Apple Spruces Up iPods, iTunes; Prunes prices, and fixes for iPhone 3G

Apple unveiled significant updates to iPods (Click on the image at right for a closer look) and the iTunes store at its "Let's Rock" event in San Francisco. These include a slimmer, greener Nano with a larger display, a slimmer Touch with a built-in speaker, and a revamped iTunes that adds a cool new music-search feature and the ability to download HD programming. There's also a firmware update for iPhone 3G users that promises to fix dropped calls and other problems reported by its users. Many of the products are available today; others will roll out over the next few weeks. We'll be reporting on these new models and features as they roll through our labs over the next few days. In the meantime, here's what we know now:

iTunes 8.0. With this update, iTunes' 65 million customers will be able to download and view high-definition programming on their computers and Apple TV. Shows in HD will cost $1 more than those in standard definition. What remains to be seen, besides the purported improvement in quality, is how long it will take to download such shows. Also new is Genius, a search feature that takes its cue from Internet radio stations by seeking out songs from similar-sounding artists. How it works: While you're listening to a song that you like on your iPod or iTunes, pushing the Genius button will send it scanning your library for  25 to 100 songs from like-sounding artists. Of course, Genius will also make recommendations from the iTunes store, as well. Genius is available to all iTunes and iPod users who install the free update.

iPhone 2.1. Since the iPhone 3G's June debut, some users have been complaining about dropped calls, shorter-than-promised battery life, and slow downloads over the 3G network. Until now, neither Apple nor AT&T have accepted responsibility for these problems. Today, Apple announced a firmware update, available Friday, that will address these and other issues.

The Nano. The Nano (Click on image at left for a closer look) received the most radical updates in the iPod line. New Nanos now offer twice the storage for the same prices as the old models: $149 for an 8GB Nano (2,000 songs), and $200 for a 16GB version (4,000 songs). Measuring 3.6 inches high by 1.5 inches wide by 0.24 inches thick, they're noticeably taller, narrower, and thinner than the Nanos they're replacing. The display is also taller the same size (2 in. diag.), though tilted on its side no doubt to accommodate the growing number of videos shot in the wide-screen format. Their new oval shape (when viewed from the top) makes them appear sleeker and even thinner. Other improvements:

• A built-in accelerometer. Borrowed from the Touch and iPhone, it automatically rotates the screen when you turn the Nano on its side. For the first time, Nano users will be able to experience "cover-flow" effect when perusing their library.
• Shake to shuffle. This new feature lets you shuffle songs by shaking the player. Hopefully, it won't do that while you're jogging.
• Eco-friendly. Apple claims its new Nano is also more environmentally friendly because it contains no mercury, brominated fire retardants (BFRs), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or arsenic. Too bad Apple didn't think of adding a replaceable battery—a move that would make it easier for people to hold on to their Nanos—and keep them out of landfills—even longer.
• Built-in microphone recording. The new Nano (and iPod Classic) become the first iPods with voice recording (when you use an optional headset, available later).
• Longer playback time (claimed): 24 hours for music, 4 for video.

The Touch. Measuring 4.1 inches high by 2.4 inches wide by 0.33 inches thick, the new Touches are slightly thinner than the previous versions—especially along their more-rounded edges. (Click on the image at right for a closer look.) Also new is a built-in speaker, which finally allows you to enjoy games, videos, and other multimedia without being tethered to a headset (a pleasure once reserved for iPhone users). The new models are also easier on the wallet: $229 for the 8GB model (1,750 songs), $299 for the 16GB model (3,500 songs), and $399 for the 32GB model (7,000 songs). That puts the 8GB and 16GB models in line with iPhones of similar capacities, which cost $199 and $299 with a two-year contract from AT&T.

The iPod Classic. Now there's now only one: a 120GB model (30,000 songs) stuffed into the same case as the old 80GB model, with the same $250 price tag.(Click on the image at left for a closer look.)

Hi-Fi Headsets. In October, Apple will roll out in-ear headsets that'll sell for $79. They'll have two drivers each—a woofer and tweeter—instead of the usual one.

—Mike Gikas

Comments

[Michael Gikas]

Dear James,

It seems the trouble may be out-of-date drivers:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1701063&tstart=0

Stay tuned...

Mike Gikas

[Michael Gikas]

Dear Chris:

You're right. Thanks for setting the record straight.

--Mike Gikas

[Chris]

Theres no such thing as a "itunes site" LAst years nano had cover flow and the nano wont shuffle when your jogging. It will only change if you shake it hard.

I thought you guys were a review site and yet you dont review that much given you made 3 mistakes

oh you said external speaker on the video and here you said bulit in speaker. make up your mind. You said the touch is the same size, on video and thinner on this page

Yopu people need to get these things right the fist time...

[James P]

The new iTouch software and I-Tunes upgrade is causing havoc amongst many PC (Vista) users who are finding that the software is not compatable with their other USB devices, such as a printer or camera. Connecting an I-Touch with a printer or camera attaached is causing a BSOD for many users. Nice!!

[red]

I'm pretty certain the iPod Nano does NOT come with a microphone built in. There is a voice recording app included, but you'd need the new headphones with a mic in them.