Official: New iPods, Apple TV and More
01/09/10 17:02
Today’s Apple event lived up to its hype...for the most part. The iPod line was completely updated (minus the iPod Classic), a new version of iTunes announced which includes Apple’s own social media support called “Ping,” preview of iOS 4.2 for iPhone and iPad, and the new Apple TV.
Starting with the iPod shuffle, Jobs introduced a device that looked much like the 2nd generation shuffle that’s slightly smaller. It has a round click wheel, voice over and playlist capability, and a clip. More exciting though is the new iPod Nano. Similar in shape to the shuffle, it looses all physical buttons in place of a multitouch screen. You can swipe, rotate and scroll through lists on this square shaped device. It also has a clip for those who want to use it while working out.
But it was the iPod Touch that stole the show. Even thinner than the previous model, the new Touch has a front facing camera to video chat with other iPhone 4s and iPods, an HD video recording camera on the rear, high resolution retina display, and the new “Game Center” app for social gaming. With the inclusion of the camera, the iPod Touch is now truly an “iPhone without the phone.”
Also updated was the Apple TV. The physical box is now smaller and has a matte black finish. The real change though, comes in how content is played. There is no internal storage (unlike the previous model with 160GB), instead all the content is streamed to the device. You can even stream content that’s on your Mac, iPhone or iPad to the Apple TV. It now supports Netflix for HD streaming and movies can be rented for $4.99 and cheaper.
The rumors had put the new Apple TV on a pedestal that wasn’t quite reached. Features that were expected included Apple TV running iOS, the ability to install apps from the App Store, and Hulu support. While those features remain absent, networks ABC and FOX will offer TV shows for 99¢. These will be rent only and can be streamed instantly rather than downloaded.
Jobs also gave us a preview of iOS 4.2, available in November, which will include wireless printing from the iPad. Overall, many of the rumors were true, but sadly Apple TV is not in the position to take over cable TV anytime soon. With the prospect of additional TV networks signing up to rent shows at 99¢, Apple TV may become more than a “hobby” for Apple in the future.
Source: www.Apple.com
Also updated was the Apple TV. The physical box is now smaller and has a matte black finish. The real change though, comes in how content is played. There is no internal storage (unlike the previous model with 160GB), instead all the content is streamed to the device. You can even stream content that’s on your Mac, iPhone or iPad to the Apple TV. It now supports Netflix for HD streaming and movies can be rented for $4.99 and cheaper.
The rumors had put the new Apple TV on a pedestal that wasn’t quite reached. Features that were expected included Apple TV running iOS, the ability to install apps from the App Store, and Hulu support. While those features remain absent, networks ABC and FOX will offer TV shows for 99¢. These will be rent only and can be streamed instantly rather than downloaded.
Jobs also gave us a preview of iOS 4.2, available in November, which will include wireless printing from the iPad. Overall, many of the rumors were true, but sadly Apple TV is not in the position to take over cable TV anytime soon. With the prospect of additional TV networks signing up to rent shows at 99¢, Apple TV may become more than a “hobby” for Apple in the future.
Source: www.Apple.com
