15: Building the Band (Part 3, Origin of the iPod)

Apple begins a crash program to build a music player by the end of 2001, aided by a fortuitous discovery in Japan. Hardware chief Jon Rubinstein recruits a brash young product manager, Tony Fadell, to figure out how all the parts fit together. This episode of Designed in California is sponsored by: Sequential: Build consistent habits with an animated checklist that walks you through your own routines. Get 1 month free with the code 'DESIGNED'. Links and Show Notes: Presented by Jason Snell and Myke Hurley. Written by Jason Snell. Script development by Kelly Turner. Thanks to Scott Knaster, Stephen Hackett, Matt Rollefson, Adam C. Engst, Jim Hunkins, John Buck, Harry McCracken, and members of the iPod team for script assistance. Extra special thanks to Hansen Hsu and everyone else at the Computer History Museum. Audio editing by Myke Hurley and Jim Metzendorf. Video production by Jamie Snell. Designed in California theme by Christopher Breen. References/Further Reading: The Perfect Thing by Steven Levy Apple: The First 50 Years by David Pogue Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson Apple In China by Patrick McGee Build by Tony Fadell iCon: Steve Jobs by Jeffrey S. Young Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli John Rubinstein Oral History at The Computer History Museum Regis McKenna Oral History at The Computer History Museum Get early access to full series, ad-free listening, and bonus episodes by becoming a member. Submit Feedback Submit Feedback