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Apple might discontinue iPod Classic, Shuffle


Are some models of Apple Inc.'s iconic iPod music players on the way out? The iPod Shuffle and iPod Classic may be getting cut this year, according to a report on enthusiast site "The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW). "The classic is a holdover from 10 years of iPod existence, bearing many similarities to the original iPod. The shuffle is basically the same form factor as the nano, minus a screen. The classic uses a platter-based hard drive, while Apple is largely transitioning to flash-based memory solutions. The shuffle's lack of a screen has been an issue since it first appeared as a memory stick with music playback functions," it said. Should the two models be discontinued, the resulting iPod line would all feature touchscreens, TUAW said. Also, TUAW indicated few changes for the iPod Touch - which resembles an iPhone minus the phone capabilities. On the other hand, it said the Nano will become Apple's lowest-end iPod while the iPod touch will remain a premium iPod with its current form factor intact. A separate article on The Next Web speculated the potential shift to an all-touchscreen lineup may be meant to drive traffic to Apple's App Store. "(It appears) Apple wants anyone and everyone using an Apple device to have access to the app store, which is a huge moneymaker for them and for developers," it said. It noted the iPod Shuffle had been applauded for bringing a whole new generation into the Apple stable of products. "Because of their rainbow of colors, they were attractive to teens as an accessory and not just a music device. Now we’re just left with the Nano," it said. — TJD, GMA News

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