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The Apple strategy: iPod socks |
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 Really, iPod socks are what it's all about. So simple yet so complex. Let me explain.
In Apple's recent music event with U2 (Quicktime stream here), Steve Jobs debuted and talked about the iPod socks. As Steve said, "They keep your iPod warm on cold days, they protect it, and they give it personality." (This is 11 minutes, 7 seconds in if you want to check it out)
The iPod socks generated lots of laughs, and rightly so. "What a weird product, is this a joke?", many of us thought at the time. A lot of us had to check our calendars to make sure it wasn't April 1st.
But thinking about it, this is a really cool thing. You get 6 socks for $29.00, you can dress up your iPod in different colors, and it adds some protection so your Pod doesn't get scratched (which is more than many cases can say). Nothing earth-shattering, but just a very neat and unique product from Apple.
But what sets the iPod apart from other players isn't any inherent technology. Yeah, Apple does a great job with the technology, and the iPod can do lots of great stuff. The reason people love the iPod is the same reason people love their Macs: it's very personal, it's cool, and it begs to be touched (but not in that way, you sicko). What it comes down to is people love their iPods.
iPod socks are just another way to make iPod more personal, and that's the great strategy. It's been ingrained in Apple for decades, in little things like the happy face upon bootup, but Steve and company have found out how to sell that personal experience to the average user.
iPod socks: buy a six-pack now to keep your iPod cozy and happy! |
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November 23 2004, 12:15 PM EDT, by
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Comments:
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| rlhamon |
11/23/04, 12:26 PM EDT |
I tried to make my own iPod with a pair of my socks but the iPod would keep falling thru the holes in the socks.
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