| | The spread of
Mp3 is ever widening, with research conducted by a leading retail statistical
association claiming it's the fastest selling music format in the history of the
industry. The total number of Mp3 players sold from sept 07- sept 08 was recorded
at just over thirty two million. The figure is somewhat misleading however, with
only eight million 'pure' (iPod's etc) Mp3 players sold.
The huge leap in sales in completely due to the incorporation
of Mp3 into cellular handsets. Currently ninety percent of
cellular phones sold in the UK come with Mp3 playback capability.
This will obviously increase competition against the manufacturer's
of 'pure' Mp3 players, like Apple iPod. These facts were most
likely the catalyst for Apple building the iPhone and multi-function
iPod's like the Touch.
While Mp3 does offer more convenience, it's doubtful it will
herald the death of CD's or vinyl. Both of these formats still offer superior
sound quality in comparison to their digitally compressed cousin. |
Vinyl
music stores are still proving popular. Whether this is a generational thing,
only time will tell. While people have remained incredible loyal to vinyl, citing
it's warmer sound quality, such a love of CD's seems unlikely. A cold, digital
format, compact disc's appear to lack the tactile nature which attracts people
to vinyl. Many industry insiders are beginning to shun the term 'mp3 players',
instead highlighting that most of these devices have evolved into 'media players'.
So far, to date, Apple have dominated this market, with it's iPod becoming all
conquering. It's not surprising however, the iPod has it all, style, simplicity
and that little x-factor ingredient. While Microsoft's Zune has come closest
to matching the iPod, the problem is the style of the brand. Music and style go
together, Bill Gates and Microsoft do not comfortable fit into that equation.
It's true to say that many Mp3 players have equaled or improved upon the technical
aspects of the iPod. But, in music's style dominated world, you need a little
more.
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