IPod Classic
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Apple's new iPods don't play nice with last-gen video accessories
Now that all the RDF has worn off, a few of the hard facts about Apple's latest are coming to light, and one of the nasties has to do with video output. Apparently the new iPod classic and iPod nano don't get along too well with currently video docks and cables on the market -- that is to say, pretty much not at all. A select few products with the 'spensive Apple authentication chips built-in do allow you to turn on TV out, like Apple's Universal Dock, iPod Hi-Fi (which doesn't have video output anyways) and the $600 Zeppelin from Bowers and Wilkins, but if you've sprung for products such as the Memorex iFlip and Sonic Impact Video-55 in the past, you're out of luck for the time being. It seems logical to us that Apple has the ability to unlock this function for existing docks if it so chooses, but for now you can always drop a fifty on those new component cables from Apple -- and pray for a repeat in the "contrite open letter" department.
iLounge posts iPod Classic, iPod nano unboxing pictures
Our good friends at iLounge have gotten their hands on some brand new iPod Classics (both colors) and iPod nanos (all 5 colors) and did what any self respecting member of the Mac web would do: posted a bunch of unboxing pictures on Flickr.The iPod Classic comes in a box very much like the one the iPhone comes in (economies of scale I imagine) while the nano comes in a clear container to show off the nifty colors.
VisualHub updated to support new iPods
Regular readers know that we're big fans of VisualHub here at TUAW. It's generally the easiest and quickest way to convert video from one format to another, particularly for playing on our favorite Apple hardware. Techspansion is really on the ball and today released version 1.27 adding video support for the new iPod nanos and classics. The new release adds presets for the new iPods, and also includes a "universal preset designed to be compatible with all Apple video devices at the highest quality possible."This is a free update for registered users. For everyone else, VisualHub remains $23.32 and a demo is available [via Macworld]
Toshiba announces iPod classic-sized 80GB and 160GB 1.8-inch disks
Could be just a coincidence, but Toshiba just announced their new 1.8-inch, 80GB and 160GB hard disks. Right, the same size drives just announced for Apple's iPod classic line-up. Of course, Samsung announced their 160GB spinner a few weeks ago so we'll have to wait for the iSuppli teardown before making too many assumptions here. As for the details behind the 160GB MK1626GCB: 2x 80GB platters, 3,600rpm, 52MBps (66MBps for 80GB HDD) transfer rate and 15-ms mean seek time, and portable device-friendly CE-ATA interface on a mini 54 × 71 × 8-mm slab. Oh, and Tosh wants you (and the analysts) to know that they are "already shipping in samples," wink wink, nudge nudge. [Via Impress]
Apple's "The Beat Goes On" event news roundup
Apple came out swinging today, with three entirely new iPod models, a color refresh of the shuffle, the launch of the iTunes WiFi Music Store, iPhone ringtones and a price cut, and a partnership with Starbucks -- if you blinked and missed something, here's a brief recap of what went down at Moscone West:Live Coverage / Hands-on Steve Jobs live -- Apple's "The beat goes on" special event iPod touch first hands-on iPod nano 3G first hands-on iPod classic first hands-on iTunes WiFi Music Store first hands-on iPod / iTunes Meet the new iPod family Apple announces (PRODUCT) RED iPod shuffle, new colors Apple announces new 3rd gen iPod nano Apple's new iPod classic Apple's iPod touch gets official Apple announces iTunes WiFi Music Store Apple and Starbucks join up for iTunes WiFi purchase iPhone Apple adds iPhone ringtones to iTunes iPhone to get iTunes WiFi Music Store, too Apple cuts 8GB iPhone price to $399 Apple killing 4GB iPhone, $299 while supplies last Where the hell is the 3G iPhone for Europe? We might know.
iPod classic first hands-on
And to round out the day's hardware hands-ons we wrapped our mitts around the new iPod classic. It's thin, it's solid, but it's still hard drive based, which for our flash-loving selves will always be kind of a bummer. But if you're the type that carries around 80 (or 160 friggin gigs) of media and you like to use iPods, this is the new king of the hill. (Photographed is the 80GB model, not the thicker 160GB iPod.) Unfortunately, tasks like Cover Flow ran about as (un)smoothly as on the nano, so if you're expecting a fully iPhone-like experience, don't get your hopes up.P.S. -The new shuffles were difficult to find, but we also threw a couple shots of those in the gallery for good measure.%Gallery-6928%
Meet the new iPod family
Apple's been a little busy it seems, since the company just announced three all-new iPods, plus a few new colors and price points for existing products. From smallest to largest we have the PRODUCT (RED) iPod shuffle, which is accompanied by some other new colors, the iPod nano on the left up there, the iPod classic in the middle, and the iPod touch on the right.
Apple's new iPod classic
Apple today announced the latest in its kind-of-sort-of successful iPod line, the sixth generation iPod "classic." Like the brand new iPod nano, the flagship iPod is also sporting an all-new interface, headlined by Cover Flow. The iPod comes in 80GB and 160GB capacities, with 30 hours of battery for audio playback, 6 hours of video on the 80GB version, and 40 hours / 7 hours for the 160GB unit. In addition to the new interface, the iPod classic is getting a new all-metal shell, and is selling at $249 for the 80 gigger, $349 for 160. You can order one today, and they should be hitting stores by the weekend.%Gallery-6918%
