Apple has as usual performed a number of launches and announcements at the same event and we’ve already reported about iTunes 7 and its movie service. But now it’s time for the hardware to be updated and that of course means the iPods. Apple namely launched updated versions of its fifth generation iPods, also know as iPod video. The update was not as extensive as many had hoped; I.e. the “real” video iPod. Apple has more or less tuned its iPod series, with a 60 percent brighter display, longer battery time and new earphones. Apple has alos updated the software in the player where games is one of the big news.
The new models of Apple’s iPod family is represented by a 30GB model costing $249 while the flagship boosts 80GB of storage and a price at $349. A nice update but to be honest most people would’ve preferred a real video iPod.
Apple also launched a new version of iPod Nano and just as expected it is a new aluminum design in five different colors. Apple has also doubled the capacity to 2GB, 4GB and 8GB which has been combined with a 40 percent brighter display and an improved battery time at 24 hours. The price is $149 for the 2GB model while the flagship at 8GB costs $249. However, you can’t combine capacity and color any way you like, e.g. the 8GB version is only available in black.
Finally Apple has also introduced a whole new iPod Shuffle and Steve Jobs claims that it is the smallest MP3 player on the market. There is no doubt it’s small though and just as with the previous version Apple has skipped the display. The player has been designed as a small clip and easily be attached to you pants or some other place. The storage is at 1GB and the price $79.
Apple has so updated its entire iPod family and it is pretty clear that it will not give up its already strong position on the market without a fight. At Engadget they’ve also published a couple of hands-on articles about the different iPods to see how much of a difference there is compared to the older versions;
:: Hands-on: iPod, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle
