iPod = Disruptive Technology (Group 3 vs. Group 4) ding ding ding
Group 3
Side Score: 10
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Group 4
Side Score: 8
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The iPod is a disruptive technology because it allowed music to be taken with and listened to portably in mass for the first time. The digital format the iPod played was also able to be freely downloaded at the time of the iPods production, essentially allowing people to for the first time, be able to acquire their entire music collection for free and take a substantial chunk with them at all times. Side: Group 3
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Record labels are still around, Steve Jobs actually worked with record labels and formed agreements with them to put their music onto his online store, which was connected with the iPod. The thing that was disruptive was the free sharing software such as Napster. Side: Group 4
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I disagree - in fact, the iPod and it's smooth integration with the iTunes store saved the record labels by convincing consumers it was more convenient to buy their mp3s than pirate them. The music industry's core distribution and copyright systems did not change, the means of distribution was simply adapted to the new technology, like the shift from cassettes to CDs. Side: Group 4
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Consider the invention of the recording itself with the edison cylinder - I would argue that the cylinder is a truly disruptive technology as it invented an entirely new industry and would go on to transform how music is both perceived and sold entirely. On the other hand, the move from cylinders to shellac discs was not a disruptive technology, as it was simply an advancement of the distributing medium. I would argue that the iPod is not disruptive as it was simply a change in the distributing format. In many respects the iPod in fact restored power to the record labels, which had only been threatened by the popularization of music piracy which would lose mainstream appeal as commercial technology became more convenient. The iPod was the beginning of this move towards convenient mp3 purchase or consumption, not the end of the music industry. Side: Group 3
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