10 Reasons Why Apple's iPod Line Is Seriously Running Out of Breath

(e) iTunes is getting more rivals : One of the main reasons why the iPod range is so successful is because of its tight integration with Apple's own iTunes online service. Now, everyone else under the sun - from SonyEricsson to Vodafone, Nokia and many others, have announced similar ventures with some going as far as offering DRM free, better quality, free ad supported/cheap music tracks.

(f) The iPod Touch muddled the iPod range by bring a larger screen and more functionalities than ever to the range and essentially making the shift to the (more lucrative) iPhone all too easy.

(g) The iPod range is not as focused as it was before: the iPod Touch can now surf the web, watch movies, download and install applications from the Apple Apps store and even make calls through unofficial VoIP applications, the only thing missing for it to become a potential iPhone competitor is a digital camera. Jobs even claimed that it "is the best portable device for playing games."

(h) Most of the new features announced have more to do with aesthetics rather than ground breaking, head spinning features. No major differentiating factors compared to the previous generation(s), only tweaks as Macworld judiciously noted.

(i) Ironically, Apple's current state stems from the fact that it becomes ever more difficult to improve on an already very successful product line; the iPod cow has now been milked for seven years and only Microsoft with Windows and Office has managed to stick around for longer in the consumer market.

(j) Music Labels, without which Apple's iTunes wouldn't exist, become fed up with the fact that Apple owns 70 percent of the online music market and that their own "Frankenstein monster" (dixit Guardian's Charles Arthur) is not particularly keen to listen to their demands.

So do you think that Apple has lost its magic touch with the iPod range? Should they now concentrate on the iPhone instead? Are you planning of buying a new iPod for Christmas? Have you sold your iPod and moved onto the iPhone? Let us know by writing to editor@itproportal.com