Apple has released a new version of iTunes for Macintosh and Windows computers. iTunes 10 incorporates a number of new features including Ping, a new social networking component. Ping allows users to follow major recording artists and friends, see concert dates, share favorite song/video samples, and other social activities directly within the iTunes application.
Other changes include:
- Revised List View which will show album cover art if the user owns five or more songs from the same album (takes up no additional screen space.
- AirTunes becomes AirPlay which allows users to stream video and photos as well as music from a Mac or Windows computer to other devices on the network.
- Syncing now includes real-time capacity bar and overall streamlining improvements.
- Misc stability and performance enhancements.
On the iTunes retail side, users can now rent ABC and Fox TV HD episodes for only 99 cents each (formerly $2.99 purchase-to-own). Other networks/studios are expected to follow.
iTunes 10/Mac requires Mac OS X 10.5, QuickTime 7.6, and Safari 4.0.3 or later. End of the line for Tiger 10.4 support.
Today, Apple announced a completely revised and rethought Apple TV. The new device has evolved into essentially a streaming hub, pulling content directly from the iTunes Store, networked computers, YouTube, Flickr, and (in a surprise) Netflix.
Measuring just 3.9″ x 3.9″ x 0.9″, the tiny device has HDMI and 100/1000 Ethernet ports, plus is wi-fi capable. The Apple Remote is also included.
Once connected, Apple TV will allow users to rent HD movies and television shows directly from the iTunes Store. Purchase-to-own iTunes content – movies/TV/music/podcasts – can be streamed from a networked Mac or Windows computer. Photos stored on computers can also be streamed to the Apple TV in a variety of slideshow presentation formats.
In addition, subscribers to the Netflix streaming service will also be able to access their accounts, check queues, and stream movies and television shows via Apple TV.
The new Apple TV is expected to begin shipping by the end of September at the cost of $99.00.
Today, Apple revamped its iPod Touch devices. The new line is thinner, adds the 960 x 640 ultra-sharp Retina Display found on the iPhone 4, and includes front and back cameras. Basically, it’s an iPhone4 without the phone part.
Like the iPhone 4, the new iPod Touch line can now take advantage of Apple’s FaceTime video communication application (wi-fi only), shoot HD video, and edit video via the iMovie app (sold separately).
Three capacities are available: 8 Gb ($229.00), 32 Gb ($299.00), and 64 Gb ($399.00).
The players can be pre-ordered immediately with units expected to ship next week.
The Apple iPod Nano has been redesigned once again. Now measuring just 1.48 inches high, 1.61 inches wide, and only 0.35 inches thick, the new form factor eliminates the hardware click wheel in favor of an iPhone-esque multi-touch control system accessed via its 240 x 240 LED display.
The result is the latest iPod nanos are 46% smaller and 42% lighter than the previous generation. The units do retain hardware buttons for sleep/wake and volume controls as well as a new built-in clip similar to the iPod Shuffle.
iPod nanos come in two capacities: 8 Gb ($149.00) and 16 Gb ($179.00), last up to 24 hours on a full charge, and are available in six colors. The players can be pre-ordered immediately with units expected to ship next week.
Posted in iPods/iTunes
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Tagged iPod nano
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