Live coverage of Apple Special Event: Updated (not new) iPods, nanos, shuffle; iTunes 7, movies and 'one last thing'
September 12, 2006 | by Staff
 Speaking to a capacity crowd of about 750 invited journalists and guests. Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced updated iPods with brighter screens, more games and bigger hard drives -- but not, so far at least, the much-anticipated widescreen iPod with touch-screen and Bluetooth wireless capabilities.
New iPods have ability for gapless playback (Chris Breen will love this.)
Also announced is an update iPod nano line, now made from aluminum to be more scratch resistant. And "we're bringing back colors," announced Jobs -- silver, blue, green pink and black, with different color availability depending on the capacity of the nano.
The new iPods come in 30GB and 80GB versions selling for $249 and $349 respectively. The nanos range from $149 for a 2GB model to $249 for 8GB.
Also unveiled was a new iPod shuffle, even smaller than the original. It's also made of aluminum and comes with a built-in clip. Jobs says "wearability" has been very important for the shuffle.
The iTunes Music Store hits version 7, with separate sections for different kinds of media: TV, movies, music, podcasts and radio. iTMS will provide free album art if your missing it (ripped your own CDs.)
TV shows are quadrupled in size to 640 x 480 (double the height plus double the width) in h264. New view for iTunes Library lets you flip through your album cover artwork, like physically flipping through a selection.
You can sync one iPod with multiple computers as long as they are authorized. More sophisticated iPod updating "get me the 10 most recent unwatched TV shows."
One more thing...movies.
Lists names of studios. Sounds like a lot until you realize they are all Disney-owned. Starting with 75 films, more to come.
Multiple pricing structure. New movies $14.99 ($2 off if you pre-order or buy during first week); Most other titles $9.99.
"Near-DVD" quality (same encoding as TV shows). About 30 minutes to download a movie with a 5Mb broadband connection. U.S. now; hopes to go International in 2007. Parental controls for MPAA ratings; same usage rights as TV shows (so no burning to disc); available for download on the same day the DVD is released.
iTunes 7 available now as a free download.
Disney's Bob Iger (who now sort of works for Steve) takes the stage and recaps. "Great partnership," "killer app," etc.
What's after "One more thing?" Apparently "One last thing -- a sneak peak"
Q1 2007 "completes the story." You'll be able to take content to your TV. (Rumored "TubeCast?") Wireless set-top box. Like a Mac mini -- working name (not final) iTV (El Gato will be relieved.) Half the size of a mini with built-in power supply USB, Ethernet, 802.11 "wireless component video," HDMI and RCA and optical audio. Works with Apple remote. Works like souped-up FrontRow. Can receive content from the Internet (Apple-controlled, apparently): trailers, iTunes Store content. iTV (or whatever is winds up being called) will cost $299 and work with Macs or PCs.
Jobs: Apple is now in your "den, livingroom, car, pocket" (Good point.)
Event closes with a live musical performance by John Legend.
[Thanks to additional coverage from around the web, including MacCentral, iLounge and Engadget.]
|
