Apple Thoughts: iPod Lineup Makeover

There were some hits and misses with the rumor mill, so lets get into it and see just what was revealed by the man behind the curtain.

iPod Touch Revamped

Since this was a music event, the upgrades to the iPod lineup were expected, and for the most part didn't disappoint. Let's start with the iPod Touch. The price was dropped on the 8GB model to $199.00 USD, $30 cheaper than before, and the 16GB and 32GB models doubled their memory without an increase in price. The 32GB version is $299.00 USD and the 64GB model is $399.00. According to Apple, the 32GB and 64GB versions are 50% faster and have OpenGL ES 2.0 support.

I'm wondering how not having the camera added now will affect the sales of the new iPod Touch. From all I've read it is an eventuality, they just couldn't get it done for this event. So will "knowing" that the camera is coming affect sales, will people wait even though they really upped the storage capacity? But if you want a camera, you will have to get an iPhone. Unless you get the Nano with video of course.

iPod Nano Gets Video

Image Credit: Apple

Colors, colors and more colors. 9 colors to choose from with the new iPod Nano, and each one has a nifty video camera in the back. From my understanding, it is video only with a built in mic and not photo capable, and with a larger 2.2 inch screen. The video is supposed to be the same as the iPhone 3GS video. They also added the Nike + capability without requiring the external receiver. This is nice for those that use this feature, less to get in the way, why make working out even more of a workout right? Also new is the built in FM radio, that has a tagging feature so that when you hear a song you like you can tag it and check it out in the iTunes store later. While I like the tagging feature, not sure I'd get much use out of it or the FM radio. I have to admit the pausing feature they have included is a nice add on if you do use the FM radio.

The system software now allows the Nano added functionality with the revamp of iTunes 9, such as the Genius Mixes. VoiceOver control as well as the Voice Recorder application are part of the mix as well. The Nano was the big change in the iPod lineup, pretty much a complete overhaul. The 8GB sells for $149.00 USD and the 16GB goes for $179.00 USD (20 dollars less than it used to be), both available now. Check out the new ad, see how you like it, the tune is quite catchy.

iPod Shuffle and Classic Versions Weren't Forgotten

Image Credit: Apple

Ah color. Nice to see they added some options to the iPod Shuffle lineup. At the low end, the 2GB version sells for $59.00 USD, then at 4GB it bumps up a bit to $79.00 USD. It is available in silver, black, pink, blue and green. If you don't like those you can always go for the special edition stainless steel version, 4GB of capacity and available only online with Apple or at one of the Apple retail stores, but it will set you back $99.00 USD. The big news here though, is that headphones are not proprietary any longer, with several companies announcing headphones for the Shuffle at the event, including Sony, Klipsch and Scosche among others.

They also upped the storage in the Classic iPod to 160GB, brought back since just year ago they dropped it down to 120GB. It is also the same price point, $249.00 USD. That seems to be a common thread, more memory, same price, but in this case no color. And no, despite rumors of a camera, there is none here, although it is still the same thinness as the 120GB version it replaces. So all in all, some nice changes and upgrades to the lineup.

What are your thoughts?