News Archive for 07/04/09

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iPod, iPhone interest

04/09, 5:10pm

Survey suggests iPod growth, iPhone interest

A new survey of 500 teenagers' buying patterns and brand preferences suggests that Apple's iPod market share grew to 82 percent from 79 percent last fall, and that 84 percent of students surveyed had heard of the iPhone. The 13th bi-annual study conducted by research firm Piper Jaffray also revealed that 25 percent of participants said they would pay $500 for an iPhone, and that 89 percent of those students who legally purchase music online use iTunes -- down slightly from 91 percent last fall. "Apple's dominance in the portable media and online music markets is going largely unchecked," said Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster. "Also, iPhone awareness among students is high, and 25 percent show interest at the $500 price-point. We believe that the teen demographic is a critical component of long-term growth in both markets, and Apple is clearly leading the category." Piper Jaffray maintains its 'outperform' rating on Apple shares with a $124 price target.

SanDisk, Yahoo vs. iPod

04/09, 12:45pm

SanDisk joins Yahoo in fight against iPod

SanDisk today joined forces with Yahoo to offer Wi-Fi access to multiple internet features from Yahoo's site via its 4GB Sansa Connect jukebox. The player, combined with the newly bundled services, stands to ramp up competition with Apple's market leading iPod portable players, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Sansa Connect doesn't require a host PC to utilize Yahoo's internet features, and supports direct music downloads for Yahoo's Music Unlimited To Go service. The device can browse Flickr photo sets, view Yahoo Messenger contacts as well as their music, and can stream internet radio from Yahoo's LAUNCHcast service. The Connect is already available for $250 with the Flickr, LAUNCHcast, and Yahoo Messenger services offered for free. The Music Unlimited To Go feature requires a paid subscription, however.