Apple’s latest event just wrapped up. Here is a summary of what Steve Jobs had to show off today:
- It all started with a quick recap of where iTunes store is at today: Over 3 billion songs sold and iTunes is the #1 music store in over 20 countries. Its music catalog now includes over 6 million songs.
- A new version of the iTunes software will be out tonight. Ringtones will now be available through the iTunes store for US$0.99. It will also let you make custom ringtones from iTunes songs. Ringtones should start to appear on the store starting next week.
- The iPod shuffle is getting some new colours: maroon, silver, purple, teal and light green as well as a Product (RED) version (US$79) but capacity will remain at 1GB.
- A new iPod nano was introduced in 4GB (US$149) and 8GB (US$199) versions. As expected, it is shorter and wider than current one. It will also come with a brighter 2-inch screen capable of 320×240 screen (204ppi). It features a revamped interface, Coverflow and three games. The 4GB version will come in silver while the 8GB version will be available in a number of colours, including a Product (RED) version.
- The hard drive-based iPods have also been revamped and renamed to iPod Classic. The form factor is pretty much the same but they will come in 80GB (US$249) or 160GB (US$359) capacities. They are also moving up to an all-metal enclosure.
- A new iPod was also unveiled. The much-anticipated iPod touch has the same form factor as the iPhone but is only 8mm thick! It comes with a 3.5-inch touchscreen display that goes widescreen when tilted into landscape orientation and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi. In terms of software, Safari, Google and Yahoo! search engines, YouTube are all built-in. Pretty much the iPhone without the phone! Available in 8GB (US$299) and 16GB (US$399) versions.
- The iTunes store will support purchases over the air. The new iTunes WiFi Music Store will let you purchase a song (same price) and download it directly to your iPod and later, synchronize it back it to your iTunes collection. The iPhone will also support this functionality (likely via a software update) in the near future.
- Apple also announced a new partnership with Starbucks. When near or in a Starbucks hotspot, an extra icon will appear on your iPod, letting you see what songs played recently and letting you purchase any of them. You will also have access to browse the iTunes Music Store (but no other sites). The rollout will take years though.
- Apple is eliminating the 4GB iPhone and reducing the price of the 8GB version to US$399. Current stock of the 4GB version will be sold off at US$299.
Sounds like Apple is in good shape for the holiday season!