1st JOURNAL TASK

SaeHan[1] Information Systems were the first to launch mp3 players on a mass produced scale. Since then, many companies have begun creating their own versions, with great competition to create something unique. Apple’s iPod[2] quickly became more popular than their competitors, not only having created an extremely useable product, but also firmly planted a new monument in society. The iPod became the latest fashion accessory, aided worldwide by media pr campaigns. The slick white headphones had taken over the world. The constant struggle to create an mp3 player with extra features had been outdone by a solid, easy to use, sleek design. Apple managed to maintain their dominance ever since, always being 1 step ahead, especially concerning image.
Possibly further re-enforcing their leading status, Apple took the mp3 and thought outside the box. Similarly to mp3’s, mobile telephone companies compete fiercely to create ‘that’ product which strikes a chord within society and becomes popular. However, society is particular with their products. There becomes a point where a mobile phone has too many features, or perhaps just not the right combination. It could potentially be agreed that the more features a product has, the better, however each of these features must live up to an existing standard that society expects. The internet is a perfect example of this. The internet is now a staple in society. Things which were once done ‘manually’, such as banking, reading books, or delivering letters are now done digitally in an instance via the internet. Phone makers such as ‘Black Berry’[3] and numerous other phone makers jumped at the chance to make the internet available on phones. However, this was very much a ‘watered down’ version, and did not give full access as society wanted or expected.
Apple once again hit the nail on the head, and gave society exactly what it wanted. By mixing 2 popular products, the Iphone[4] was born. Combining all the best aspects of both the mp3 player and mobile phones, a product was created that has the possibility to change the way in which society functions. Providing high quality internet, an Ipod quality mp3 player, and video player capabilities, plus a handful of ‘gimmicks’ such as games, it’s no surprise why it became such a popular product. The launch of the Iphone has asked society a question, and sent out a threat to other competing companies. Why go to an internet café, when you can browse your emails in the park? Why stand in queues on your lunch break when you can bank online in minutes? Why buy several products, when it’s all in one affordable package?


[1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP3_player
[2] http://www.apple.com/uk/itunes/
[3] http://www.blackberry.com/
[4] http://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/