Apple: "The Beat Goes On" Indeed....(Picture Heavy)

Well, it was a very interesting press conference. We learned about three new iPod's, as well as some new features for the iPhone.So, lets get started with the run down.

iPhone/iTunes

So, to start off the insanity, a new feature was announce for the iPhone through iTunes. People will now, as of tomorrow, have the ability to create ringtones for their iPhone without hacking. However, this is a catch. A) you have to use songs purchased through iTunes, B) you must pay a extra 99 cents, and C) it can only be 30 sec. long. The last part doesn't irk me to much, but a extra 99 cents! Plus they MUST be from the iTunes store? If you ask me that's complete B.S.

iPod Nano

The iPod Nano got the biggest change today. First off, Apple has decided that for the next generation of the iPod Nano, you can have videos, pictures, and the new cover flow feature, at the same resolution as the iPod Videos(320x240). And remember that "mock-up" we showed? That is actually what it looks like. The new Nano's will be available in 4GB and 8GB at $149 and $199 respectably. This sounds like a great refresh. Good for people who only need lit loads of music. So, here is some pictures.

^From the Apple Store^

iPod Classic

Steve made another interesting announcement. The former iPod Video's will now receive the brand "iPod Classic". Not much is being done here. One of the major things is that they will now have a 80GB and 160GB version at $249 and $349 respectably. They are thinner than the old ones. They feature the metal case like the Nano's and also feature the new cover flow feature. And here are pics of the refresh.

 

^From the Apple Store^

The Big Finale

Well, this is what we were all waiting for. A completely new iPod, unlike one seen before. The "iPod Touch"! The iPod Touch.....think of it as the iPhone, but with the just the iPod OS(Like I previously said). It does run a version of MAC OSX. You choose between videos, pictures, and music through the dock at the bottom. It has icons much like the iPhone. The apps it has are YouTube, Calendar, Safari, Contacts, Calculator, and Settings. You use this iPod the exact same way you use the iPod function of the iPhone.  This iPod also comes with built in wifi, a browser, and a new feature which will also come to the iPhone....wireless iTunes Store. Which means, I can go to any wifi hotspot and download a song on my iPod/iPhone. Also, Apple has teamed with Starbucks to give iPod Touch/iPhone users free access to the iTunes store in Starbucks. It will come in a 8GB and 16GB versions at $299 and $399. And with out further ado, the new iPod Touch!

^From the Apple Store^

So, I'll express my final reactions tomorrow. For now, you can see the press conference your self with Steve demoing these new products HERE.

mSeliga