New Apple iPod nano

One of the biggest rumours (or worst kept secrets) this year has been the news that Apple would release a new iPod nano with video recording.

Low and behold – they did this week during the keynote at their special media event.

The new Apple iPod nano in 8Gb and 16Gb, with video recording, mic and speaker.  Now you capture anything anywhere, sync to your Mac or PC and upload to YouTube with one click. Why not start your own YouTube channel?

What else is new about the iPod nano? The beautiful colours – polished anodised aluminum. Sweeeet.  More on Apple keynote: iPod nano

New iPod shuffle

The new Apple iPod shuffle was launched during Apple’s keynote this week.  Same tiny size, now only in 2Gb and 4Gb but more colourful!  As well as the original black and silver, there is now also green, blue, pink – and a special edition polished stainless steel!

It can also support more than one playlist so switch between songs and playlists with the controls right on your earphones.  Apple is working with third parties headphone companies to offer earphones compatible with the iPod shuffle.

The cute little iPod just got cuter! Aw, look at the pretty colours

160Gb Apple iPod classic

Same thin size, the same price – now 160Gb Apple iPod classic

Unveiled at the Apple media event “It’s Only Rock and Roll, But We Like It” this week was the new iPod classic.

Keeping the same size “ultra-thin”, the iPod classic is now back up to 160Gb for those who want to store absolutely tonnes of music for use out and about, in the car, with home stereo setup, etc.  40,000 songs in your pocket….

Quick tech specs

Size: 103.5mmH x 61.8mmW x 10.5mmD
Weight: 140 grams
Holds up to 40,000 songs; or
Up to 25,000 photos; or
Up to 200 hours of video

New features, size and pricing for the iPod touch

An update on the Apple iPod touch was rolled out at Apple’s “It’s Only Rock & Roll” event.

“iPod touch: A great iPod. A great pocket computer. A great portable game player.”

Apple has sold over 20M iPod touch so far. They attribute this to it being “absolutely great”, it’s a good way to listen to music – and discover new music with WiFi iTunes, multi touch display, videos and podcasts, pocket computer with browsing and email.

The “most affordable access to the iTunes store” (just meaning it’s more affordable than the iPhone).  You buy it outright, or gift it, and it costs nothing further for subscriptions and monthly fees etc.

So, what is Apple doing to land more iPod touch customers?  They have reduced the price for the 8Gb (AU$268).  They’ve also increased the flash memory – new lineup is 8Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb (previously 8, 16, 32Gb).

US pricing below:

So $AU268, $399 and $549 for the 8Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb respectively.

It’s also now has better graphics power (for gaming, videos etc) and the 32Gb and 64Gb are reportedly up to 50% faster.

Other iPod touch news

Other releases relevant to the iPod touch were:

• iTunes 9 (already covered); and
• OS 3.1

OS3.1

• An updated version of the OS is available for download via iTunes. Free for those running the 3.0 firmware or for $5.99 to iPod touch owners with older firmware.
• OS 3.1 also comes free with any iPod touch purchased after the 09/09  event.
• Make sure you have the most current iTunes downloaded before updating the OS

Features of the OS 3.1

• Genius recommendations now also on apps
• Peer-to-peer gaming
• Wireless download of ringtones – 30,000 available for purchase
• Movies, TV, podcasts for download via Wi-Fi
• Stereo bluetooth
• Cut, copy & paste
• Shake to Shuffle
• and more

What was missed?

One rumour that didn’t come true for the touch – there will continue to be no camera on the iPod touch.