Jazz Odyssey

Interesting editorial in Wired today speculating that Apple will develop a new line of inexpensive iPod shuffles pre-loaded with new albums, and/or artist catalogs and other artist-specific content. The article goes on to suggest that these iPods could become the new CD Sampler, with labels paying iTunes to include tracks from their developing artists.

This is an interesting speculation, but I’m not sure I see this as a significant future. First of all, Apple historically has offered limited product range–from their computers to their iPods, there have generally been a handful of models to choose from. A wide range of artist branded iPods would be a break from what’s been a winning hardware strategy. Also, the iPod shuffle still commands a pretty good premium compared to what it costs to make–how much lower should they drop the price on a hot item that is profitable? And how many iPods is a consumer going to want to own? Managing multiple iPods is a hassle (“now lets see…did I load Stairway to Heaven on my Beatles shuffle or is it on my U2 shuffle?”)

Then again, Apple is full of surprises…we’ll have to wait and see what happens.