Why the Video iPod Sucks
October 13th, 2005 | Published in Out Loud | 19 Comments
I think it’s pretty clear that Steve Jobs wanted it to suck.
Everyone’s criticisms of the video aspects of the iPod are valid and all of them with the exception of battery life (which they’ll clearly improve over time) are most likely management decisions. Steve is clearly biding his time. He owns digital music right now, and the next logical step is video. If you look at what the company’s done in the last year or so, they’ve got their ducks so accurately in line, everyone else in the industry, including Microsoft and Tivo had better watch out.
See Steve knows that you have to combine a great device with great content. And there is no digital video available for legal download right now. Why? Because the studios are scared shitless. So what does Steve do? He compells them to take a baby step that in no way could possibly be threatening to them (320×240 is a ridiculous resolution, after all). And he adds them into the iTunes Store so he can arm himself with some sales data.
Eventually (meaning probably every day going forward), Apple is going to pitch these studios to death, and eventually pressure them into releasing more content and in higher-def. The video iPod is convenient for Steve, and I really don’t think he gives a shit about portable video. Most people commute to work. They’ll do podcasts, sure, but watch video? I doubt it’d really take hold in the kids market either, for cost and repetition reasons (kids watch the same title over and over). DVD has really got the kid’s market cornered for now.
See, Steve’s got everyone excited because he made a video iPod—except he really didn’t.
What he did was add a couple ducks to his media PC. Look at what Steve’s holding. He’s got a video-enabled iTunes Store; a Mac Mini perfect for home entertainment; a new remote; media center software in Front Row. Content? Check. Hardware? Check. Software? Check.
He’s ready. So what’s he waiting for? Well, the content, for one thing. Without enough popular content in the store, he doesn’t have a business model. And I think because of that, he’s probably content to wait for higher HDTV penetration, which you really really need to do anything with a media PC.
The best part? I’m excited to see what happens if Apple opens up the iTunes Store so anyone can add video content. That would be pretty amazing. Plus, maybe Steve will relent on the a la carte pricing and we’ll start to see all-you-can-eat subscription plans (non-portable video only, perhaps?).
October 13th, 2005 at 1:19 pm (#)
I’m confused as to your position – you mean that Apple and other manufacturers should wait until the Movie Industry agrees on some standard and a delivery system BEFORE Apple makes as iPod?
Unfortunately, the entertainment industry has ALWAYS been against ANY new technology. Remember the lawsuits over the Betamax video tape recorder? Then the music industry lobbied AGAINST CDs – and obviously we have all the current problems with the record industry with MP3 players and music trading.
It’s unfortunate that some industries need to be “prodded” into the future. But then sometimes it IS worth wait (VHS eventually beat-out Betamax).
Apple will not be calling this the Video iPod – just simply iPod (since all iPods will now include video). And the last hurtful comment: Apple doesn’t really care what you OR I think about this product. . it’s is geared for 18-25 year olds. . .so our opinion isn’t really THAT relevant – ya know?
October 14th, 2005 at 2:36 pm (#)
my point is simply that by shipping a video-capable product (no matter whether it’s good or not), Steve has got the movie/tv industry’s attention and set the wheels in motion to get what he wants (that being lots of downloadable video content).
Apple will set the agenda for movie downloads just as they have for music. Notice it’s Apple’s DRM on the songs, not someone elses. Apple has the end-to-end system that can potentially placate the entertainment industry.
I am not saying I agree with Apple. I will never buy an iTunes song. I believe in open tech 100%. But facts is facts, and Apple is the one company setting the agenda.
And let’s not bring up Betamax, pleeze! It’s over. Digital is a much bigger threat than tape ever was. You know it, I know it, Cory Doctorow knows it. They are right to be quaking in their boots. But the fact remains, the cat is out of the bag and it ain’t going back in. Digital is a fact, so they’d better deal with it and get some decent products to market. Apple would love to help them do it.
And why is it worth the wait, if as you say, the inferior technology wins out? Apple can build up a great iTunes for video store, but it doesn’t change the fact that better quality, free alternatives exist elsewhere.
October 19th, 2005 at 12:21 am (#)
I’m guessing that you have never spent years developing software, music, movies etc – only to have it stolen and distributed freely on the Internet, diluting the possibility of you every recouping your investment.
Of course Apple and Microsoft want to appease copyright owners with “some sort” of protection. Because, there are some things you rent, and you simply do not get to own.
When I go to the movie theater, I’m “renting” the movie. I don’t get to take it home with me.
While I’m walking around Disneyland, if my balloon breaks they will replace it for free – should they honor that policy even after I leave the park?
I don’t work for the MPAA etc. . .and I understand there really are law abiding people like you that used MP3 players and file sharing responsibly. But since someone as honest as you are a rarity,. . .we’ll still need to lock our cars & doors tonight; and deal with digital rights management tomorrow.
November 14th, 2005 at 1:31 am (#)
Hmm I agree With the Author And with his subject. The Whole IPod Situation is getting ridiculous, I mean The Ipod Nano just came out 4 or 5 months…Theres absoultley Nothing differint, Except the fact that the Size is Easy Breakable and Its very easy to get lost. Also that in all ipods they’ve got a major battery malfnction, which Apple hasnt fixed, so basiclly your Buying an ipod, and within like 3 months (depending freqently you use it) the battery gives up and you’ll need to change it, and also theres many hole in the itunes itself.
For the ipod Video, Seems a little bit carried away. I mean the screen is very little, you’ll hardly enjoy the movie, the ipod’s sounds system gives a static sound (possibly speakers) and for itunes i doubt that people will be able to “donate” movies seems a little bit risky for them, and plus if people Justed donated to Itunes, Itunes would hardly get any profit, ITUNES sells their their product to get rich off it, instead of people donating it to them…AND PLUS FUCK IPOD 20 gig, IPOD PHOTO 20 GIG, IPOD mini 4 gig, IPOD MINI 6 GIG, IPOD Shuffle, IPOD u2 ed., IPOD NANO, IPOD car radio acc.,
November 21st, 2005 at 9:49 pm (#)
The original posting makes sense only because the video iPod makes so little sense. It’s hysterical when I see someone trying to watch one of those microscopic screens. Is there really anyone over the age of 14 who would sit around watching music videos on that thing? Or anything for that matter.
Which brings us back to why the original poster may be right. If Apple and Steve Jobs can make millions selling these silly little things they must know something I don’t.
January 6th, 2006 at 10:29 am (#)
I am posting this to all IPod critical sites I can find as a preventative measure for anyone who may purchase one in the future…
If you purchase directly from Apple, DO NOT GET IT ENGRAVED
I went to order the 60GB Black and for some reason clicked the white one. I called to cancel and they said it shipped already and there was nothing they could do since it was personalized. I find it hard to believe that they can’t change the face, but then again, I am seeing that Apple is enjoying their meteoric rise again sees no good reason to ficus on customer service.
January 6th, 2006 at 11:10 pm (#)
IJunk! My pod works maybe 30min on full charge, 2 years after…
Just wait when the masses find out this junks real color…crap. Never buy one again.
Can’t run with it, as it will skip…The commercial is a fraud…if you whip it around like that it will stop and U have to reset it.
January 16th, 2006 at 6:23 pm (#)
I must say I completely agree. I found this posting while searching for others who feel cheated by the video Ipod. Out of the box it’s pretty much a 3rd gen Ipod only with no Firewire or power brick and no accessory port. To convert videos you need flaky third party software or Quicklime Pro to convert movies at 3X times the speed it actually takes to watch them. (if the conversion completes at all). My 3 year old IPaq plays are sorts of videos flawlessly . Why can’t the Ipod do it?
Jobs has only proven to me that Apple is so arrogant that this could not be stupidity but a ploy of some sort. This editorial is the only thing that makes sense. However he has pissed off customers in the process. No wonder I left Macs 10 years ago and never looked back.
January 30th, 2006 at 12:06 am (#)
I don’t think the ipod video is crap. And I don’t see anything wrong with watching video on the screen. What I really enjoy about it is being able to hook right to a tv. Works great and battery life lasts longer when doing this because it isn’t using the LCD. And for those mad about the resolution of video, it looks fine on a 32in tv (haven’t been able to test any bigger) and the reasons for this are bandwidth, and battery life. If apple would of doubled the resolution, when playing it would take almost twice as much battery to load it, and it would take twice as much space on the hard drive. I think this is a great step for apple, and the industry as a whole. Apple is leading the way, do you see any other legal ways to get video content? I don’t think so. Networks are receiving good response and more are coming on board each day. As technology advances and the US gets better, cheaper bandwidth, we will see higher resolution video, iPods with a bit larger screen, and better battery life.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:42 am (#)
Ignore the ‘Don’t steal music’ message on the plastic sleeve that covers the ipod when you take it out of the box.
Do us all a favour and steal music!
February 9th, 2006 at 6:46 pm (#)
i really have never liked the ipod. only because i dont like that they force u to use itunes and their special format. so now i guess redmond and bill have their OS monoply and steve has his MP3 market monoply. I just rather not use itunes not that i hate it, its just that i rather run diffrent music progs. I agree with Morpheus steal music no matter how many small animals god kills.
March 4th, 2006 at 12:58 am (#)
Got a new IPOD, Moooo… First Ipod for me … Got it while I was in COSTCO. Guess what? This is going back. Don’t know if this one is defective but it keeps losing it’s data. USB2, is SLOW Takes a few years to transfer 15Gigs.
Trying to convert movies from AVI to MPEG then converting them to fit on the screen SUCKS! And it takes a friggen year. Why can’t this stupid thing just play AVI files??????? HELLO???
While playing AVI files you are lucky to get an Hour out of it. Oh joy! What movies last an Hour?
DId I mention Itunes? Ewww! This thing is going back to Costco tomorrow. No thanks Apple!
Refund!
I’ll keep my old Dlink 512Meg Player… It still works good with no problems.
June 21st, 2006 at 7:27 pm (#)
Hey you guys dont seem to enjoy your v-ipods nearly as muck as I loved my white 60g V-ipod I was robbed at gun point walking home from work last week my wallet which had my rent my cell phone and V- Ipod were all taken from me by three low life punks who will probably trade it for there next hit if they only knew how hard I had to work to barely have enough to buy it two months ago but what goes aroundf will come around to them some day but if any of you guys want to help out a starving student by at least giving him happiness thru music e-mail me @ krystian_aleman@hotmail.com thank you and God Bless!
August 31st, 2006 at 9:08 pm (#)
[...] Why the Video iPod Sucks ThinkcorpsThe video iPod is convenient for Steve, and I really don t think he gives a shit about portable video. Most people commute to work. They ll do podcasts, sure, but watch video? [...]
November 27th, 2006 at 5:52 pm (#)
I love my Video Ipod.
I’m sorry that you didn’t enjoy yours.
December 17th, 2006 at 8:31 pm (#)
I love the Ipod, but have issues with the video locking up if you try to fast forward and after trying to resume after turning off, when this occurs simply “rebooting” the ipod won’t fix the problem. The movie in question will not play again until you remove it from the Ipod and sync it on again. Anyone else notice this?
March 18th, 2007 at 12:03 am (#)
why do you guys hate something because it has more features?
if you dont like the video then guess what????
YOU DONT HAVE TO USE IT
but some peeps would like ytto use it and that option is lways available to them as is putting pics on the 4g was
April 8th, 2007 at 3:42 pm (#)
Let me told you about my experience with iPod Viedo. Six month ago I bought an iPod (an iPod Video of 30GB 5th generation). First it was an incredible experience, having my hold audio-library in such as small device. But then the iPod start failing, getting worst every time, freezing always when I wanted to use it. And where I live here in Chile is an expensive item, so I was expecting a quality product, but the iPod remains far bellow my expectations. At the beginning I thought that it was just my particular device, but all my friends, that have the same iPod version, told me that it was something usual. And if you considered all the money wasted in this device (including cases, docks, headphones, cables and speakers) is a huge investment for something in which you can’t trust. So if you are considering buying an iPod, please don’t, because it doesn’t worth it. Or you will end up like me with US $300 less and listening to music in a PEN-DRIVE MP3 of US $15, which I guarantee that want failed as much as the iPod Video
January 14th, 2008 at 7:36 am (#)
As soon as the battery goes dead or bad on an iPod everything else about it is irrelevant, because it’s not easily replaced. All it is at that point is an expense or a really expensive paperweight.
In what world it is supposed to be ok to charge a fee for something anyone should be capable of doing in their own? A trained monkey could replace a battery if it could get to it without a huge hassle.
When the battery goes dead on my Sansa all I have to do is slide off the back and…Wow..look at that..put in another one. Just like any other portable electronic device built for the past 50+ years.iPod users are either sol or have to plug into something else to charge up the one and only battery that you can’t get to without having to literally PRY the case apart when the battery is drained.
Why would anyone buy something portable with a battery that can’t be changed on the go..let alone easily replaced when it goes bad?