Apple continues to expand iPod market share

Apple continues to expand its market share in the booming portable audio player market, despite concerns over the long-term success of the strategy. According to a report released by market research firm In-Stat today, Apple sold 8.4 million iPods in 2004 and captured a market share of more than 30 percent. In-Stat reported that Apple sold nearly one third of all digital audio players in 2004. Of the 27.8 million-unit market, Apple's iPod product line achieved a 30.2 percent share or 8.4 million sold units. "Apple blurs sales figures of the individual iPod products, so it was not clear how successful certain products are. According to recent media reports, for example on AppleInsider.com, iPod Shuffle sales are much slower than expected," notes Tom's Hardware Guide.

Targus debuts iPod accessory line...

Targus today announced its new iPod accessory line, including Slide and Flip Cases, RemoteTunes wireless remote for iPod and SoundUP amplifier. Targus' iPod cases are uniquely styled combining both the durability of a hard shell and a classic design. Made of leather, the Flip and Slide cases snuggly fit the iPod and provide easy access to its controls and connectors. RemoteTunes is small, lightweight RF controller that allows users to control the volume and song selection from up to 150 feet. SoundUP enhances rich 3-D sound by leveraging Phantom Technologies' patented circuit to reveal "instruments and voices that are trapped during compression and previously not heard."