iPods + American Culture and Society ♫

Music has always been a definitive part of American society. As times change and technology advances, ways to have music be a part of your daily life increase. The invention of iPods is a prime example of just that. A portable personal music player that was not bulky like CD or walkman player changed the way society was able to share and distribute music. iPods redefined the music industry. The small players could be taken anywhere and could hold albums upon albums of your favorite bands and musicians. Now Apple did not just stop at music. They broadened their players to read video files. But why just stop there? Apple has expanded their iPods to be able to download applications and access wireless internet. They now have truly captured modern American society in a device that fits in the palm of one's hand.

The first model of the iPod had six different generations and was called the Classic iPod. After the classic came the Mini which had two generations. Then came the Nano which had six generations and then the Shuffle that had four generations. Finally, the latest model of the iPod is the Touch which has already had four generations, the last one just released in September of 2010. Each iPod model has a short and sweet phrase or catchy slogan to go along with it. The advertising techniques for the iPod is brilliant. They are modern and clearly target a young audience.

Commercials for iPods are technically and aesthetically pleasing. By using bright colors and contrasting that with silhouettes of lively, dancing people, apple was able to create a party like atmosphere while also creating mystery and intrigue with the silhouettes. The iPod itself, along with it's headphones are always white, making sure to stand out. Popular music is always the soundtrack of these artistic commercials and the only text you see is simple. They have a short and sweet and to the point concept. Early commercials just had "iPod + itunes" and they always end with the apple symbol. Another example of this is a commercial specifically for the iPod shuffle. They give it a catchy and metaphorical slogan by simply saying "Life is random" and then following with "iPod shuffle $99". I have personally never owned an iPod, but if I have always wanted one. If I had the money to spend I would without a doubt purchase one.

Apple is obviously in tune with it's buyer. They are very aware of how american culture relies on technology. As a society, we strive off of having the newest gadgets. They consume our daily lives. Apple is extremely successful in keeping up with the kinds of technology that society will obsess over. I use obsess because it is always a frenzy when it comes to iPods. It is as if you are not a human if you do not own one. It is extremely evident just through the concept of iPods that American culture values technology. We wouldn't be able to function to our full potential without it.