5: Apple introduces the iPod and iTunes
Apple, once a force in business and technology, was usurped by the PC in the 90s, becoming the Betamax to the PC’s VHS. Their products became popular only among graphic designers, enthusiasts, and Mac snobs. But in 2001, with the release of iTunes and the iPod, Apple reclaimed its standing a business innovator and, in doing so, revolutionized the way people distribute, buy and consume music.
iTunes was actually released nine months prior to the iPod, at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco, January 2001. Since its introduction as the iTunes Music Store, iTunes has evolved from a simple music store and player into a control center for many types of media, dropping the “music” in its name along the way. You can now download TV shows, movies, podcasts and more, though its music application is still the company’s primary focus: Over 1 billion songs have been downloaded from iTunes since it was introduced to the public.
The iPod was introduced in December 2001, and instantly became the new millennium’s answer to the clunky Sony Walkman. This new device was wholly portable and, even in its V.1 incarnation, could store much of a user’s music collection. The music didn’t skip when you walked (or ran). You could create playlists based on your collection. You could easily change the music stored on the device. For anyone who was lucky enough to own an iPod, it changed listening habits radically.
There were bumps along the way — Digital Rights Management issues, musicians who didn’t want to make their catalog available online, complaints about short battery life and difficult repair and maintenance — but the problems were relatively minor. Apple’s share of the market stayed strong as new versions — including the Nano and the Video iPod — were released. iPod accessories became a multi-million dollar business. Even the mighty Microsoft couldn’t compete with its Zune, seen by many as a cheap imitation, a rush-to-market device that wasn’t nearly as “cool” as the iPod.
Apple entered the mobile phone market this year with its revolutionary iPhone. Time will tell if it will have the same effect on phones that iTunes/iPod has had on music and portable devices.
The ipod as #5!!! This list is incredibly poor. When I think influential moment I think that it is some event that will inspire and influence future musicians. I think of kids seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and the next day getting a guitar and starting a band or hearing Dylan and thinking I can write songs. I don’t know anyone who got an ipod and then decided that they want to play an instrument or start singing. This list is dreadful!
October 19th, 2007 at 3:43 pmThis isn’t a list of influential moments. So, therefore this does have a place on the list. You don’t think that seeing that many people on the train listening to music, that many people jogging, that many people in starbucks, using these things that people aren’t going to be listening to things that will inspire?
You sound like an old fuddy-duddy that can’t accept anything aside from your generation’s contributions.
Myself, I just wish there was more minority representation from the last 25 years on here.
October 19th, 2007 at 4:45 pmWhen I voted, I found myself unable to vote for specific releases of albums and songs, even for my favorite artists. To me, the memorable musical moments were the ones that changed the course of history in how music was consumed — at least that’s how I was interpreting it. So I ended up voting for moments such as the iPod, the invention of the various vinyl record versions, CD’s, the phonograph, the Walkman etc.
That said, it was a blast to listen to the countdown and get a pop culture history lesson.
October 19th, 2007 at 8:11 pmUsing you logic, what little there is, means that the Walkman should be before the ipod on this list! The Walkman was the first device that allowed you to listen to music anywhere. My point is still valid. Hopefully 50 years from now anything The Beatles or Rolling Stones did was more memorable that the introduction of a device that wasn’t that revolutionary.
October 20th, 2007 at 12:07 pmIt’s obvious that my lack of logic assumed I could have a reasonable discussion on WXPN without snide personal attacks.
October 21st, 2007 at 5:30 pmKevin, It really does sound that you are a bit fuddy dud.
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:22 pmI was a bit surprised with the rank this one received. I can only surmise that this got the most votes for a device of it’s type since it’s so well known. However, shouldn’t the entry really be for the 1st digital music player, whic the ipod was NOT.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:40 amThis device, like the Walkman and Japaneese Transitor AM Radio before it, gave music the ability to be portable and shareable, providing what we love about music, making it the soundtrack of your life.
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:18 pmJeff, my comment was directed to Pat not you. It must have been a coincidence that we posted at the same time and my comment followed yours. I think that the first device that allowed you to easily take music with you be it the transistor radio or the Walkmen is more memorable than the ipod. The ipod is just a marketing wonder. Any reviews of MP# players will point out other devices that are better. How can the 45, 33 or cassette not be more memorable. The ipod lets you and only you listen to the music, the other devices were a means to share music.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:02 amWow, and here I thought there was TOO MANY Beatles/Stones/Dylan/60’s-in-general moments. Far too many. The introduction of the iPod and iTunes most certainly is deserving of the #5 spot. Sure, the walkman/diskman/etc. came first as far as portable devices but iTunes provided a streamlined service and heralded in a new age of music consumption. A tip of the hat to the good folks (well…) at Apple!
October 30th, 2007 at 2:48 pm