We made the iPod even smaller

by Kris   ⋅   September 12, 2006   ⋅   Comment now   ⋅    RSS

We made the iMacs bigger (24″) and our iPods smaller! Proudly showcased at our Apple keynote address this morning and glorious web and product push, I can now publicly confirm that we have the goods.

Wow, where do I start? We’ve got scrollwheel games like Tetris and Pacman ($4.99), iPod movies (partnership with Disney so of course we’re offering Pirates of the Caribbean and Cars, new/old sync capabilities, gapless playback (yay for Pink Floyd fans), longer battery life, more memory, brighter display, new earphones, same price. iPod has also “teamed” up with the NFL channel to offer highlights for $1.99/game or $24.99/season.. just in time for kick-off, well, week 2 at least.

The movies will be offered on the iTunes page for preorder and the availability will coincide with actual DVD release. Older titles are also available in the aptly named Library section. We’ve also upped the resolution to 640×480, so it you know, looks really pretty.

The second generation iPod shuffle (pictured above) has a slick aluminum case and built-in clip and it is reportedly the smallest mp3 player in the world at 1.62″ x 1″ and weighing in at half an ounce. The new slogan should be “iPod shuffle. Now even easier to misplace.” It’s 1GB memory fits up to 240 songs and is a cool $79. I actually think the MobiBlue DAH-1500 is cuter, but I’m partial to cubes. The Joybird Coin, Xion Pebble, and the Sony Bean are so cute too; maybe I’m also partial to electronic players that resemble currency, rocks and legumes.

The second generation iPod nano also has a sweet new aluminum case, making it even slimmer than the original. It’s offered in three bright colors (lime, turquoise, fuchsia) and black. Now you can match your hot pink Motorola RAZR or your iPod minis. If you know Apple stuff (and I didn’t even notice until I started working here), premium models are usually black, this one boasting 8GB storage and 24hr battery life. Was that a typo? No, it really has a 24 hour battery life. And it really is only $249. Even the packaging is brand spanking new and completely redesigned for optimum environmental goodness.

There’s also a new iTunes download which offers free album cover art for the nifty new “cover flow” view in case you’re missing any and hate whitespace.

Exciting stuff. Stay tuned for iTV and (possible) iPhone in early 2007.

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