Apple's New iPod

After weeks of rumours, speculations, and anticipation, Apple finally introduced the latest line of iPods at the "Let's Rock" event in San Francisco. It is not a surprise though because September is always the month of iPods. Since the year 2005, Apple introduced new iPod in September every year. Last year, iPod Touch, the sixth generation of iPod classic and the third generation of iPod Nano were introduced. This year, it's time for the second generation of iPod Touch, the fourth generation of iPod Nano, and a slimmed down 120GB of iPod Classic.

The new Touch is almost the same in appearance as the first generation. Its new casing will feature a contoured metal enclosure with a series of integrated volume controls and an all new built in speaker. It will include support for Apple's Nike + iPod feature so it can act as a workout companion with an attachable sensor that is placed within a user's shoe to track the total miles traveled during a period of exercise. It will also support the newly iTunes 8's games offering and intuitive Genius feature. The new iPod Touch will be available in three models, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB priced at $229, $299, $399 respectively.

The new Nano features a shape and size change. It returns to the vertical style of the first and second generation Nano with an elongated vertical shape. It is the thinnies Nano to date with all new curved alumunium and glass enclosure, a first for a Nano. The user interface has also been redesigned to better accentuate its high resolution portrait display. It has a built in accelerometer which automatically switches to Apple's Cover Flow Album art display system when the player held it horizontally. The accelerometer will also engage the Nano's shuffle mode when shaken. It has a 24 hours battery life when used for audio and 4 hours for video. It will come in 9 different colors, black, silver, red, pink, blue, purple, green, orange, and yellow. The 8GB Nano will be available for $149 while the 16GB version for $199.

New iPods are not the only new things that Apple announced. The hardware line up is backed with the software. Meet the iTunes 8, the new iteration of the wildly popular music software. It will include a host of long awaited features primarily high definition television downloads, improved browsing, and a new intuitive shuffle feature. NBC will be returning to iTunes with the series of Monk, The Office, 30 Rock, Battlestar Galactica, and Heroes. Last year, NBC removed its content from the iTunes music store after a failure to reach an agreement with Apple over revenues. The new high definition will be available for $2.99 per episode, a $1 increase from their standard definition offering. The browsing interface of iTunes 8 will also be improved for better usability. It features Voice Over for voice command browsing, Genius function will actively select music that goes great together with just one click. Genius will also be able to automate copasetic playlists given a certain style and mood of music. The software is available now via software update and Apple.com.