News from Apple – WWDC 2010 Steve Job’s Keynote

Apple, as well, pretty much everyone expected, made a few new product announcements today. So let’s jump right in.

First off is an iBooks update, for those of you with iPads. Basically, added highlighting, notes, and bookmarking. Also can do PDFs, not just ePub formatted books. Nice.

Also announced was a Netflix app for the iPhone (summer), Farmville (end of June), and Guitar Hero (now).

Next, as was previously exploded over the internet a while back, iPhone news. Specifically, a new iPhone – the iPhone 4. It has a new design, being made out of steel and glass, and is a quarter thinner then the 3GS. Looking very slick.

What’s new? Hardware-wise, there’s a front-facing camera, and a second mike for better sound. The screen has been totally redone, using some new tech, for 4x resolution. Supposed to be much, much sharper. Furthermore, the Apple A4 chip of the iPad has been added to the iPhone as well, which helps battery life and speed. Battery life now supposed to be at 7 hours 3G talk, 6 hours 3G browsing, 10 hours WiFi browsing, 10 hours music, 40 hours of music, and 300 hours of standby. Motion sensing has a new gyroscope, for full 6-axis motion control. New camera, 5MP, but has a new light sensor (supposed to make pictures better). HD video recording, at 72op. (Niiice!), with flash and sharing built in.

Another note – you will need to get a new SIM card, as the iPhone 4, like the iPad, uses MicroSIM cards.

Software: iMovie for iPhone – to go along with the new HD video camera. Looks insane – transition, effects, text, themes. On an iPhone. Can add in audio tracks from iTunes, photos. Built in geolocation for map effects.  Again – this is on a PHONE. Will cost $5. Bing Search added along Google and Yahoo!.

On the iPhone OS 4.0 – it’s been renamed. Now called iOS 4. Some further showing off of the multitasking, Folders, iBooks for iPhone, and other updates.

And the last thing – that front facing camera? It’s for video calling! Called FaceTime, works over WiFi (no 3G, although they’re working on getting it soon.) iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 only, obviously. Works with both cameras, in both portrait and landscape.

iOS 4 will be out June 21st, and FINALLY for free for iPod Touches all well. (Seriously, this was needed). Full upgrade for 3GS and 3rd-gen iTouches, iPhone 3G and 2nd-gen Touch get limited. (But it’s FREE!)

So! Pricing is $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB. Colors will be black and white, launching on June 24th. 3GS still available in 8GB for $99

So, that’s it. I’ll be posting a review of the iPhone 4 as soon as I can get my hands on one. Check back here soon!

[Thanks to Engadget, gdgt, Slashgear, and @Gartenberg for live info.]

[Pix from Apple.com]

Behold! The iPad Cometh!

So. It’s finally landed. The iPad. And I’ve actually managed to get my mitts on one for a few minutes. So – here’s the review: We’ll jump right in.

First off – the iPad is cool. It’s been hyped for what seems like forever, and excitement has built to a fever pitch since it was announced by Apple in January. And it does live up to that – the entire thing is very, very, very, well done.

Let’s face it though. Enlightening (I hope) my comments on the iPad may be – you’ll be able to get effectively the same thing anywhere: every tech site in the world will be writing nearly the same thing, and at this rate, has already written it. So here’s my contribution – that isn’t anywhere else:

What does the iPad mean to YOU – a teenager and student?

It’s not an easy question. As media consumption and entertainment goes, the iPad is incredible. The huge screen, plus the fact it’s an extension of the iTunes library you’ve most likely spent most of your life building, as well as ALL your iPhone/iTouch Apps, along with the 1,400-odd iPad only one already out there make that a moot point. More serious stuff – like note-taking or, say, productive work – is also fairly nice: I personally find the horizontal digital keyboard excellent, and the compatibility with Bluetooth keyboards is a huge plus. And yes, better comments on that is down below.

But back to my question – is the iPad for YOU? I have to say no. And I mean this in no way to knock the iPad, but despite the serious awesomeness of the device, I can’t recommend it for most teens. The iPad, in the most basic breakdown is Apple’s netbook. And here’s the thing.

Teenagers do not use netbooks correctly – at least, how the manufacturers want. The netbook concept is that you buy a full laptop or desktop, and use the netbook to supplement it – for travel or on-the-go. But teens don’t follow that logic at all – for many teens, the netbook is the ONLY computer – the primary one, that they use for media, for school, for gaming, for IM, for everything in their lives – after all, money is something we don’t have available for big purchases for the most part, and netbooks are light, cheap, easy to carry and give full computer functionality.

And unfortunately, the iPad cannot deliver as a primary computer for teens. Both the $500 minimum for the device (not including a case, stand, or external keyboard), as well as it’s existing limitations – no Flash, no physical keyboard, and the limitations of using a mobile operating system – at that price, make it extremely difficult for me to recommend it for a teenager – save the money, or use it to get a full powered laptop. But the iPad isn’t meant to be a primary device, nor can it be recommended as such for a student.

Again – I think the iPad is a fantastic device. And if you’re interested in a secondary device, and can afford the price, or are willing to go with the limitations of the iPad as a primary device, then by all means. It still is an incredible device for the in between space between iPod/Phone and computer – but my personal view is that that particular space doesn’t exist for teenagers in a real sense.

Onwards to the review!

Hardware:

It’s sleek (0.5 inch), the screen is large, and wonderful to look at – nice, bright, and has a seriously wide angle of viewing (Apple’s saying 178º, which seems to hold up – to it’s great for watching stuff with friends). The rotation lock button on the side is useful, and the speakers are pretty loud. To sum it up – it’s on the surface, a big, shiny, cool iPod Touch. And that is a very good thing.

The digital keyboard in vertical mode is a bit difficult to use, but the horizontal one was excellent – I was able to typed at a normal speed in my test. (Two notes there – I have a “unique” typing style of a pecking sort of thing – so if you’re a real QWERTY typer, your milage may vary. Also, I was using it with Apple’s iPad Case, which was nice for getting the screen at a comfortable angle – which I in a side point recommend if you get an iPad). Also, the iPad is compatible with most Bluetooth keyboards (including Apple’s) as well as the sold-separately keyboard dock, which might be good options to look into if you’re looking to do some heavy work.

Finally, processing speed. The iPad, unlike, well, anything else, uses an Apple designed chip, the Apple A4 – which is fast. Coming from someone whose primary iProduct is an original iTouch, it’s blazing – internet, apps, search – everything runs seriously fast. Battery life, which I haven’t been able to really find out about yet, seems to be holding up at the advertised 10 hours.

Software -

The iPad runs an iPad version of the iPhone/iTouch OS – so it has the same Apps (running in either a small, 1:1 windowed style or a slightly pixelated doubled one – both are OK, and more then acceptable for accessibility for all your old apps), features (including Copy/Paste, Push Notifications, etc.), and the lack of Flash. (The biggest downside to the device).

Regarding the Apple bundled Apps – Almost all of them have been redesigned for the iPad, and look great. Calendar and Contacts have a much fuller view, giving access to all your info as opposed to the limited amounts you could get on the screen on an iTouch, and have been been visually spiced up. iPod takes a more iTunes appearance, and has the requisite iTunes support we all know and love. Video is video, but on the great iPad screen (The large viewing angle is real handy here for watching stuff with friends or family). Photos has been updated, with many of the features of iPhoto on the Mac, with Faces (people tagging) and Places (place tagging) available on the iPad itself.

One of the big draws, of course, is the new iBooks App. It’s great. The screen size, plus the fact that it’s a non-E-Ink screen (and therefore, has no annoying refresh rate, lack of backlight, and blackandwhite-ness) make it really nice for reading. Those who prefer E-Ink may disagree, but personally I happen to prefer the iPad here. If you’re considering buying, say, an iTouch and a separate e-Reader, the iPad should definitely considered.

The 3rd party apps that have been redesigned for the iPad are also pretty nice – If i Can, I’ll review some separately soon. (Special shoutout to the Scrabble App, which has the awesomeness of connecting to iPhones/iTouch’s, using the iPad as the gameboard and giving each player their own letter tray on their iPhone/iTouch. SERIOUSLY cool.)

Sum Up:

Overall – the iPad is a great device. For media, even for work. And I certainly would love to own one – I’m sure most teens feel the same. But in the end, it’s a secondary device, and an expensive one at that. And for teenagers, the money might be better focused on a netbook or laptop that can give a full computing experience. But that’s just my opinion, you’re free to make your own call.

Any questions? Comments? Have an iPad? Sound off in the comments.

[Photo from Apple.com]

Meebo – it’s fun to say! Meebo.  Meebo.

A while back, I wrote a review of Beejive IM, for the iPhone – an IM app that did nearly everything. It’s a great app, but somewhat pricey for IM, ($10) – although it was the best way to IM everyone on all your networks.

But, recently, after showing the app off at the original iPhone 3.0 announcement, Meebo has finally been released, and joined the IM fray. And for most of you – the presumably cheap especially – Meebo might be the solution you’ve been looking for for using AIM, Facebook Chat, Google Talk, Yahoo Chat, and Windows Live simultaneously. (Although you might want to look at consolidating some of those networks…). And unlike the still-fantastic Beejive, Meebo comes at that lovely, lovely price of free.

Also, Meebo has the usual features of a great iPhone IM app: push support for getting IMs outside of the app, speed, and full chat history. It also has the ability to connect to the Meebo website – which allows a pretty sweet seamless transition from iPod/iPhone to computer. One minor qualm I had was related to my use of an iPod Touch – it takes a few seconds to reconnect/load your accounts when returning to the app from a notification – something that is due to the use of WiFi over 3G or EDGE.

But, for delivering almost all functionality of Beejive for free makes Meebo at least worth checking out. Link’s right here.

Doubletwist – like iTunes, for non-Apple stuff

The age-old issue: you, like nearly everyone else, uses an iPod for music – be it Touch, Nano, Shuffle, or Classic — and you are very happy with using iTunes for syncing and so on. But unfortunately, unless you have an iPhone, the iTunes program is quite unhelpful when it comes to your phone. Unlike your iPod, you can’t just plug in to your computer and sync your music, and while phones have separate applications for syncing media, lets face it – getting everything to work, getting your music from iTunes…its annoying– especially every time you get a new phone.

Enter Doubletwist. iTunes for everything else- literally. Able to recognize and import your iTunes library (even playlists), Doubletwist is compatible with a whole slew of companies and devices – PSP, Zune, Nokia’s, LG’s, Motorola’s, etc. True, it’s not compatible with everything – but it’s certainly more then an iPod and it does a great job syncing. The interface is simple, and familiar to iTunes’, and features the drag/drop method we all know and love. Videos – provided they aren’t purchased (and therefore, DRMed) from iTunes – are converted into a suitable format and synced. Photos – same deal. (Note: iTunes Plus songs, without DRM, are fine)

Best of all – it’s not only a Mac application – Doubletwist is for Windows as well. It also has features for sharing – or “twisting” as they call it – media with friends and family, as well as integration with the Amazon MP3 store.

If you’d like Doubletwist, check it out on the site here to see if they support your phone or device. Also, you might want to check that you have a USB cable to connect your phone to your PC. Finally, if you’re looking to keep a fair amount of songs, look into getting a MicroSD card, so you have memory to store ‘em.

And next time your iPhone toting friend is bragging about having his music on his phone – you’ll have the last laugh.

Project Gotham Racing on the Zune HD (Pic from Kotaku)

Remember back in our Zune HD review where we mentioned how the Zune HD will be getting some new free games and apps, like the hit Xbox 360 game Project Gotham Racing? Microsoft released a whole bunch of new games for the Zune HD including

1. PGR: Ferrari Edition (which is like it’s Xbox sibling, giving you 12 Ferrari cars to race all over New York, London or Tokyo either in a 33 level Career mode or in online races aginst up to 3 other cars)
2. Lucky Lanes Bowling, a bowling game where you can play either against the computer or up to 4 friends
3. Piano app which simulates a virtual piano
4. Vans Sk8: Pool Service, a skateboarding game where you aim to do the best tricks in 10 different events
5. Checkers
6. Audiosurf Tilt, a game where you pick a song from your music library on your Zune and then try to collect the colored blocks and avoid speed bumps along a custom roller coaster made for each song. Microsoft also said today that they soon will also have apps for Facebook and Twitter.

Yes, this is nowhere near the 100,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store, but Microsoft does deserve some credit– creating what looks to be some quality apps (specifically the PGR and Audiosurf games) that look to take full use of the high powered Nvidia Tegra chip inside the Zune to give some solid games all for the unbeatable price of FREE (though you do have to look at a brief ad while the game loads, something I’m more than happy to deal with if it means quality, free apps).

Now if only they’d open up a real App Store and give developers a chance to fully  tap into that high powered Tegra chip (I mean check out this video of PGR and Audiosurf on the Zune from Engadget, who they say looked as sharp as a PSP game!), and we’d be all set.

Anyone out there with a Zune HD, you like your new games?

Full info on the apps can be found on the Zune site here.

Not to be confused with Halo.

And, once again, I return to that wonderful gaming platform, the iPhone/iTouch. That’s right readers, another iGame review. This time, I’m talking about Eliminate Pro, the new online 4-player FPS that just came out. Also, its free. Kinda.

First off, what is Eliminate? As previously mentioned, its a iPhone first-person shooter. The quality of the game is way up there – some of the nicest graphics on the iPhone, especially considering that it’s running online with 4 players. There are 5 maps and a total of 6 weapons, 5 of which need to be unlocked, as do a variety of armor types. Weapon and armor attributes, like rate of fire and speed are also upgradable. You play up to four players online, with a matchmaking system based on skill ratings to provide as fair a match as possible. Private games are also available, which is nice for when you want to play some people you actually know. There is also an offline mode, but it’s somewhat limited, allowing you to play against 3 computer opponents, but it doesn’t allow much customization.

Gameplay is awesome – the maps are pretty small, so the action is pretty frantic, and fun. A variety of powerups, including heath regeneration, invisibility, superspeed, damage increase, and the always fun jet pack are scattered around the maps, adding to the chaos. Controls work well, with your left thumb working movement, and right thumb aiming, with tap to fire. Those used to playing console first person shooters should easily adapt.

So, I mentioned before you need to unlock and upgrade things. And you do that through credits, which you earn through playing games online. And thats where the monetary aspect of the game comes it. The game itself, as I said, is free. But unless you have “energy” while playing, you won’t earn any credits, which are used to unlock weapons, armor, and upgrades. You’re given a free energy recharge every four hours for about 3 games or so, but after that, if you want to play AND earn credits to upgrade (you CAN still play for fun), you need to buy energy through the in-app purchasing system. Personally, I can understand why they run the system this way, since its the only way to support the game and keep it free, but I can’t say I’m a fan of the nickel and diming.

However, even without energy, the game is still fun, and that’s what counts in the end. And since it’s well, free, I suppose I can’t really argue against it. Check it out on iTunes here. (Note: iTunes Link)

The Zune HD

For the last week or so we were able to spend some good ‘ol time with Microsoft’s sweet new Zune HD. It really is a slick device– OLED multi-touch 3.3 inch touchscreen with amazing display (thanks to NVIDIA Tegra graphics), sleek design, thin aluminum casing, built in WiFi, and of course, the HD features of HD radio and the ability to play your videos in HD with the optional HD playback kit.

So if your looking for a new device and have to choose between say, this and the iPod touch 3rd gen, which should you go with? The answer, my friends, is after the break.

Design

As we all know, Apple didn’t really change the iPod touch’s design– really at all–in their new fall iPod refresh. No new camera like the Nano, no built in mic– same old machine just with a slightly bigger battery and bigger storage options.

The Zune HD on the other hand, well that is a WHOLE different story. Ever since it first was announced, the Zune HD seemed to be a beautifully designed device. And after playing with it the past week– I cannot agree more. It’s thin, feels great when you hold it, extremely light and easy to take around, and well, just awesome looking. It all around just looks fantastic, in my opinion as nice or even possibly better than the iPod touch (which let’s be honest– as nice as it is–hasn’t really changed that much since it first got announced back in 2007).

However, some dedicated volume keys on the side of the device like the iPod would be helpful: I constantly needed to push the same side button–shaped like a volume rocker– to access all my playback and quickplay controls (i.e. play/pause, fast forward, rewind and volume, and so on). Also, because you need to use the touchscreen to manipulate these controls, you can’t simply skip a song or raise the volume, for example, while its in your pocket.

Overall, the Zune HD is a big step up from the previous 2 generations of Zune, and something we definitely look forward to see more of in upcoming Zune devices.

The 3 generations of Zune– wow, have they gotten A LOT better with age

UI and Device Software

Ok, now let’s move on to the UI and software found on the Zune HD itself. Microsoft again took an interesting approach to the Zune HD here as well. You see, unlike the iPod touch which is like a pocket computer, the Zune HD is designed to be more of a great media device as Microsoft puts it. Yes you get apps– such as for right now some games like Hexic and Texas Hold’em as well as a calculator and weather app, with some more apps like Project Gotham Racing 3, Facebook and Twitter on the way by the end of the year; but Microsoft has not announced any real plans for an app store, and instead is working either in house or with select groups to make apps for the Zune HD and rolling them out as they see fit. Apps are also ad supported, meaning when you open up say, Texas Hold’em, you’ll be greeted with a brief 15-30 second ad. When I spoke with a Zune rep they said this is just to keep games free and will not be used in the calculator and other utility apps. It’s annoying but if it means I don’t have to pay money for games, I’m willing to deal with it.

In short, your not gonna buy this for the ability to download 75,000+ apps like you would an iPod touch.

Texas Hold’em on the Zune HD

Same goes for the web browser. While the web browser is great, and something we hope is brought to Windows Mobile ASAP to replace the standard version of mobile Internet Explorer (which is currently pretty pathetic in comparison), don’t expect the Zune HD to give you the same web browsing experience as the iPod touch. You get favorites, multi-touch pinch to zoom and the like, but no tabs or history– and while it loads pages extremely well and is easy to navigate, it’s still no mobile Safari. The focus here is the media.

The Zune HD browser vs the iPhone’s. I’ll take the iPhone’s please.

And the media really is a place where the Zune HD shines. The experience is great. Music sounds great, video and pix look fantastic on the widescreen 16:9 format the Zune is designed in, and navigation also is pretty great. The menus take a little getting used to, but the learning curve is really quick (what should help– to back out of menus, you just tap the big letters are the top of the screen). Your music, movies and pix are all stored in simple, easy ways to navigate and there are also some really cool features in the music playback as well. For example, when connected to the internet, it automatically finds and displays things like bio information about the artist, related artists, and pix when in the artists page. Pretty cool.

Controlling Playback on Zune HD

Another great feature, called Pins, appears on the left side of your homescreen and displays your recently opened and favorite sites, recently opened apps, and recently added music and pix. Oh, and all your recently added music are automatically put into a “new” playlist, a little detail I happen to love; I sometimes forget some of the new songs I add to my iPod and it really annoys me because, well, I wanted to listen to it and can’t find it– this should definitely help with that problem.

There is also a built in HD and FM radio (HD radio being higher quality, better sounding radio), a great battery (listed at around 33 hours of music playback with WiFi off, or 8.5 hours of video), as well as the ability to sync your Zune wirelessly with your PC over WiFi, though when I tested the Zune HD out, I didn’t get a good chance to fully test these out. Two downsides with the Zune HD’s media playback– unlike the iPod touch: there’s no built in speaker for playing without headphones, and no Bluetooth for using with wireless headphones.

Ok, now that the device is covered, let’s move to the Zune desktop software.

Zune Software

This is Microsoft’s answer to iTunes, and like the Zune HD itself, it answers iTunes in a big way. Just like you get smart playlists in iTunes called Genius and Genius Mixes, you get them in the Zune as well in the form of Smart DJ’s. Microsoft takes it one step further though: if you purchase their $15-per-month Zune Pass music subscription service (where you get  unlimited access to all music on the Zune Marketplace with the ability to keep 10 songs each month whether or not you keep the Zune Pass) it’ll search the Marketplace while your listening and play the songs it thinks you might like.

Again, pretty sweet, and the Zune Pass is a definite selling point of the Zune experience. You can even use Zune Pass right from the Marketplace app on the Zune HD to download songs, charts, and albums straight to your Zune (again assuming you got WiFi). And I love the ability to not just download all the music I want for $15 a month, but that I can even keep 10 of the songs FOREVER each month as well. As of now, Apple doesn’t offer a subscription model like this (sad but true), so if you download a ton of music each month or like the ability to download all the music you want without racking up a huge bill, you should definitely look Zune in this department.

The Zune Software also offers things like Mixview, which is a cooler version of Cover Flow, and its Zune Marketplace functions similar to the iTunes store, oh, and then of course we got this HD part of the device.

So you got a Zune HD, the Zune Software for your PC (sorry any Mac owners into this device– Zune only works PC. Why Microsoft doesn’t release a Mac version of the software I don’t know), and an Xbox 360. Say you buy a movie on your PC, and then transfer to your Zune, but also want to be able to watch it off your 360 on the HDTV. No worries, seeing as how the Zune Marketplace is now also on the 360, you just go to the movie on the 360, log in with your account and download (or stream) in AMAZING 1080P. Don’t worry about being charged double– its all part of Microsoft’s “3 screen system” and in my opinion is a pretty solid idea. If you’d rather just play your video off the Zune rather than redownloading to a 360– you can do that too, either by connecting your Zune to the 360 or buying the $90 HD dock (which works pretty nicely as well– presenting everything from menus to video in great, clear 720P HD).

The Zune HD playing on an HDTV using the HD dock

Wrap Up

Overall, I really like the Zune HD. It’s a great media device and if you’re not into the whole app thing and want a solid simple device that plays back your music, movies and pix in a great, cool way on the go, then look no further than the Zune HD as it’s got it all here. And if your big on music and like having “all you can eat” for only $15 a month, then well the Zune HD and Zune Pass are for you. I’m really excited for this “new” evolution in the Zune platform, and really can’t wait for the next gen of Zune devices to see what they got next. If you are though looking for a lot of apps and a more full featured web browser on your media player, then for now I’d still say that the iPod touch is the way to go.

While the lack of an app store, no speaker or Bluetooth, and the not as great web browser keep the Zune HD from overthrowing the reigning king of media players– the iPod touch– it does put up a fair fight as a great media player (which is what Microsoft is aiming for), and I’m happy to give the Zune HD a very good 4 out of 5 rating.

We give the Zune HD a very good 4 out of 5

So what you think– Zune HD or iPod touch this year? Sound off in the comments.

The Zune HD is available now in 16 GB and 32 GB black and white version for $219 and $289 respectively, and both are out now.You can also customize the Zune HD in a bunch of colors and designs by checking out the Zune Originals  site here.

So, Apple’s annual iPod event was this week, and they, as usual announced the latest round of iPods for the Holiday season, as well as a new version of iTunes. So, lets go through it, shall we?

Genius Mix on the iPod Touch

First off was the 3.1 update for the iTouch and iPhone. Nothing too major here, but the highlights are Genius suggestions for the App Store, as well as a new Genius mode for Music, called Genius Mix (more on that later with iTunes 9). Also added was the announcement that Apple would be selling pre-made ringtones for the iPhone for $1.29. You can check it all out by plugging in your iPod Touch/iPhone and doing a software update (this update is free for iPhone users and anyone who purchased iPhone OS 3.0 for the iTouch, and if you have an iTouch and want to update it, Apple has dropped the price of that to $5).

The all new iTunes 9

Next is iTunes 9. A couple new things here, including a whole new look to the iTunes store, and some other cool features: Genius Mix, which is similar to a Genius playlist, but acts more like an endless radio station from your music based off specific bands – It’s pretty slick, and is also on the iTouch and iPhone. Syncing stuff has also been completely overhauled– now you can not only sync specific playlists, but also specific artists, genres, etc. A much needed improvement, and one that is appreciated. Photos also allow syncing of Events and Faces, and movies have some extra options as well, such as syncing only 3 most recent videos. But most importantly, and at long last, Apple has improved App syncing for the iTouch and iPhone. How, you ask? By allowing you to manage Applications in iTunes – yes: you can layout the apps however you please IN iTunes, using a mouse and keyboard, and then sync your Apps in that layout to your iDevice. This is a feature that should have been there the whole time, and is incredibly appreciated. Anyone who has ever tried sorting out their Apps on an iTouch/iPhone knows exactly how good this is. Also added to iTunes is another useful feature, called Home Sharing – this allows you to transfer your iTunes music, videos and even Apps across your computers in your house, allowing you to keep all your music in sync across up to 5 of your computers. Very cool and nice.

iTunes LP in the new iTunes 9

Finally, there’s the addition of iTunes LP’s and iTunes Extra’s– basically, the extra stuff you’d get on a CD purchase with the physical disk – lyrics, interviews, etc, and on a DVD as extra features– are now included in purchases of specific albums as iTunes LPs, and in certain movies with iTunes Extras.

Now – the new iPods:

iPod Touch– not a lot to report here actually. The rumored camera remains just that–  a rumor. the 8GB was dropped to $200, the $300 16 GB is now a $300 32 GB, and the $400 32 GB, a 64 GB. The 32 and 64 also have the new higher end graphics and processors found in the iPhone 3GS.

iPod Classic– staying at $250,but a bigger hard drive – 160 GB now.

iPod Shuffle– new colors of pink, green and blue, down to $60 for 2 GB, and $80 for 4 GB.

The new iPod Nano– now shooting video

Finally, there’s the iPod Nano – which DID get the rumored camera: keeping the same size as the old one, although with a bigger screen, the new Nano has a video camera in the bad, designed to compete with the likes of the Flip Mino and other such small video cameras. Also being added is a built in FM radio, and Nike+ support, along with a built in mic and speaker. Comes in the same colors as before, only with a new glossier paint job, in 8 GB for $150 and 16 GB for $180. All the new iPods as well as iTunes 9 are available now.

And that’s that roundup. So readers, what did you think of the news – are you picking up a new iPod now, or maybe gonna go with something like a Zune HD? Sound off in the comments.

Apple today announced that they’ll be holding an event on September 9th– and from the pic above, it looks to be music oriented. So don’t buy that new iPod just yet; waiting an extra week or so may turn out to be really smart. As in the past, Apple used the September event to show off new iPods, and with strong rumors floating around the web of new iPods– see our post here– we wouldn’t be surprised if they update the iPods again.

Just to briefly cover some of the other rumors of what Apple is expected to show off (remember– these are just rumors): new iPod Nano, Touch, and Classic with cameras (as we wrote about in that previous post– just now the rumors are that the Classic too will be getting a camera), iTunes 9 with some possible integration with sites like Facebook, Blu-Ray for Macs, among some other rumors. So while we wait to find out on September 9th what Apple really has planned, feel free to guess on what you think Apple will show off in the comments.

Oh, and don’t forget to check back on the 9th, as we’ll have everything covered here.

Pic from Engadget

The Zune HD

You’re also very interested in the Zune HD? Who could blame you — HD Radio, WiFi, AMAZING (yes, AMAZING) OLED screen, HD playback of videos, an awesome design and a bunch more features.

When we first wrote that post on the Zune HD we were very excited as this could really be Microsoft’s  “iPod killer,” but were left wondering on its launch date and price, as well as details including battery, features and storage. Well have no more fear– Microsoft has finally let all the details out of the bag, and wow this thing looks even better to me than it did before.

Beginning with storage, the Zune HD, like its iPod Touch competitor, has either 16 or 32 GB depending on how much you want. Among the previously unmentioned features of this incredible machine, the web browser seems nearly on par with Safari, and I especially advise you check out CNET’s hands-on video and their positive comments here. And not only is there multi-touch, battery life on this bad boy is also insane: 33 hours of music, 8.5 hours of video, and only 3 hours to charge from your PC and 2 (yes, 2) hours to charge from an AC adapter! All that is way better than the iPod Touch in every way. There are also a host of color design options, as you can see from the above pic (right now you can only pre-order in the standard black, 16 GB version, or “platinum”– a 32 GB version, silver)!

On to the biggest news: the price and release. The 16 GB version will be coming in at $219.99 and the 32 GB version will be coming in at $289.99 when they launch on September 15th (a little under 1 month away). That’s $80 cheaper than the iPod Touch 16 GB and $110 (!) cheaper than the 32 GB iPod Touch. Wow is right.

Of course, just to be fair, Apple is said to be holding a big event sometime in the two weeks of September where they are rumored to be launching new iPods (possibly these), so if your looking for a new Mp3 player, you may wanna hold off for a month cause things are about to get really interesting.

You can pre-order the Zune HD here from the Microsoft Store, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart, and can check out the Zune HD for yourself at any of these Best Buy stores on August 22nd and 23rd.