The new iPod lineup
The first device announced was the fourth-generation iPod nano - the thinnest iPod to date - available in 8GB and 16GB models, priced at $149.99 and $199.99, respectively.
It features a curved aluminium design, and is available in a rainbow of colours - though, the traditional iPod white is strangely missing. New features include "Genius", automatic switching from landscape to portrait thanks to a built-in accelerometer, and Shake to Shuffle - which, as you might have guessed, allows users to switch to another song by shaking the device.
Apple states that the built-in lithium-ion battery offers up to 24 hours of music playback, and up to 4 hours video.
It's thin, sure, but far from revolutionary and the design - despite the near-luminous colours - is almost beginning to look a little tired.
Up next, the new-and-improved iPod touch, available in three models - 8GB for $229, 16GB for $299, and 32GB for $399. With the touch, Jobs really got going and declared the device to be "the funnest iPod ever".
It provides a revamped design, including hardware volume controls housed on the handset's side, a built-in speaker for simple playback, and a built-in Nike+ receiver. All welcome additions to an already impressive device.
Genius, again, is readily available and battery life is quoted at 36 hours for music and 6 hours for video. But what makes it the funnest iPod ever? Well, Jobs bullishly states that the new iPod touch is "the best portable device for playing games". Helping demonstrate were live demos of titles such as Spore and Need for Speed Underground, but the reasonable graphics coupled with awkward controls make Jobs' claims seem too far fetched.
So, we've two somewhat interesting new iPods, but what else is on offer?
Keeping in tune with iPod developments, Apple has revealed that the 160GB iPod classic is now discontinued, and the 80GB model is replaced with a new 120GB offering - now the only iPod classic available. The device goes head-to-head with Microsoft's Zune, and offers the same storage capacity.
Switching to the iPhone, Jobs announced that firmware 2.1 would arrive this Friday September 12th. The update promises fewer dropped calls, improved battery life, and vastly-quicker backups.
Aside from a few additional iPod accessories, that was just about all that Apple had to offer. Perhaps we're being harsh, and the new iPods are welcome additions to the world's most popular portable-media range, but with Apple events receiving so much hype, it's difficult not to be left slightly underwhelmed.
Offiical press releases
Apple Announces iTunes 8
Apple Introduces New iPod nano
Apple Introduces New iPod touch
