APPLE IPOD HI FI BOOMBOX SPEAKERS

Apple intros hi-fi iPod boombox, nobody is thrilled

Anti-climax. No video iPod, no personal video recording Mac Mini. We get a speaker system and leather carrying cases. Woe! Woe!

1 March 2006

BY A CORRESPONDENT

iPod users be happy, you can now rock your home. Apple has introduced a stereo speaker system for its music players. iPod can be mounted on the system and users can control the system from a distance using a remote control. 

Speaking on the event Steve Jobs, Chief Executive, Apple said that the semi-portable stereo which is almost the size of a shoe-box with a black grille would be compatible with all versions os the iPod. The stereo system looks like a speaker system on its side and costs $ US 349.

The system also has a remote control and built-in handles. The Apple hi-fi stereo system runs on D-cell batteries. When it is loaded with 6 batteries, the stereo system will weigh 7.6 kg. iPod can be mounted on the top of the stereo system. 

Steve Jobs said, " It’s home stereo reinvented for the iPod age."

Jobs also spoke about the success Apple endures in digital downloads from its music store, iTunes. It was launched 3 years back and has marked a download total of a billion.

Said Jobs, " We would have never thought this was possible when we launched iTunes three years ago."

With the introduction of the Apple Hi-hi stereo, Apple hopes to have a better grab on those who are already using its market-leading music player. 

"It’s all about the iPod lifestyle," Schiller said.

Mr. Jobs also reiterated the success Apple has achieved in Digital downloads, by clocking a Billion downloads last week, in less than three years after its launch of iTunes Music download service.

However, industry reaction to the Apple hi-fi boombox has been lukewarm. The hyppe around each Apple event builds up to a fever pitch, and this time, it was widely believed that a true video ipod would make its appearance, as also a PVR-enabled Mac Mini. Both did not happen - and the other product that Jobs announced was even more of a dampener - leather cases for iPod Nanos!