During yesterday's 2007 Macworld keynote address, Steve Jobs unveiled the Apple iPhone.
The iPhone combines three products into one small and lightweight handheld device:
- Revolutionary mobile phone
- Widescreen iPod with touch controls
- Breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching
The iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface, based on a large multi-touch display and software that lets you control everything with just your fingers.
Hot on the heels of last month's 4GB iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition, Apple Computer today announced the immediate availability of an 8GB (PRODUCT) RED iPod nano.
Specs are identical to the prior version, except for the 8GB storage capacity (which holds up to 2,000 songs).
Now you can get your new 8GB nano in red or black for $249. Each (PRODUCT) RED purchase contributes $10 to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.
Apple has (quietly!) updated its iPod U2 Special Edition to bring it in line with the current “enhanced” fifth-generation (5G) iPod.
The price of the U2 iPod was also cut — from $329 to $279 — to reflect the newly-lowered price of the standard 30GB 5G iPods (tho the U2 is still priced $30 more than the regular 30GB model).
The new black-and-red model has been entirely revamped, including updated firmware, 3.5 hours of video playback, video games, support for 640x480 videos and Quick Scroll, and a brighter screen.
During yesterday's San Francisco press event, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that, "70 percent of the new cars sold in the US offer iPod connectivity as an option."
Note that this is up from the 40% of 2006 autos with connectivity announcement at the MacWorld keynote this past January.
Earlier this year, Apple announced Ford, GM, and Mazda had agreed to offer integration on most of their vehicles.
Also announced at Apple's "It's Showtime" event in San Francisco yesterday, was the new 2nd generation iPod nano.
Along with a thinner design, five stylish colors, and a 40% brighter display, you can get a 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB (up to 2,000 songs!). Apple promises 24-hour battery life on a single charge.
TINY, TINY!
The nano is a hint thinner than the prior version because its sides are now rounded off, similar to the iPod mini. The new packaging is also much smaller.
THE CONTROLS
The unit’s click wheel center button is now concave rather than convex, making it harder to accidentally press the buttons in your pocket. The center buttons match the color and texture of the iPod nano metal casing.
Apple has announced a revision of the "fifth-generation iPod" that now comes in 30GB and 80GB capacities.
While cosmetically similar to the video iPods released last October, they get 3 major hardware upgrades: capacity, superior battery life, and brightness (60% better).
INTERFACE UPGRADES
As with the new iPod nano, the 5G iPod has gained an advanced search menu, which lets you dial in alphabetical letters using the click wheel to look at your entire iPod media library for whatever you want to find.
The new 2nd generation iPod shuffle was introduced at Apple's "It's Showtime" event in San Francisco yesterday.
1GB iPod shuffle lets you wear up to 240 songs with a cool rear alligator-style clip for easy attachment to your clothes (or wherever you wish). It also includes Apple's new headphones and a new iPod shuffle dock.
THE LOOK
The new shuffle is lighter in weight and in size.
The face of the new iPod shuffle has a five-button ring that looks like iPod nano and 5G Click Wheels - except all you only get volume, track, and play/pause controls.
Apple announced that it has teamed with Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Mazda to deliver seamless iPod® integration across the majority of their brands and models.
Seamless iPod integration also allows drivers to use their car’s multifunction controls to select their music using artist, album, playlist or shuffle songs, as well as to easily skip between tracks and playlists.
This will make it easy for iPod users to enjoy and control their iPod’s high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system. With the addition of these models, more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration. Ford, General Motors and Mazda will support iPod connectivity in nearly all of their new models.
Apple introduced a new 1GB iPod nano for $149 and knocked $30 off iPod shuffles.
nano news
The new lower-capacity nano, which holds up to 240 songs or 15,000 photos is available immediately.
It offers the same features and form factor as the current 2GB and 4GB models, and is available in black or white.
All iPod nano models include earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, case and a CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows computers.
If the foot traffic through the Macworld Auto Show were any indicator, I would have to say that iPod car integration is on many iPod owners' minds.
The Auto Show featured six cars decked out with various levels iPod integration solutions, from simple FM transmitters to complete custom installs. There was a steady flow of people checking out all of the solutions.
Products and cars featured at the Auto Show included...
