Few people expected Steve Jobs to shake up the music business with a small, white device. However, the iPod has not only revolutionized the way that people listen to music, it has spawned a renaissance of learning and information exchange around the globe.

Simply put, the iPod is a small storage device that plays music and delivers information through a liquid crystal readout. You can download songs, podcasts, and classes from the Internet and store them on your iPod to enjoy them anywhere. Its simple design, ease of use, and “cool factor” have made the iPod a must-have gift during the holiday season, and a must-use item throughout the year.

Of course, the iPod is not the only portable digital audio player on the market, nor was it the first. Companies like Creative, Olympus, and Diamond started releasing digital audio players in the mid-1990’s. Envisioned as replacements for handheld recorders and transcription devices, few of these early models found their way into the hands of users outside the corporate world.

Early adopters in the technical world had other plans for their audio devices, however. As audiophiles settled on consistent standards for sound compression, music lovers realized that they could transfer copies of their favorite songs to portable audio players and enjoy on-the-fly mix tapes. As storage got cheaper and the Internet grew faster, a culture of downloading and sharing music swept college campuses.

A music lover himself, Apple’s co-founder saw the potential for a simple, elegant audio player. He commissioned a team of expert designers to overhaul the boring, clunky devices that cluttered the market. The result was a remarkable device that featured a large, easy-to-read display above a rotary dial, surrounded by functional push-buttons.

That original iPod was viewed as an expensive luxury item for hobbyists and gadget freaks. Over time, Apple refined the design. First, the dial was replaced by a smooth scroll wheel, much like a touch pad on a notebook computer. Push buttons were made flat, then integrated into the wheel itself. Finally, Apple released a variety of iPods in various sizes, colors, and price ranges, putting high quality form and function into the hands of millions.

Few people expected what came next. With millions of iPod owners hungry for fresh, free content for their walks and commutes, podcasters started developing original shows that broadcasters and content companies couldn’t match. With the ability to cater to the tiniest niches, podcasters with small individual audiences have collectively moved to displace many radio stations from listeners’ attention. As the iPod continues to evolve, so will podcasters: creating even more specialty entertainment and information.