Category Archives: iPods/iTunes

Apple’s Digital Media Circus …

Apple releases iTunes 10.5.2

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iTunes 10Apple has released a new version of iTunes for Macintosh and Windows computers. In addition to miscellaneous security patches, iTunes 10.5.2 includes several improvements for iTunes Match and fixes an audio distortion problem when playing or importing certain CDs.

Last month, Apple issues iTunes 10.5.1 which gave customers (US only at this point) the option to subscribe to iTunes Match – a $25/year service offering cloud-based matching and upload of users’ complete iTunes libraries (not just the stuff you originally purchased from iTunes) … available via Software Update as well as direct download …

iTunes 10.5.2 (also available via Software Update) for the Mac requires Mac OS X 10.5, QuickTime 7.6, and Safari 4.0.3 or later. No Tiger 10.4 support.

iOS 4.1 Released for iPhone / iPod Touch

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iOS 4.1 with HDR Photo TechnologyThe Apple iOS 4.1 update, announced last week by Steve Jobs, is now available owners of the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, plus the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod Touch.

In addition to overall performance improvements (especially for owners of the iPhone 3G), iOS 4.1 also adds:

  • HDR Photography – automatically combines multiple exposures into a single HDR image for greater clarity and color richness.
  • Direct HD Video Uploads – via Wi-Fi to MobileMe and YouTube.
  • Game Center – social gaming environment. Find friends or auto-match to other players with similar skills to play multiplayer games. Track achievements and compare high scores.
  • iTunes TV Show Rentals – enabled. Rent and stream television episodes directly to your iPhone or iPod Touch for 99 cents/episode.
  • iTunes Ping – access to Apple new social music environment in iTunes.

Relatedly, Apple has also released the iPhone Configuration Utility 3.0 for both Mac OS X and Windows. The release adds support for new Mobile Device Management (MDM) features introduced in iOS4 as well as enables wireless delivery of configuration profiles. Apple highly recommends updating for those business and enterprise managers responsible for company devices running iOS 4.0 or later.

Apple slims down iPod Touch

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Apple iPod TouchToday, 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.

iPod nanos redesigned .. again

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iPod nano

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.

iPod Shuffle brings back the wheel

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iPod Shuffle - 4th GenerationAs part of the Apple’s iPod overhaul today, the iPod Shuffle has been redesigned again The new form factor is reminiscent of the 3rd generation “clip-on” models and brings back the click wheel interface.

Available in five colors, the new Shuffles retain the VoiceOver feature which vocally tells the user the Artist name a song, playlist options, and battery status. The new lines now adds the popular Genius Playlist feature.

Price remain unchanged at $49.00 with a 2 Gb capacity with up to 15 hours of battery life.

The new iPod Shuffle can be pre-ordered immediately with the players expected to ship beginning next week.