Apple releases new iPod Touch and iPod Nano
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.