Apple has revealed a complete refresh of the iPod lineup, complete with a new iPod touchscreen model and iTunes downloads via WiFi.
 The new iPod line up |
Can't wait until next year to get an iPhone? Then you might be interested in Apple's latest iPod, called the iPod Touch. It was released this morning alongside a complete refresh of the iPod line-up which includes the iPod Shuffle,Nano, and the iPod - which has been rebadged 'iPod Classic'.
Jobs' keynote began with a roundup of iTunes which remains the single dominant digital music store (in all of the 21 countries it operates in) ahead of Amazon and Target, but still behind retailing behemoths WalMart and Best Buy. iTunes has now sold over three billion songs, 95 million TV shows and plays host to six million tracks, 550 TV Shows (except for NBC stuff) and 125,000 podcasts, 25,000 of which are video podcasts.
Before revealing new iPods, Steve announced the immediate availability of a new version of iTunes that supports buying and building your own ringtones. For US99c, in addition to buying a song customers will be able to transform their existing music in to a 30 second snippet for use on their iPhone. Around 500,000 songs are participating in the program. Can't wait for the iTunes update? Take a look at
iToner from Ambrosia software which lets you turn any song you already own (including those purchased from iTunes) into a ringtone for your iPhone right now.
iPods make great Christmas presents and Apple knows it. With the new iPod lineup Apple has a clear strategy of making sure there is an iPod for everybody, in every price range.
The first iPod to get a make over was the Shuffle. The iPod Shuffle now comes in a new range of colours, and adds a Product (RED) version. The Shuffle retains 1GB of storage, and sticks to its $109 price point.
The iPod Nano received the biggest overhaul of all. It has kind of been 'fattened up' (as all the rumour sites had predicted) but also receives a brand new iPod interface, the ability to play video, and a high resolution 204 pixel per inch (320 x 240) display. Storage size remains at 4 and 8GB with Apple killing off the 2GB version completely. Battery life remains impressive with 24 hours of audio and 5 hours of video playback.
The regular iPod which used to be the flagship of the iPod family has taken a step back and has been re-badged the iPod Classic. The iPod Classic is the only iPod that still ships with a hard drive, and now comes in 80GB and 160GB varieties. It's been given the same metal casing of the Nano but retains the original form factor and familiar 2.5 inch display (with the same 320 x 240 resolution in the Nano). Like the new Nano, the Classic also receives the new UI that supports Coverflow and generally enhances the visual experience. The 80GB version now provides 30 hours of audio and five hours of video playback, while the 160GB version has a whopping 40 hours of audio and 7 hours of video playback.
The star of the show was the long-rumored iPod Touch. It's a great compromise iPod for people who want the iPhone experience but can't (for whatever reasons) commit to a 24 month contract with AT&T or don't want an all-in-one device. The iPod Touch comes with the same high resolution 3.5 inch widescreen display as the iPhone and includes WiFi and Mobile Safari and ships in both an 8GB and 16GB variety. It works exactly the same way the iPhone works with a multi-touch UI and finger flicking action.
Lastly, Apple introduced the new iTunes WiFi store for the iPod Touch and the iPhone, which lets you browse and buy any music from iTunes over a WiFi connection. Once you download your track it automatically transfers back to iTunes at the next Sync. My bet: it will be a pretty popular way to buy music. Additionally, Apple has partnered with Starbucks in the USA to offer free WiFi to all iPhone and iPod Touch users. While in a Starbucks you'll also be able to browse and buy the music that is playing the background.
There you have it. Lots of new products to play with, and more information about the new iPods will be available shortly, along with Australian availability and local pricing.