It has been 21 years since Steve Jobs introduced the iPod. The co-founder of Apple made the legendary Sony Walkman, which had been on the market for more than 20 years, obsolete with a stroke of the pen. The other manufacturers would soon replicate the formula for success, although none would do so with as much detail as the Cupertino brand. After two decades, the iPod and the mp3 players They have passed into memory. Is it still worth getting one in the middle of 2022?
Do you remember how fun it was to go down the street with your MP3?
At the beginning of this millennium, having one of these with twice the megabytes of your friend's was synonymous with having succeeded. For a few years, the mp3 players and iPods ruled the streets. We shared the music with our friends, completely unaware that it was not legal.
However, every age has a beginning and an end. Back in 2007, Steve Jobs raised his hand again with a new device. The iPhone once again changed the rules of the game, although on this side of the pond, the change took a few years to take hold. Spotify and the rest of the streaming services would soon arrive. subscription music. For a few euros, you no longer had to be looking for songs out there. There was also no player space to worry about or iTunes to deal with.
Do MP3 players still exist?
They still exist, but They have evolved over another side. Competing against a mobile phone makes no sense at this point. After all, any smartphone can store and play local files, while also being able to access any music platform.
The manufacturers of these devices have sought ways to ensure that their products remain attractive, even if only to a small audience.
The MP3 as a premium product
If we look at Sony, the series Walkman continues to be manufactured. In fact, this 2022, the Japanese brand has launched two models: the NW-WM1ZM2 and the NW-WM1AM2. If we analyze these products, we will see that they are very expensive equipment. Sony's idea is to offer a next-level listening experience and quality materials. Not only do they have connectivity to access online services, but they also have their own digital amplifier so that the user experience is outstanding. That, without forgetting that they have very large storage capacities, and with the possibility of expanding through microSD cards.
Sony's idea is to sell these products to audiophiles and music professionals. For this public, it is surely not unreasonable to invest almost 4.000 euros in one of these products, since they have a much longer useful life than a smartphone and offer results well above what a high-end smartphone would give us.
The MP3 player as a basic and accessible device
On the other hand, they do not forget the lower ranges either. Just as there are premium models, there are also the most affordable devices. Without screens or any type of graphical interface -or with small and humble LCDs-. Simple products for all those who want to go for a run or exercise with a easy to use product and that it will not become obsolete with the passage of time.
Is it worth it then? All up to you. The vast majority of users will settle for a smartphone. However, if you want the simplest MP3 — or the most complex in the world — know that there is a market for you.