Where is the iPod technology taking entertainment?

Apple's iPod touch 2g

By Prince Osuagwu


I would probably not be correct to say that Apple’s Steve Jobs got the inspiration of iPod, the portable media player launched Oct. 23, 2001 from Nigeria’s foremost and popular Reggae musician, Ras Kimono.
But it is quite obvious today, that piece of technology has not only changed the entertainment equation around the world, but has also altered the landscape for portable audio players.
When Ras Kimono debuted with his epic title Rhumba stylee in the late 80s, clutching a large size audio cassette recorder on his shoulder, a lot of people thought he was going crazy. But that was the extent he loved his music to be with him, anywhere he goes.
Perhaps, Steve Jobs was somewhere watching, thinking that if music was to be with one, wherever he goes, then the technology housing the music must be light to carry about. And so, in less than two decades he debuted with the iPod.
Today, iPod is different things to different people— a life partner, a soul provider, sorrow evacuator and happiness merchant.
Its cousin, the iPhone, which went on sale in June 2007 with its more than 100,000 applications, has changed social interaction, health care, education and, most importantly, how people communicate.
From Apple alone there are up to 4 or 5 models of iPod, which includes the iPod shuffle, an incredibly small, wearable music player with buttons, and VoiceOver. It tells you the song or playlist you’re listening to.
iPod nano, the smaller, lighter iPod  with features like a built-in FM radio, pedometer, clip, and more.
iPod classic; with 160GB of storage for music, video, and photos. Apple says iPod classic is the take-everything everywhere iPod.
And now the new iPod touch which has more fun than ever with FaceTime, Retina display, HD video recording, and the powerful A4 chip.
Now, look at how far this piece of technology has taken entertainment:
On the run and in the gym.
Your iPod nano or iPod touch is your running partner, along with the Nike - iPod Sport Kit or Sensor and a pair of Nike shoes. With the sensor in the shoe, the iPod gives feedback while it records your run. When you’re done, sync your iPod with nikeplus.com and you’ll see how fast you’ve run and how far you’ve come.
iPod is also a personal trainer at the gym by just connecting the device to any iPod compatible cardio equipment. It instantly records one’s workout and charges his iPod while the music and video keep him pumping. Even the iPod nano with the new built-in Pedometer can help one keep fit by counting his steps.
On the road.
The iPod today can drive the car’s sound system. Nearly every new vehicle offers an option to connect the iPod. Just plug your iPod in and suddenly your cabin is filled with whatever is playing on your iPod.
Two Cameras double the fun.
It is even easy these days with the iPod touch to capture video with its two built-in cameras. It shoots amazing HD 720p video from the back camera. And with its advanced backside illumination sensor, it captures beautiful footage even in low-light settings. Meanwhile, as all these are going on, the built-in microphone, records conversations, music, or any audio at the same time. And on the front of iPod touch, the built-in camera is perfect for making FaceTime calls1 and shooting self-portraits.
Can you now imagine how much fun can fit into something so small?.