Apple announces new iPods and iTunes

You may or may not be aware, but today Apple announced a number of updates to their music products with hardware and software upgrades that are sure to keep Apple ahead of the pack when it comes to portable music and video players.  The updates were announced at Apple’s scheduled event in San Francisco with Steve Jobs (Apple’s CEO back on deck after a liver transplant).  The upgrades are as follows;

• iPod nano now shoots video.  Yes the rumours were right!  The new iPod nano lineup now comes with a video camera, a larger screen and FM radio!  I think the latter feature is kind of a surprise as FM radio tuners are beginning to be phased out, but nonetheless a welcome addition.  iPod nano also adds a pedometer.  You can find more information and a full list of features on the iPod nano directly from the Apple website here.
• iTunes is now version 9. You either like it or hate it, but iTunes goes hand in hand with you iPod or iPhone and today comes with many new features including the welcomed feature of Home Sharing allowing you to transfer your music and or movie collection between your home PC’s or Macs.  Amongst other features that are advertised on the Apple’s website here, iTunes has also gone “social” with Facebook and Twitter integration.  So what are you waiting for, download your free iTunes update now.
• iPhone/iPod Touch Software update.  Whilst not a major upgrade to the operating system, 3.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch provides a number of handy enhancements including the ability to organise your applications through iTunes.  You can now drag applications onto virtual home screens through iTunes which once synced will update your iPhone or iPod Touch seamlessly.  This is a welcome addition especially for those that have pages and pages of applications…hmmm sounds like someone I know.  Word of note, you will need to download iTunes version 9 first before the software update becomes available when you plug in your device.  You can download iTunes version 9 from here.  Instructions for updating your device to 3.1 can be found here.
• iPod touch is now cheaper.  The 8GB now starts at A$269 and a 64GB version has been added to the line up at A$549.

In summary, Apple continue to be innovative in the MP3 market, and whilst this event may have been a non-event for many (where is my updated Apple TV and the rumoured Tablet), there are still some worthy upgrades just in time for Christmas.

Below are some pictures from Apple’s Rock & Roll event, September 9, 2009.