Whenever something new, exciting and revolutionary is introduced to the general public, it's nearly a given that other corporations, companies and interests want to hitch their branding wagon to that train. The Apple iPod Nano is no exception. The power of the iPod Nano is so great that it changed how the world thinks and listens to music. The iPod was such a popular item, that it reached and is used by every possible segment of the population. All those iPod uses represent a huge target audience. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your point of view, a marketing genius did realize that.

Soon after its release, many businesses who wouldn't normally be seen with the iPod, were suddenly hand in hand with the world's most popular digital music player. For example, there were many charities who worked together with the iPod. Many charities that associated themselves with the Apple iPod Nano suddenly appeared to be current, hip and worthy of time and attention.

Although charities used the Apple iPod Nano effectively for themselves, it was the music industry that really took advantage of the iPod Nano. We all know that the music industry doesn't really like people downloading and listening to music for free on an Apple iPod Nano. However, some people in the music universe soon deduced that there were many people who only used the iPod for their music, and nothing else. The danger was that to go against the iPod Nano was to go against your fanbase.

Some bands decided to directly associate themselves with the iPod Nano; U2 being the biggest and most recognizable band to do so. A special U2 version of the iPod was released, and selected songs from an upcoming album were only available to be heard via the iPod. Of course, innovative, expensive and exceptionally cool marketing and advertising campaigns were released. Because of this foresight, two goals were achieved. One was to get the songs and iPod Nano introduced to the buying public. The second goal was that U2 did not appear to be anti-download and embraced the iPod and everything it can do.

Back in the day, there were many bands who did not embrace the idea of downloading musc for free. As a result, they appeared to be greedy, out of touch and completely against the wishes of their fans. But, with the advent of the Apple iPod Nano, it is now imperative that if the whole world is going to be listening to this little device, then they might as well be listening to you.