Today Apple announced two new updates to their iPod line. The new iPod Touch and iPod Nano.
Apple has began marketing the iPod Touch as a “gaming device” and not just an iPod. With prices starting at just $199, it is a great device for those looking for an ipod, personal gaming device, and a handheld computer. Using the new iTunes 3.1, not only can you purchase mp3’s, but you have the ability to purchase movies to play on your iPod Touch.
iPod Touch
8GB $199 – 1,750 songs – 10 hours of video – 10,000 photos – Up to 30 hours of music playback – Up to 6 hours of video playback – iPod touch 3.1 software – Wi-Fi – Bluetooth – Nike + iPod support built in – Built-in speaker – Earphones
32GB $299 – 7,000 songs – 40 hours of video – 40,000 photos – Voice Control – Up to 30 hours of music playback – Up to 6 hours of video playback – iPod touch 3.1 software – Wi-Fi – Bluetooth – Nike + iPod support built in – Built-in speaker – Earphones with Remote and Mic
64GB $399 – 14,000 songs – 80 hours of video – 90,000 photos – Voice Control – Up to 30 hours of music playback – Up to 6 hours of video playback – iPod touch 3.1 software – Wi-Fi – Bluetooth – Nike + iPod support built in – Built-in speaker – Earphones with Remote and Mic
iPod Nano
Apple also announced the new iPod Nano today. The Nano has a new FM tuner that allows you to listen to live radio. The best part about it is that it works like a Tivo. You can pause live radio and rewind up to 15 minutes of saved radio. While listening to the radio, you have the ability to tag a song that later when synced with iTunes you can purchase the mp3 for that song.
Unlike the Touch, the Nano has a new movie camera incorporated into it. You can now take live video for later viewing. It would have been nice to incorporate a still camera into both devices instead of just a video camera.
When reading about the two new devices, I came across an article that when Steve Jobs was asked about why the iPod Touch was not given a still camera, he stated that the users wanted the iPod Touch as a gaming machine and not for a camera. This is why they included a faster processor and video display in the higher-end 32 and 64 GB models.
Personally, if the new iPod Touch had a decent camera (6.0 megapixel or more) and an FM tuner, I would have one sitting in my hands right now. Until then I will be sticking with my iPod classic.