Apple simplifies iPod lineup

[Bellamy]

Apple simplifies iPod lineup, adds color screens to all full-size iPods

 

As anticipated, Apple today announced that it is merging its iPod and iPod photo lines, dropping the “photo” naming and adding color screens to all full-size (white) iPod models.

 

The simplified lineup features a new 20GB color screen model for $299 (the same price as the older monochrome version), a 60GB model for $399 ($50 cheaper), and an updated iPod U2 Special Edition with a color screen for $329 ($20 cheaper). The company has apparently dropped the 30GB iPod photo model, which sold for $349.

 

Apple also said that starting today iPods will offer “an easy to use Podcast menu, including bookmarking within a Podcast and the ability to display Podcast artwork in color” to coincide with the release of iTunes 4.9.

 

Unsurprisingly, all of the new full-size iPod models support the photo and album artwork features of the previous iPod photo models, allowing users to view their photo library on the iPod’s screen or on a TV. Apple said the new 20GB iPod holds up to 20,000 photos, compared to the 60GB version which holds up to 25,000. Both can import photos from a digital camera with the optional iPod Camera Connector.

Apple releases iTunes 4.9, featuring podcast downloads

 

As widely expected, Apple has today released iTunes 4.9 for Mac and Windows, the first version of the popular music management software to include built-in support for downloading of podcasts.

 

As described by the company, “With iTunes 4.9, you can now browse and subscribe to podcasts from within the iTunes Music Store. Podcasts are frequently updated radio-style shows downloadable over the Internet. You can also transfer podcasts to iPod, for listening on the go.”

 

Apple has also launched a “Publish Podcasts to the Music Store” information page for submitting your own podcast RSS feed for consideration.

 

Update: Apple has now officially announced the new version of iTunes, saying it is “taking Podcasting mainstream” by offering “everything users need to discover, subscribe, manage and listen to Podcasts.”

 

The company said the new Podcast Directory in iTunes 4.9 features over 3,000 free audio programs, with content from ABC News, Adam Curry, BBC, Clear Channel, The Dawn and Drew Show, Disney, Engadget, ESPN, Newsweek and NPR member stations such as KCRW in Los Angeles and WGBH in Boston.

Apple quietly cuts 1GB iPod shuffle price

 

In addition to its bigger announcements of iTunes 4.9 and its new color screen iPod lineup, Apple today quietly dropped the price of the 1GB iPod shuffle to $129, from $149.

 

The price cut is seen as a move to boost sales and distance the device away from the lower-end iPod mini model. It is widely believed that the 1GB iPod shuffle model was not a big seller due to its close pricing to that of the $199 4GB iPod mini, despite lacking several of the mini’s features.

iPod Updater 2005-06-26 released

 

Apple has now released iPod Updater 2005-06-26, which include iPod Software 1.2 for “iPod with color display,” iPod software 3.1 for iPod with Click Wheel and iPod software 1.4 for iPod mini. The company said the update contains the same software versions as iPod Updater 2005-03-23 for all other iPod models. According to the brief release notes, iPod Updater 2005-06-26 adds integration with iTunes 4.9 for downloading and listening to podcasts.

[Kye]

I got the new 20GB color!

[Clari]

I got the new 20GB color! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You DID!? I'm so jealous!! What are/did you gonna do with the mini?

 

I think I'm gonna keep my 20GB monochrome for now, I've had it for almost a year. I wish there could be trade-ins or something.

 

PodCasts are cool, I download Adam Curry's sometimes. I need to upgrade my firmware and iTunes. *lazy*

[Kye]

I got the new 20GB color! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You DID!? I'm so jealous!! What are/did you gonna do with the mini?

 

I think I'm gonna keep my 20GB monochrome for now, I've had it for almost a year. I wish there could be trade-ins or something.

 

PodCasts are cool, I download Adam Curry's sometimes. I need to upgrade my firmware and iTunes. *lazy*

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I brought my mini back and said i wasn't happy with it..LOL ..they didn't even look to see if everything was there

[Bellamy]

I brought my mini back and said i wasn't happy with it..LOL ..they didn't even look to see if everything was there   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

good custome service.

[Clari]

I brought my mini back and said i wasn't happy with it..LOL ..they didn't even look to see if everything was there   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

DANG! That's awesome! No more freckled mini!

[Koolan]

I brought my mini back and said i wasn't happy with it..LOL ..they didn't even look to see if everything was there   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've returned many eleectronics in the past, those people didn't even bother to check if everything's there. I could easily put bricks in the box.