The story so far, from the Apple Music event:
At some point, a video stream of the announcement will be available here.
Upgraded iPods
_60% brighter with brighness control,
_improved battery performance video playback
_new headphones
_cheaper pricing, increased capacity:
$249(30GB), $349(80GB)
Software upgraded:
_new games-Apple partnering with EA, selling games in the iTMS for $4.99
_”instant” searching
New Nanos, in colors, aluminum added
_2, 4, 8 GB capacities
_$149/$199/$249
New iPod shuffles
_Metal, 1GB $79
Also updated, iTunes app/store, with several interface improvements.
_TV shows are now encoded at 640×480 (h264), up from 320×240
_sync between multiple computers using an iPod, as long as both are authorized on the same account
_iPod sync/updating improved
_download manager
“The iTunes Store”:
_content from Disney, Miramax, Pixar, Touchstone
_75 releases today
_$12.99 preorder/first week, 14.99 after
_progressive download (i.e. watch as it downloads)
_640x480 resolution, with Dolby Surround
_movies have same DRM/terms as TV shows-no rentals- supposedly the sticking point with the major Studios.
Announced for 1st. Quarter 2007: iTV
_Wireless, set-top box.
_USB/Ethernet/Wireless connectivity
_optical audio and HDMI
_half the size of the Mac Mini
_works with Apple Remote
_next-gen FrontRow Interface
_access trailers and content from the iTunes Store
_cross-platform compatibility with iTunes
_$299
i think the prices are
30GB $249
80GB $349
According to iLounge, it was 60/80. We’ll have to wait and see.
yay new bigger cheaper ipods!
boo itunes! drm sucks!
gimme emusic baby.
80GB at that price make my mouth water.
sweet new form factor on that shuffle!
I’m about due for an upgrade as I have an 15gb model from the dark ages. I think iPods are great, don’t really know why folks bash them and iTunes. Emusic is a great service too, obviously if you subscribe to Emusic you still need to shop elsewhere for many titles.
640×480 H264 support by my ipod video converter hooks me up even more, great home theater center experience when watching iPod movies in 640×480 (DVD quality).