Top 5 Revolutionaries of 2006 rss

2006 was a huge year for the MP3 player market. This past year, we saw advancements in digital music players that had never been seen before. Technology companies really started to branch out this year and take some risk. New form-factors and capabilities were the focus of MP3 player developments this year. However, whether or not some of these risks will pay off is still to be determined. The following list is of the most prominent MP3 player manufacturers of 2006 and the risks that they took this year.

5) Apple

While there were no major revisions to the iPod this year, we saw alot of improvements on Apple’s second tier players. The iPod Nano was re-released with new casings and new colors. Also the iPod Shuffle got a completely new form-factor, but other than these small changes there wasn’t much else coming from Cupertino this year besides loads and loads of rumors. The much anticipated 6th Gen iPod is what everyone really wants to see, but few (if any) actually have. The only advancements the iPod saw this year were a brighter screen and the introduction of iPod games. Definitely not the most adventurous year for Apple but since it holds such a strangle hold on the MP3 player market, it had to be on the list.

4)Samsung

Samsung really stepped up to the plate this year. With their new YP series of color-screened flash players, they entered the same league that had previously been dominated by Apple and Creative. The YP-Z5 (unboxed for your enjoyment here) featured a great form-factor and even attempted to utilize a brand new touch pad interface. The rest of the YP line continued to feature unique and innovative ideas that, while not entirely practical, do represent revolutionary thinking for an MP3 player manufacturer. Hopefully next year will bring even better products from this legendary electronics company.

3)Creative

Creative really ventured out into direct competition with Apple this year. The Japanese giant released several brand new additions to their Zen line of MP3 players. The Zen V and V Plus rivaled the iPod Nano in the flash player market while the Zen Vision: W went head to head against all the massive multimedia players. Creative’s top notch design and form factors really showed that Creative is still strong in the MP3 player market and is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

2)SanDisk

While SanDisk has dabbled in MP3 players before, this year they released the one that really got them on the map. With the Sansa color-screened flash player, SanDisk not only set their sites on the iPod Nano’s target niche, but they actually began gaining some ground. The player simply worked flawlessly. The design, interface and performance really surpassed most of the expectations and demands brought upon flash players from the market standard - the iPod Nano. The Sansa really held it’s own against the Nano and eventually began winning people over. 2006 was really a breakthrough year for SanDisk and hopefully their success will only continue.

1)Microsoft

While this may be a controversial choice for the #1 spot on the list, I really believe that Microsoft took the most risks by finally unveiling their new player, the Zune. This was Microsoft’s very first venture into the MP3 player market and, although the numbers post-release are still comparatively low, I believe that they have succeeded in getting the word out that they are ready to compete against the iPod. That being said, the first version of the Zune does appear to leave some to be desired. The online store is reportedly a bit clunky and many have reported problems with installing, syncing and transferring files but overall, I predict the Zune will begin to pull out some market share in mid 2007. Many of the features of the Zune were quality ideas and truly revolutionary. The form-factor and screen are great. The user interface is smooth and simple to navigate as well. Plus, the new WiFi sharing feature that is totally unique to the Zune has definitely turned some heads in the industry. Sure there are still plenty of kinks to work out, but Microsoft has lead the way this year with dynamic viral marketing and for their first venture into a new, highly competitive market.


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  12. I want it so bad.Its so cool.I will find out more about it to get it
    I also got entry in darrens project.
    http://technospot.net/blogs/index.php/2006/12/19/predicting-the-evolution-of-techspot-insideout/

    And i am feeding your blog.There wont be another chance to meet so many bloggers

    Merry Christmas

    Comment by Ashish Mohta — December 23, 2006 #

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  16. Brandon, I totally agree with you about the Zune being #1. I’m currently in the market to get a PMP and, while I’m pretty used to iTunes, I can’t help this hankering I have to try a Zune instead of an iPod. While the 1G Zune may be lacking in some areas, I feel it’s a great first product and shows much potential for future iterations of the Zune. Now, to get the money together to get one! :D

    Comment by Shawn Wallace — December 24, 2006 #

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  20. Namaste

    Creative is a “Singapore” giant (and not Japanese giant!)

    See http://www.creative.com/corporate/about/

    Cheers, Kishore.

    Comment by Kishore Balakrishnan — December 26, 2006 #

  21. kishore - thanks. I goofed.

    shawn - i totally understand. I really would like to own a Zune as well. It’s different and I believe it has lots of potential. Many people are just not giving it a fighting chance. They’re blinded by iPodMania.

    Comment by Brandon — December 27, 2006 #

  22. Awsome information dude :) thanks!

    Comment by mouseman — May 17, 2007 #

  23. nice stuff, i do agree #1 zune :D
    gg ;)

    Comment by zomia — October 22, 2007 #

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  30. shawn - i totally understand. I really would like to own a Zune as well. It’s different and I believe it has lots of potential. Many people are just not giving it a fighting chance. They’re blinded by iPodMania. Thank You

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