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This transition exemplifies a key principle: technological miniaturization and unification lead to the disappearance of standalone devices. The iPod's functionalities, once housed in dedicated hardware, are now embedded within software in our smartphones, making separate MP3 players nearly obsolete.
The Broader Pattern of Consolidation and Dematerialization
This phenomenon isn't exclusive to Apple. It reflects a larger trend across multiple industries. Today's Android phones, for instance, combine clocks, calculators, cameras, and countless other devices into one portable, increasingly affordable unit.