Apple is boasting new iPod nano and iPod touch models with functions first-generation iPod buyers probably never saw coming. But are the new bells and whistles enough to sell the next generation of Apple’s market-leading MP3 players?
Apple started the iPod frenzy by introducing the fourth-generation iPod nano earlier this week. It’s the thinnest iPod ever with a design that centers on a curved aluminum and glass enclosure. The new nano comes in nine colors and incorporates Apple’s Genius technology, a one-click feature that automatically creates playlists from songs in a user’s music library that complement each other.
The new iPod nano also features an enhanced user interface, a high-resolution portrait display and a built-in accelerometer that automatically switches to Cover Flow when rotated and automatically goes into Shuffle mode when lightly shaken. The new iPod nano gives users up to 24 hours of music playback or four hours of video playback between charges and is available worldwide in an 8GB model for $149 and a 16GB model for $199.
“The iPod nano is the world’s most popular music player and we’ve made it even better for this holiday season,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We think users are going to love the amazing new design, the automatic Genius playlist creation, as well as automatically going into Cover Flow with just a turn of the wrist.”
Touching the Next Generation
Apple also introduced the second-generation iPod touch with a thin contoured metal design, a 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, and a laundry list of features to attract new customers.
The iPod touch offers 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking, integrated volume control buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, a built-in accelerometer and other advanced sensors, and, of course, Apple’s multi-touch user interface. The 8GB iPod touch is priced at $229.
“iPod touch is the funnest iPod…