Davey Winder
Monday, 08 September 2008 17:07
IT Industry -
Strategy
Page 1 of 2
Jonathan Ive famously designed the iPod, but now it looks like another Brit might have actually invented it way back in 1979. According to none other than Apple it seems. So why is Kane Kramer so poor?
When it comes to the iPod Brit connection, until now there has only
really been one name in the frame: designer
Jonathan Ive.
The London born designer at Apple has been
responsible for many a modern day style icon. Think iMAC, iBook,
PowerBook G4, iPhone and, of course, iPod.
However, now it would seem that another Brit holds an even greater claim to iPod greatness.
Kane Kramer reckons he invented it. What's more, it would appear that Apple agrees with him.
The 52 year old claims to have come up with the technology behind the
iPod in 1979 and even patented it. So why did he have to sell his house
last year and move to rented accommodation then?
Surely he should be one of the uber rich?
You would think so, but Kramer has not actually seen any money for his
invention at all. This despite Apple filing documents during another 'I
invented the iPod' legal battle which would appear to acknowledge him
as the originator of the iPod idea.
Apple apparently went as far as flying Kramer out to California in
order to give evidence in its defence during the Burst.com trial where
it was claimed that Apple had infringed on some patents that applied to
the design of the iPod.
Even though most pundits viewed this court case as having little real
chance of success, Apple eventually settled for USD $10 million.
Kramer has not been so lucky. The IXI which he invented in 1979 could
only store 3.5 minutes of music to a memory chip, but his sketches of
the player do bear a remarkable resemblance to what became the iPod
over 20 years later.
Find out what Kramer himself has to say on the matter now. More on iPods, patents and riches beyond imagination on page 2...
CONTINUES
Latest Headlines from IT INDUSTRY
