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Lifestyle Campaigns

iPod Paradigm Shift

 
iPod Paradigm Shift

Monique Rivera

This year I plan on getting my iPod a pirate costume for Halloween.

Ok, maybe not. But can you believe they have Halloween costumes for iPods? I don’t know if I consider this a ‘great idea’, but at least kids and teens can not only dress themselves up, but also their cool little iPods in the same costume they’re wearing.

We all know that iPods and MP3 players are the big craze rockin’ the new generation. Kids are getting these gadgets at low prices and downloading their favorite music. Heck, you can even download videos and movies now.

Believe it or not, even toddlers can have their own MP3 player. For parents who are tired of toddlers grabbing at their “grown-up” iPods, chewing on them and hiding them, Parents Magazine advertises an MP3 player equipped with 14 nursery songs and made with a soft, safe rubber coating for baby’s teething pleasure. These toddler gadgets start at a mere $16.95.

“I’m a Barbie girl” was a song I hated hearing when it was popular. These days, there’s Barbie everything – shoes, clothes and now, they even have a new Barbie MP3 player. This is definitely a big trend for all those young girls who just “love” Barbie. Hey, I wonder if they’ll have a Ken MP3 player to go along with the Barbie one soon.

Disney has a huge line of iPods and MP3 players customized with trendy covers like Hannah Montana, High School Musical and other popular teen shows. And, if you want to be a glitzy, showy kid at school, “Gilty Couture” offers a wide-range of precious metal cases for your iPods encrusted with shiny, flashy crystals for your fulfillment.

This trend of young people desiring items used by older kids, or even adults, is known as “Age Compression.”

And it’s a trend toy makers are struggling with. Many kids’ wish lists these days consist of iPods and MP3 players, but not the ones made specifically for kids. After all, who doesn’t love playing grownup?

So with all of the big talk of how kids and teens are desiring music players as their sole sense of enjoyment, could we possibly be moving closer to a childhood without toys?

Photograph Credit:
Sabrina Segal

 

8 Comments

1. TinyTot |Mar. 24, 2008 @ 10:39 AM

 
TinyTot's avatar
It is amazing how quickly consumers have put on blinders regarding iPod and all the Apple products. It is like watching zombies walking around with their iPhones.
 

2. wetz |Mar. 24, 2008 @ 2:56 PM

 
wetz's avatar
Those customizable MP3 player face plates are very popular and are totally like making money for the creators.
 

3. k3rm1t |Mar. 24, 2008 @ 4:03 PM

 
k3rm1t's avatar
I haven't heard of “Age Compression” before, I might have to do a little research on the subject. Thanks for the inspiration.
 

4. Walter |Mar. 25, 2008 @ 7:47 AM

 
Walter's avatar
I'm actually surprised Disney doesn't place MORE items into the market. They have such a huge rabid fanbase.
 

5. EmerilBang |Mar. 25, 2008 @ 12:58 PM

 
EmerilBang's avatar
Sounds like smart business practice to rush to fill the consumer niche.
 

6. MarkGong |Mar. 26, 2008 @ 7:43 AM

 
MarkGong's avatar
I was one of the suckers who purchased the U2 themed iPod. It was more money for less storage space, just call me an ashamed idiot.
 

7. RobSwan |Mar. 31, 2008 @ 9:42 AM

 
RobSwan's avatar
An MP3 Player that is rubber coated for a teething baby? Give me a break.
 

8. mrmagic |Jun. 1, 2008 @ 11:56 AM

 
non-member comment
Hay if you ever had or been around a babby befor you know that every thing thay get in ther hands go right in to the mouth, I think it's a grate idea a iPod for babbys.
 

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