Wednesday, October 27, 2004
The U2 Ipod is here
So here's the new customized U2 Ipod everyone's been talking about. Once again, Apple has done an amazing job with the design -- 10 out of 10, I'd say. The 20 GB Ipod retails for about $350 (approx $50 more than the plain vanilla models) in the U.S. and will come pre-loaded with the new U2 album, if I remember right. The question is whether this represents a new trend in customizable products or whether you need the sort of brand recognition and strength of Ipod (and U2) to pull this off? For example, would you buy a Matrix Reloaded branded Xbox? More importantly, would you pay a premium for the branding?
In related news, SiliconValleyWatcher reports than Intel has signed an exclusive $20 million deal with U2 to sponsor their tour. Does this mean U2 has sold its soul or does it mean cheaper tickets for fans? Watch this space.
