Apple’s new iPod line up, launches new iTunes
Apple has unveiled the new iPod lineup which brings some added functionality and lower prices. This event also marked the return of Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs since his medical leave from the company in January due to a much needed liver transport. At the conference Jobs thanked his donor, a young adult who died in a car accident, and urged the audience to become organ donors.
Jobs announce that over 225 million iPods have been sold since its introduction in 2001, with the iPod touch representing 20 million of that number and contributing to an overwhelming 74% market share.
Starting at the high end, the popular iPod Touch will have the same processing platform as the recently introduced iPhone 3GS. new 64GB model, priced at $399. The existing 32GB and 8GB models will now be offered at $299 and $199, respectively. There doesn’t appear to be a built-in camera, however, contrary to all the rumors.
The shuffles are now $59 for 2GB, $79 for 4GB and come in black, silver, pink, green and blue. There’s also a polished aluminum 4GB version for $99.
Apple’s Nano got overhaualed and is now available in capacities up to 16GB. The new Nano got some new additions like a built-in FM tuner, larger 2.2-inch screen, mic, a built-in camera, for recording 640 by 480 pixels, 30 FPS video and will be priced at $149 (8GB) and $179 (16GB).
Finally, the iPod Classic continues on but with a 160GB ($249) version replacing the 120GB from last year while it stays at the same price. It will be available in black or silver.
Also announced was Version 9 of iTunes, available for download now. The new version of Apple’s media software, includes a Home Sharing feature, to view and share up to five iTunes libraries on five authorized devices on a home network, and Genius Mixes, which uses the Genius song recommendation service to automatically create mixes of tunes from a users iTunes library. Looks like it was a good day for Apple and Steve Jobs. We’re loving the new Home Sharing feature in iTunes 9, which lets you transfer content between five different machines directly without screwing around with network shares or USB drives. And AutoFill-esque music sync feature is a cool addition as well, it’s purpose is to fill any remaining space on your phone with music. Videos after the break.
