The iPod, a sleek digital music player launched by Apple Inc., first became available to consumers on October 23, 2001. It originated in Apple's creative software division where teams focused on creating personal computers designed around entertainment rather than work. Although mp3 players were already on the market, Apple wanted to make something that was more user friendly yet still small and portable.

Under the direct supervision of CEO Steve Jobs, Apple created a unique hand-held digital music player with a sensitive user interface. The polished design was created to match the popular Mac laptops and desktop computers. After the success of the first iPod, Apple introduced different versions (including different colors) including the iPod nano, the iPod shuffle, and the popular touch-screen iPod Touch. Their memory storage capacity ranges from one to 160 GB.

Although the original iPods could only play audio files, newer versions are capable of playing both music as well as videos. The iPod shuffle, however, can only play music due to it's uniquely small screen-less design.

As a result of the popularity of the iPod, Apple reaped the benefits of its iTunes internet music download site. Since the software is proprietary, iPods can only exchange data with computers that use the iTunes programs. While some software has become available that allows PC users to convert data into iPod-friendly files, many users still use iTunes as a primary music download site.

Apple, and plenty of third party companies, have also released an abundance of iPod accessories including earphones, skins, alternative listening devices, and adapters. The range of iPod accessories is often referred to as the iPod ecosystem and gives consumers the ability to personalize their iPod and use it in a variety of ways.

The Commonwealth Bank in Australia releases an annual report called the iPod Index, similar to the Economist's Big Mac Index which is a fun way of looking at world currencies.

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To turn really interesting ideas and fledgling technologies into a company that can continue to innovate for years, it requires a lot of disciplines.
Steve Jobs - Skill - Technology - Innovation

The people who are doing the work are the moving force behind the Macintosh. My job is to create a space for them, to clear out the rest of the organization and keep it at bay.
Steve Jobs - Work - Management

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