Lazy innovation or the "put-an-iPod-on-everything" syndrome

We get it, there are tons of companies out there that don't want to innovate because, let's face it, it is hard and it requires real thinking.

These lazy companies are usually in the business of copying a product in an existing market and marginally changing it so they can claim differentiation and novelty in their marketing.

Some limit themselves to basic changes in color, shape, weight, size, etc. And others go to the other end of the spectrum and try to nonsensically combine many products into one. Their foul logic is that the more features you have in one single product the better.

Here some examples of such syndrome which by the way are real products that have been launched to the market. To make it easier for the reader to spot the foolish value statements made I have taken the liberty to bold the most amusing passages. You are welcome. 

Frieling 11-Pound Digital Kitchen Scale with iPod® Docking Station

"Whistle while you work! This digital kitchen scale features a licensed iPod® docking/charging station. Scale measures in pounds, fluid ounces, and grams, and weighs dry and liquid ingredients in increments of .04 ounces/1 gram. The weighing surface is made of safety glass. The high performance speaker located in the base provides a lifelike sound. Compatible with all current iPods®. Protective cover for iPod® station included. Powered by one CR2043 lithium battery, included"

iCarta iPod Stereo Dock and Bath Tissue Holder

"Perfect for the music lover who has everything, the Atech AC-0101-R02 iCarta Stereo Dock lets you enjoy your iPod in the most important room in your home--the bathroom! Don't just sing in the shower; sing along to your favorite songs, or make getting ready in the morning a fun experience in your private sanctuary. The iCarta Stereo Dock lets you enjoy your iPod in the bathroom. View top and side. This innovative system is also great for bathrooms that don't have locks on the door; the music warns others that the room is occupied. Compatible with all iPod models with dock connectors, the iCarta includes an audio selector that allows you to play iPod Shuffle (or other audio devices) and an AC adapter."

iRon by Gear4

"Launched by Gear 4, iRon's is an exceptional home gadget where the steam jets of an iron are controlled by the music played by an iPod. Yes, the iRon uses the battery of the iPod™ so the fast, bass heavy tunes produce fast steam, while the softer music provides less of it. Not just this, essentials like the temperature, the water level and the remaining battery life are also displayed on the funky iPod™'s screen. The good thing about the iRon is that it's compatible with most of the iPod models including iPod Video, iPod 4G, iPod 3G, iPod Nano, iPod mini. But if you have the iPod Shuffle then you can have problems."