Here’s an article about the iPod supposedly fading from the white-hot sales miracle it once was. I’m a bit skeptical that it’s on a downward slide, however it’s a worthy point to consider because it will inevitably happen at some point. Apple is on the cutting edge and sooner or later they will slip up.

One observation that does ring true is how the iPod’s batteries aren’t easily replaceable. I don’t really agree with the concept that an iPod should be a disposable object. I have a Video iPod currently and fully intend to run it into the ground before I buy a new one. But Apple tries its best to make each new generation of iPod seem so utterly cool that the people with the older “obsolete” models feel like they need to trade theirs in.

So this is where Apple may falter: eventually they may run out of new things to stick into the iPod and make it drool-worthy. However, there is still a slew of functionality they could add to the iPod over a few years. Several directions are clearly laid out for them:

• Even larger screen for video.
• Touch screen functionality, removing the buttons.
• Wireless iPod: Networking with a computer for syncing, or networking with other iPods to share music, or wireless ear buds.
• Cellphone iPod.
• eBooks on the iPod for reading.
• PDA functionality: Games, applications.
• Go totally fashion crazy: Colors, unique finishes, personalization.
• Even smaller iPod. How about an iPod so small, it becomes part of the earbuds?

I figure any one of these directions could find their way into a future generation of iPod (perhaps even this coming Tuesday) and breathe a few months into the next generation. I’m sure Apple has it all laid out internally. However, I’m positive Apple is also well aware that eventually the iPod won’t be the greatest MP3 player out there. They are definitely working on some other “next big thing” that will hopefully pick up where the iPod falls off. It could be a new Mac, a new media device, or something nobody has thought of yet. But I’m sure they’re working hard on it.

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