New iPods and Apple TV Announced Today
Today Apple announced a new line of iPods as well as an update to it’s Apple TV line.
The new iPods feature an upgraded iPod Shuffle, which looks like a previous shuffle. They’ve added buttons back to the shuffle. The shuffle features 15 hours of battery life, 2 gigabytes of storage, and Voice Over in 25 different languages.
The new iPod Nano loses the video camera and reduces screen size. The new Nano adds a touch screen and iPhone-like icons and navigation. The new Nano cannot playback video now. But at 3cm square screen, not sure if watching video on it would be of much use. The new Nano is available in six colors, has an FM radio built-in, and a touch screen. The Nano’s battery life is up to 24-hours of music and is available in 8 gigabyte or 16 gigabyte models. Pricing starts at $149.
The new iPod Touch has added front and rear camera’s,, Retina display, and the A4 processor. The new Touch can record HD video as well as make FaceTime calls. Battery life is quoted to be up to 40 hours for audio and 7 hours for video playback. Three capacities are available—16 gigabytes, 32 gigabytes, and 64 gigabytes.
Apple TV was upgraded as well and has new new lower price at $99. Apple TV runs iOS 4, comes with a remote control, WiFi built in, and the A4 processor. The new Apple TV can stream video from your Mac or PC, iPhone, iPod Touch to your HDTV (os 4.1 will be required). The days of syncing iTunes and Apple TV are over in this model. All media is streamed to the device. Apple TV is 720p only nad has Dolby 5.1 surround audio. Also will have Netflix streaming (Netflix account required). You can use the supplied remote or the remote app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch to navigate and control the Apple TV.
iTunes 10 with social intergration was also announced as well as iOS 4.1. iOS 4.2 was previewed.
Apple to Live Stream Event Today
Apple will be live streaming it’s event today starting at 10 am pacific time.
Just go to Apple.com for the feed. Oh yeah, it only works on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or a Mac. According to Apple, “Viewing requires either a Mac running Safari on Mac OS X version 10.6 Snow Leopard, an iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 3.0 or higher, or an iPad.”
XBox Live Price Increase November 1st
The price hike is starting November 1st! So if you are a Live subscriber get ready to be a little lighter in the pocket.
The price increase is for the US, Canada, and Mexico. The monthly rate is increasing to $9.99 from $7.99. Three months will go up to $24.99 from $19.99. And the yearly rate increasing to $59.99 from $49.99.
The rate increase is likely due to ESPN, Kinect, and Windows Phone 7 coming soon.
Roku Dropping Prices by $30
Roku just dropped the prices on its SD, HD, and HD XR boxes to $59.99, $69.99 and $99.99 respectively. That’s $30 bucks off!
Not a bad deal for streaming netflix, MLB.TV, Pandora, Amazon Video on Demand and more.
Of course don’t forget that Apple might announce a new Apple TV September 1st at their annual event. Which may be the reason for these price drops!
1 TB External Hard Drive for $49.99
MacMall.com has an offer for a 1 TB external hard drive for $49.99 after mail in rebate. Might be worth looking at if you are in the market for a new external hard drive.
New Wi-Fi Only Kindle for $139
Amazon has announced it’s newest Kindle to the e-reader family. It will be a Wi-Fi only Kindle for $139. Pre-Orders are available now at Amazon.com. Available starting August 27th according to Amazon.com.
The newest Kindle features a few upgrades over the previous generation including, all new, high-contrast e-ink screen, improved fonts which are darker and more crisp, 21% smaller body, 17% lighter weighing in at 8.5 ounces. Battery life is claimed to be up to 1 month on a single charge, if you turn off wireless. 4 GB of storage (about 3,500 books). 20% faster page turns, a new Webkit-based browser, and enhanced PDF reader round out the list of enhancements.
Of course Amazon is still selling it’s popular 3G model which includes 3G + Wi-Fi for $189. As well as the Kindle DX for $379.
The new lower price undercuts the recent price drop on Barnes and Nobel’s Nook e-reader. Only by $10, but still Amazon’s is cheaper. Both are very nice, quality devices.
You can now choose between white or graphite colors as well on the Kindle. Anyone going to pick up the lower priced Kindle for $139? Seems like a great deal at this price!
