A Slew of New iPod/iTunes Announcements from Apple

Apple Computer held a press conference (of sorts) on September 12 to announce a bevy of new products and services. Among the notable items:

1. Launch of a new iPod Shuffle, which is postage stamp-sized, priced at $79 (1 GB). "How small is too small?" you may ask. This may answer that question--I'm pretty sure I don't want my six year-old daughter losing an $80 postage stamp! The official size is 1.07" x 1.62" x 0.41", and weight is 0.55 ounce, compared with the previous version, which was 3.3" x 0.98" x 0.33", weighing 0.78 ounce. Shuffle pric
   
2. Slightly changed iPod Nano design (rounded corners, slightly thinner and lighter). The Nano is also now available in five colors, including silver, pink, green, and blue. The 8GB Nano is also available in black. The Nano also runs longer on a charge--24 hours vs. 14. Nano pricing is $149 for 2GB, $199 for 4GB, and $249 for 8GB.
   
3. Revamped iPod Video (now known as the iPod 5G), to include 60% brighter screens and drastically improved battery life (a great improvement, as those of us with 5G iPod Video units that run ~1 hour in video mode can attest). Screen size and resolution stays the same. The iPod Video is now available in 30GB and 80GB versions, and the battery life is reported to be 14 hours audio/3.5 video (30GB) and 20 hours audio/6.5 hours video (80GB). Pricing is $249 for 30GB and $349 for 80GB...in terms of dollars per GB, the 80GB iPod 5G is the best deal in Apple history, at just ~$4/GB.
   
4. iTunes Version 7, which includes a new and improved "iTunes Store" that now sells iPod movies and games in addition to TV shows and music. At this time, the only movies for sale on iTunes are Disney movies (no doubt Steve Jobs' position on the Disney board had something to do with that!), and the prices range from $9.99 to $14.99, depending on the movie and when it's purchased. The new iTunes also has an iPod backup feature that will burn directly to CD/DVD--a most welcome addition. iTunes V7 also includes support for "gapless" music, which allows some music, such as classical pieces, to play without silence between tracks.
5. An iPod software update, which no doubt is required primarily for the new iTunes capabilities to work on existing iPods.
   
6. An automatic software update application that will keep iTunes and QuickTime up to date, automatically.
7. iTV, which is a an estimated $299 wireless device that will receive iTunes content and display it on a TV.