Is Apple Phasing Out The iPod Brand?

It's been more than a decade since the iPod was first launched. The device was drove huge growth at the company, and was pretty much what made the iPhone and iPad possible. 

The irony here is that these smarter mobile phones has made listening to music a minor a function of your phone, meaning a separate device like the iPod has become pretty much obsolete.

A look through Apple's new upcoming iOS 5 software for iPhones appears to have one notable subtraction: The music app is no longer called "iPod" — it's just called "Music." There's also a separate app for "Video," as on the iPad and iPod touch.

One theory is that Apple is trying to unify the experience across all of its iOS devices, making it simpler and less confusing.  But it's also an indication that Apple is starting the inevitable wind-down of the iPod brand. 

This fact might seem bittersweet to some, but Apple Inc. has always thrived on developing new things, so phasing out the iPod is just another way for the company to move forward.

How to Upgrade to iOS 5 Today, Without Any Developer Account

Everyone can do it following these extremely simple instructions:

The method exploits a security flaw in the activation screen, apparently related to the Voice Over system. Here's how to do it.

Warning: While this operation should be simple and inconsequential, we are not responsible for what you do to your iPhone. Proceed at your own risk.

Download and install iOS 5

Full size

1. Download the iOS 5 IPSW file from the web (it's easy and readily available. Just Google it and torrent it down).
2. Update your iPhone using iTunes. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer, click on the Check for Update button with theOption (Mac) or Shift (PC) key pressed. Select the iOS 5 IPSW file from the place you downloaded it to.
3. Wait until it upgrades. A new activation screen will appear.

Activate iOS 5

1. Triple click the home button. This will activate the Voice Over.
2. Triple click the home button and Emergency Call will appear.
3. Click on Emergency Call and, while it's switching, swipe with your three fingers down.
4. The Notification Center will appear!
5. Click on the Weather widget. The Weather app will load.
6. Click on the home button to exit to the iPhone's springboard.

That's it. Your iPhone is activated and fully operative. Enjoy and thank Mert Erdir for this clever link. He has this words to say:

My will is not to do something harmful to anyone, I just wanted to get the attention of Apple, the company I'm in love with; and maybe one day have a chance to talk to/meet Steve Jobs himself. You can reach me on Twitter for further questions.

I found this because I don't have much cash to get an IOS Developer account, so donations for a young developer will be appreciated. They can be made on my blog(not in english). You'll see the PayPal donate button on the right. Thanks!

So send the kid some dollars so he can become a pro developer. With his patience and creativity finding this iOS 5 backdoor, I'm sure he will do a great job.

EDIT


STEP 1: Install iTunes 10.5 beta from direct link here. [Mac - Windows 32 bit - Windows 64 bit]


Download iOS 5 .IPSW beta 1:

• iPad 1G
• iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 4 (GSM, CDMA) *GSM is for AT&T and CDMA is for Verizon*
• iPod 3G
• iPod 4G

STEP 3: Now open iTunes that you downloaded above and restore using your firmware.