Special: Apple’s Special Event Coverage
After much anticipation—and speculation—Apple introduced a number of new products on Wednesday, including completely refreshed iPods, a new Apple TV, and iTunes 10. Some are probably more exciting than others, but the biggest news was that Apple streamed the event to anyone with a Mac OS X 10.6-equipped Mac or iOS 3 device.
iPod shuffle
The iPod shuffle was updated first, taking a design step backwards to look more like the second-generation iPod shuffle. We’re not saying this is a bad thing, and Apple will sell it for $49. Although the price is pretty good for a 2GB audio player, it’s not that exciting of an update.
iPod nano
The iPod nano also got updated, more significantly. Gone are the video camera and video playback capabilities, but the device received a smaller enclosure, touch-based interface (that looks like iOS, but isn’t). The new iPod nano will be available next week for a suggested price of $149 (US) for the 8GB model and $179 (US) for the 16GB model. Both models are available in silver, graphite, blue, green, orange, pink, and (PRODUCT) RED:
Apple today unveiled a completely redesigned iPod nano featuring Apple’s Multi-Touch interface that lets users navigate their music collection by simply tapping or swiping a finger on the display. Nearly half the size and weight of the previous generation, the new iPod nano features a polished aluminum and glass enclosure with a built-in clip, making it instantly wearable. The new iPod nano features Genius Mixes, the ability to create and edit playlists, a built-in FM radio with live pause and up to 24 hours of music playback on a single battery charge.
The new iPod nano with Apple’s Multi-Touch interface allows users to access their songs, artists, albums and playlists with a tap or swipe of their finger on the display. Holding down a finger returns the user to the Home screen, and users can easily use two fingers to rotate the screen if it is clipped onto their clothing upside down. Users can also customize their Home screen by simply dragging icons from other screens onto the Home screen.
iPod touch
The least surprising update was the iPod touch, making it more iPhone 4-like. Some of the notable changes include, an A4 processor, Retina Display, FaceTime with a front-facing camera, and HD video recording with a rear camera in a lighter package. It sells for $229 for an 8GB model, $299 for a 32GB model, and $399 for a 64GB model.
iTunes 10
iTunes received an update, turning the version number over to 10 (why not X?). The biggest update is a social networking feature, known as Ping. Think of Facebook or Twitter for music. That’s about it. The rest of iTunes is much of the same, but with a slightly updated interface and a new icon that lost its CD.
Apple TV
The Apple TV did not get every bell and whistle that analysts expected, but it was completely reinvented to compete with devices from manufacturers such as Roku or Western Digital. For $99, you get a small “hockey puck” device that streams data from computers, iOS devices (with AirPlay), or media from the Internet:
Apple today announced the new Apple TV which offers the simplest way to watch your favorite HD movies and TV shows on your HD TV for the breakthrough price of just $99. Apple TV users can choose from the largest online selection of HD movies to rent, including first run movies for just $4.99, and the largest online selection of HD TV show episodes to rent from ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel and BBC America for just 99 cents.
Apple TV also streams content from Netflix, YouTube, Flickr and MobileMe, as well as music, photos and videos from PCs and Macs to your HD TV. Enjoy gorgeous slideshows of your photos on your HD TV using Apple TV’s selection of built-in slideshows. Apple TV has built-in HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and an internal power supply for easy set-up, and features silent, cool, very low power operation in an enclosure that’s less than four inches square—80 percent smaller than the previous generation.