Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: Why did we call it an “iPod?” Part 1

The best-selling digital music player used to be the Apple iPod. But have you ever wondered about that name? What’s the deal with the word “iPod?”

Apple started the development of the device in 2000 planned to reveal it to the public in October 2001. For most of this time, it had the code name of “P-86.” As the release date got closer, some people on the design team wanted to call it the “Dulcimer” after a stringed folk instrument. But the people in charge of marketing hated the name, so they fought back. In the summer of 2001, there was a big discussion over what to call the thing–and no one could agree in which direction to go.

What happened? The second half of the story next time.

Yesterday’s post was on the largest rock concert ever.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37434 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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