“Although forecasts predict strong growth in demand for dedicated portable music players like the iPod, it is my belief that we’ll soon see a telling shift in the types of devices that dominate this market.”
That’s analyst Brion Feinberg, writing for The Diffusion Group, a consulting and research firm.
“Within the next few years, demand for stand-alone portable music players will peak and begin to slowly fade into the background; within 10 years, these devices will be relegated to museum shelves next to the vinyl LP and the 8-track player.
“What will take the place of the iPod? Your mobile phone,” he continues. “Even Apple is aware of this inevitability, thus one reason for rolling out the iPhone. Yes, Apple will continue to introduce slight modifications and enhancements of the core iPod platform, but the iPhone represents the future of the iPod — just one feature on a mobile phone.”
More of his comments are here.
