A Generation Will Grow Up Without the iPod But It's Not A Bad Thing

Yesterday, I was reading about the declining revenue source the iPod line would be for Apple. And it's likely going to be the case with each passing year. And with each passing year, uni-purpose devices like the iPod and GPS will cease to exist, giving way to more useful and powerful devices like the iPhone.

At the same time, game consoles like the DS will also be discontinued or it will evolve into something more like the iPod Touch. This isn't a pro-Apple post but rather what I see as a reflection of how consumer electronic devices are changing to adapt to the mobile needs of the users.

When I go out, I still see kids holding tightly in their hands their DS or iPod but I also see a lot more now with an iPod Touch. I also see older kids with mobile devices than just a MP3 player that they are constantly texting with.

In a case, I envy this generation and the next ones going forward given the amount of mobile technologies that is available to them, provided these devices are used constructively.

Growing up, I was greatly influenced by anime. And not just anime. Remember Inspector Gadget's niece, Penny, with her "Computer Book" and her high-tech watch. And any sci-fi books and shows also featured devices that I could only dream up growing up.

Now, today's kids have it all. Not quite the level of Penny's Computer Book but still very impressive. With my G1, iPhone, and iPad, I've been able to accomplish tasks that I ordinarily need to be tethered to a laptop but no more.

And these kids are likely to be able to do more in the coming years with their mobile devices other than to play games, listen to music, or play games.