The problem with most iTards (tm) is that their whole world or technologically assisted world starts and ends with Apple. Apple had made mistakes yet they are not as heavily criticized and their sales don’t plummet because those who want an Apple just want and Apple. So Earpods or iEarpods or whatever they are called wouldn’t make a difference to the Apple lover. It’s the rest of us that have to suffer as anything Apple does is unfortunately mimicked by others setting a “trend”. Usually the technology is out there and in use but until Apple uses it doesn’t garner the wider acceptability (NFC [still crippled in Apple but getting there], GSM enabled tablets [not able to make a phone call on an iPad/iPod touch, among others). When Apple then markets a product Apple fans think they were the first. Apple’s fans are the loudest and market caters to them. Even before an Apple product is launched the accessories are available. Try to find accessories for a samsung phone or sony phone or any tablet and you will just keep on looking. Apple is a niche company for niche people which is dwindling further and further. There will be a time when Apple will cater only to a few million fan boys and they will still be able to make a killer profit. Apple was never a technology company and it’s good the author can be honest about it. But Apple is not a fashion company either. Apple is just a good marketing company which is able to sell things just because they made it.