Apple Launches Thinnest iPod Ever, 'Genius' Tool for iTunes, Strengthens iPhone

Apple held a press conference today to announce the fourth generation iPod nano, a redesigned iPod touch, the latest version of iTunes, an iPhone firmware update and new in-ear headphones. Apple also lured NBC back to iTunes. Digital Journal -- In its latest announcement since the iPhone 3G went on sale in July, Apple unveiled new hardware and software at a press event in San Francisco. iPod and iTunes users will be especially satisfied with Apple's releases. Coming to an Apple Store near you is the fourth generation iPod nano: it's the thinnest iPod ever made, Steve Jobs said, and it's been redesigned as an oval-shaped device. To use the shuffle mode, you can just shake the nano. Also, it comes in multiple colours, such as red, green, blue, yellow, purple, orange and pink. Turning the nano sideways puts you in coverflow mode, Jobs pointed out. It sports a 24-hour battery life for music or four hours for video. Available for $149 for 8GB and $199 for 16GB, the updated nano should be on shelves by the weekend. Previously, the nano was available at capacities of 4GB and 8GB.

Photo by Roman Reisenberger

Apple CEO Steve Jobs shows off the company's new iPod Nano at an event in California.

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Also announced was a tweaked iPod touch. It boasts a thinner case (but the same size display), volume controls on the side, a built-in speaker, and an integrated App Store. The three price points are: 8GB for $229, 16GB for $299, and 32GB for $399. The only price drops is with the 8GB touch, which used to sell for $299. For gamers, the iPod touch now offers an App Store complete with some hot titles: Spore Origins, Scrabble and Real Football 2009, to name a few. And some icing on the cake is integration with Nike + iPod support. Apple says, "Users simply place the optional Nike + iPod sensor ($19 US) in their Nike + shoe to seamlessly connect with the new iPod touch to track miles run or sync with the latest generation gym equipment." One of the more expected pieces of news concerned iTunes. Once again, Apple is releasing a new version of the popular software. iTunes 8 will feature high-definition TV shows, and signed a deal with NBC to bring back its well-known lineup (in 2007, NBC said it wouldn't renew its contract with iTunes). The Office, 30 Rock, Monk and Battlestar Galactica are all coming back to iTunes. “The return of our shows to iTunes is terrific news for everyone who loves television and the ease and convenience of Apple’s iTunes,” said Jeff Zucker, President and CEO, NBC Universal, in a press statement.

by Roman Reisenberger

Apple's new iPod Nano

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iTunes 8 will also feature a new tool called Genius. This tool recommends song to you when you are listening or searching for artists. Jobs said the Genius bar at the top of iTunes will "let you look at anything graphically in little tiles." On stage, Jobs listened to John Mayer, clicked the Genius button and the tool automatically made a playlist consisting of similar artists -- Journey, James Blunt, The Fray. According to a press statement,

When you turn on iTunes 8’s new Genius feature, information about your music library is anonymously sent to the iTunes Store, where it is combined with the anonymously-gathered knowledge from millions of other iTunes users and processed through Apple-developed algorithms.

The Genius function will also be integrated in the new iPod nanos and iTouch devices. Still in the music realm, Apple released in-ear headphones retailing for $79. The white phones offer two drivers each, a woofer and a tweeter, and include three earbuds to ensure a good fit. The headphones will be available in October. Finally, Apple announced an iPhone firmware update. Jobs said the update will improve battery life, ensure fewer dropped calls, and promise faster backups. The update will be available on Friday.