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| Thursday, March 17, 2005 |
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Apple to cream 10 per cent off iPod accessories sales
Apple is seeking 10 per cent of wholesale revenues from iPod accessories in return for letting them display its new Made for iPod logo.
The logo demonstrates that the accessory is fully compatible with the music player. Apple declined to comment on the royalties or the process for awarding certification to products
'With more than 400 iPod accessories on the market and growing, the Made for iPod logo program is designed to help consumers choose iPod accessories that work properly with their iPods, and also provide participating iPod accessory makers with guidelines and technical specifications to develop their products,' the company said in a statement.
Accessory manufacturers gave the programme a mixed reception.
Brian Van Harlingen, a senior technology manager for Belkin told www.news.com that, 'I'm hoping that it will make the market a little clearer for customers so that they will be able to buy with confidence. Any costs that might be associated with this program, we feel, would be offset by the benefits.'
However Jack Campbell, CEO of Mac add-on maker DVForge disagreed.
'Behind the scenes, all it is, is a strong-arm tactic to take control of the iPod channel,' he said.
One analyst estimates that Made for iPod could make Apple $25mn this year.
Apple's move is not unique. Game console makers often charge for use of logos and for access to proprietary hardware connections. |
| posted by Perimbean @ 5:00 PM |
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