iPod+HP
The Apple iPod+HP is a line of HP-branded iPods, distributed through HP.
 An iPod mini with HP branding | |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable media player |
| Release date | January 8, 2004 |
| Discontinued | July 29, 2005 |
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On January 8, 2004, Carly Fiorina announced the Apple iPod+HP deal at the Consumer Electronics Show.[1] The first device of the iPod+HP line was the fourth-generation iPod, available in 2 and 4 GB of storage. The Apple iPod+HP was originally intended to be available in "HP Blue".[2]
HP later added the iPod mini, the iPod photo, and the iPod shuffle to the lineup.[3] As these were officially HP products rather than Apple products, Apple Store Genius Bars were not authorized to repair Apple iPod+HP iPods, and they had to be sent to an HP Authorized Service Center for repair, despite identical designs.[4]
Deal termination
On July 29, 2005, HP announced that it would terminate its deal with Apple. Even though the deal was terminated, part of the deal prevented HP from making a rival digital music player (MP3 player) until August 2006.[5] HP continued to pre-install iTunes on home computers until January 6, 2006, when HP announced a partnership with RealNetworks to install Rhapsody on HP and Compaq-branded home players under the HP brand.[6]