pay like an extra $50 if they give me a RJ45 and a power socket.
I don't see much potential for Skype on the plane though, with all that noise in the cabin.


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