[Cody Overcash]

Tony Fadell the real creator behind the iPod has left Apple. While many people credit Steve Jobs as the mind behind the iPod, the most popular personal music device in history that helped change the face of Apple, the real iPod master was Tony Fadell who brought his MP3 player plans to Apple back in 2001.

Who is in line to replace the head of Apple's iPod Division? Mark Papermaster the former IBM chip master is headed there now, that is if he ever can get through all the red tape. IBM feels threatened by Papermaster's move from IBM chip making to Apple mobile entertainment device managing and is in the process of suing Apple in an effort to prevent Papermaster from joining the Apple team. The lawsuit is over a noncompete clause in Papermaster's IBM contract since chip manufacturing and personal music player development really compete against each other

Back to Fadell. It's sad to see the iPod creator go after he changed the face of the portable music industry. Oh well. According to Wozniak the iPod is on its way to its death bed anyways.

edit: Apple has officially announced the above.

"Mark Papermaster Joins Apple as Senior Vice President of Devices Hardware Engineering

CUPERTINO, California—November 4, 2008—Apple® today announced that Mark Papermaster is joining the Company as senior vice president of Devices Hardware Engineering, reporting to Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Papermaster, who comes to Apple from IBM, will lead Apple’s iPod® and iPhone™ hardware engineering teams. Papermaster has 25 years of product and technology experience, and was previously a vice president at IBM.

Apple also announced that Tony Fadell, Apple’s senior vice president of the iPod Division, and his wife Danielle Lambert, vice president of Human Resources, are reducing their roles within the company as they devote more time to their young family. Fadell will remain at Apple as an advisor to the CEO. Lambert will depart the company at the end of this year after a successor is in place.

“Mark is a seasoned leader and is going to be an excellent addition to our senior management team,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Tony and Dani have each made important contributions to Apple over the past eight years. We’re sorry to see Dani go, and are looking forward to working with Tony in his new capacity.”

Papermaster has a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Texas, and Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Vermont in 1988. He is active with the University of Texas where he is a member of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Council.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone."

[via valleywag]

[12jmartinez]

1st comment!!! even if the ipod is on its way to its deathbed wont someting even better be available

(hint hint) iBrick

[rdwalsh]

I was wondering what Papermaster was going to do apple. It will definately be interesting. iPods have sure changed not only the face of Apple, but mobile media in general, much like Walkmans did in their time. It is sad to see him go tho.

[cricketlang]

ipods have taken over the portable media industry. you never even hear people say mp3 player or anything like that.....its always "what kind of ipod is that?" This man has created a revolution! People still use ipods and probably will for most of my younger years. the concept of the iphone revolutionized the mobile phone industry as well. as i feel the iphone will be out soon...the ipod will be staying for a while. if you agree just hit that button

[llee8820]

False, Kane Kramer was the REAL inventor of the Ipod. Apple just stole the technology, slightly improved it, and slapped on a apple logo.

[iBwizzle]

Before he leaves, he needs to bring back the 160GB iPod Classic! Heck, they were suppose to upgrade the 160GB to 240GB like they did the 80GB to 120GB.I appericate all that you've done by the way...

[MacGal]

I can't see an end to IPod's, they are just so darn popular...but when will the prices start really going down!!

[Eurisko]

Good for him. Family is most important.