Storie Di Apple Interviews Drew Thaler
November 3rd, 2007As luck would have it, Storie di Apple just published a great interview with my friend Drew Thaler, so I get to take a much-needed break from talking about myself.
Discs, filesystems and Macs – Interview with Drew Thaler
Some really fascinating stuff, particularly if you’re interested in historical perspective on the transition from OS 9 to OS X, and some of the landmark moments such as the launch of the iPod.
I’m especially amused by Drew’s recollection of thinking “what kind of stupid name is iPod?” If you take a step back and ask yourself honestly, you’ll probably agree it’s still pretty stupid!
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Yup. Doesn”™t suggest music. Doesn”™t really mean anything. Brings little to mind except Invasion Of The Body Snatchers.
And yet, it worked. I think because it recalls the successful iMac, and it”™s two syllables.
November 5th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
“iPod” is not a great name for a music-player, but it’s a fine name for a convergent-device, because it’s not warped-up in any one function. The last time I flew, I saw almost as many people watching an in-flight movie on their iPod as listening to music with it.
By contrast, “iTunes” is a great name for a music-player, but it’s a lousy name for something that you buy movies and games from. “iPlayer” might be better for that, but it’s so … generic and uninspiring. Good names are hard.
If the function-specific name “iPhone” is eventually dropped, in favor of “iPod Phone”, or just “iPod”, then I think it’s safe to say the name was a success. Time will tell.