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Switched On: The iPod touch and the big picture
Ross Rubin (@rossrubin) contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. In a New York Times interview of Steve Jobs conducted by Engadget columnist aspirant David Pogue, Apple's CEO suggested that the company did not include a camera on the iPod touch because the company was now marketing the iPod touch as a game machine and that a camera was not germane to such a device. "We don't need to add new stuff," said Jobs. But why is adding a digital camera any less germane to the portable game device of the iPod touch than it is to adding it to the media player of the iPod nano? Or, if price is an issue, why not exclude it only on the entry-level model? The iPod touch market will soon be large enough to support such diversity. And if the iPod touch is indeed being marketed as a gaming console and a low-cost point of entry to the app store, excluding a camera disrupts the continuity of the touch/iPhone platform, while the iPod imaging message is now more muddled: If you're buying the iPhone 3G, you can capture stills but not video, while the "lower-end" iPod nano offers video capture but not stills, the iPod touch offers neither, and only the iPhone 3GS offers both.
Zune HD International launch hopes crushed by Microsoft, others raised
Don't be sad. We know it hurts but that's what happens when your emotions exceed reason. The Zune HD will be a US exclusive when it goes on sale September 15th just as it was when the original Zune brownie went on sale back in November 2006. Here's what Microsoft told Ars: "For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only. Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now." Plenty of fodder for conspiracy types here. First, that means Canada is out, even though older Zune models are already on sale there. But the words "for the time being" leave plenty of wiggle room for an international launch window. And what does Microsoft mean by the generically phrased, "future hardware experiences?" Are they referring to a Zune service destined to "transcend Zune the device" later this year? Perhaps. One thing is clear: consumers are far more excited about the Zune HD than the original -- especially now that Apple's cat is out of the bag. Microsoft could be leaving a ton of money on the table if they don't go global, quick.[Thanks, Safir]
Sony Walkman S740 spied in Japan
Sony has a new Walkman S-series device in the chute as demonstrated by this S740 model seen hanging out at the Sony Dealer Convention in Japan. Hard data is scarce but visually we can see a slightly tweaked industrial design with beefier earbuds and a lack of stereo speakers -- at least on the front. Otherwise, we're told that these will ship in 8GB and 16GB capacities.Update: Looks like a few more images have leaked out -- it must be true, right? Thanks, Glenn!
DigitalCube shows off sexy iSTATION S3 PMP
We'll just go ahead and get the bad news out of the way: if you call yourself a North American, and you're not gutsy enough to find an importer, you'll probably never own the downright beautiful device shown above. Known as the iSTATION S3, DigitalCube's latest arrives with 8/16/32GB of storage, an HDMI output, a battery good for 20 hours of audio playback (or 8 hours of video), an expansive 3.5-inch AMOLED display, WVGA (800 x 480) resolution and support for a veritable smorgasbord of file formats. Sadly, we've no price or release date to share, but by all means, give that read link a tap if you're looking for more eye candy.[Via OLED-Info]
Microsoft says no plans for Zune HD in France, other markets still up in the air
Those in the U.S. may finally be getting their hands on the Zune HD next week, but it looks like folks elsewhere could well be in for a longer wait than they may have been hoping for. That's been the speculation since the device was first announced, of course, but Microsoft is only now getting a bit more specific about the matter, with Microsoft France exec François Ruault telling PC World that the company has "no plans" to launch the Zune HD in France, although he adds that doesn't necessarily mean it'll never be released there. That presumably also means that the rest of Europe is similarly up in the air, but if past history is any indication, it seems likely that the Zune HD will indeed land there eventually, sometime after it finally makes a trip north of the border.[Via MobileTechWorld]
iPod nano 5G gets a teardown
Dying to know what that tiny VGA video sensor in the new iPod nano looks like? As usual, the folks at iFixit have it covered -- hit the read link to follow along with all the gory action as it proceeds. (Seriously, they're posting the teardown pictures live as they do it.)Update: It's all over, and the findings are interesting, if not too shocking: the 8GB of flash is from Toshiba, the processor is an Apple-branded ARM unit manufactured by Samsung, and the camera's VGA resolution is probably explained by its 3mm thickness -- the iPhone 3G's camera is 6mm, and the nano is only 6.2mm thick at its fattest.
APSI 100 GPS packs removable PMP, can't be removed from South Korea
GPS devices have been packing full PMP functionality for quite some time now, but few have come up with the bright idea of using an actual, removable PMP for the heart of the unit -- although Apple and TomTom are now doing their best attempt at a one-two punch. Korean manufacturer APSI now made its best attempt at a fully out-of-the-box solution with its new APSI 100 unit, however, which combines the simplicity of a touchscreen PMP with the in-car convenience of some old fashioned buttons and knobs. Unfortunately, the complete specs are a bit hard to decipher, but it looks like you will get some built-in DMB mobile TV (complete with an antenna jack on the base unit), along with some nifty 3D maps, and both AV inputs and outputs, among other standard fare. No word on a price, unfortunately, and it looks like this one is, and will likely remain, a Korean exclusive.[Via OhGizmo!]
Apple releases video podcast of Rock and Roll event, we've got you covered with the highlights
Need to catch up on today's Apple news? Well, you can either fire up iTunes and download Apple's video podcast of the event, or you can skip the endless game demos and marketing chit-chat and just peruse the links below. The executive summary? iTunes 9's new app management, Home Sharing, and iTunes LP features are really nice, but it's almost impossible to understand why Apple added a camera to the iPod nano and not the iPod touch, no matter what Steve says. Oh -- and don't forget the Palm Pixi! The event Live from Apple's 'It's only rock and roll' event Video: Steve Jobs returns to the Apple stage iPodsiPod nano unboxed, camera gets tested against the mean streets of Manhattan iPod touch 3rd gen hands-on and video iPod nano 5G with camera first hands-on! Apple announces cheaper, more colorful iPod shuffle, new Special Edition Apple updates iPod touch line, drops prices, adds top-end 64GB model Apple adds video camera, larger screen to new 5G iPod nano iPod classic bumped to 160GB, price stays the same at $249 iPhone OS 3.1 is official, available today iPhone / iPod touch OS 3.1.1 is live!iPod shuffle 2g is no more iTunes iTunes 9 bringing iTunes LP functionality, 'beautiful new look' iTunes 9 breaks Pre media sync... what did you expect?Video: iTunes 9 Home Sharing and iPhone app management
Steve Jobs says iPod touch didn't get a camera because 'it's a great game machine'
Wondering why Apple chose to add a camera to the iPod nano, but not the revised iPod touch? You're not alone, but one Mr. Steven P. Jobs has an answer for you: it's because the touch is a game machine, you see. Seriously -- that's what El Steve told the inimitable David Pogue today after the Rock and Roll event. According to Steve, Apple wasn't "exactly sure how to market the touch" at first, but once they listened to their customers and started to focus on gaming, "it just took off." That certainly explains the "funnest iPod ever" tagline, but still, why no cam? "We don't need to add new stuff -- we need to get the price down to where everyone can afford it." And... that's all he said about it, and Poguey didn't pursue the blindingly obvious followup: that's great for the $199 8GB model, but does Apple really think customers paying $299 and $399 for the larger editions would be turned off by paying slightly more for a camera sensor? Something tell us we won't hear Jobs say one more word about it until he's ready to actually unveil a touch with a camera -- at which point it will be a revolution. P.S.- Make sure to hit the read link for the full interview -- it's short, but it's full of Steve saying things like "You notice Amazon never says how [many Kindles] they sell; usually if they sell a lot of something, you want to tell everybody."
Video: iTunes 9 Home Sharing and iPhone app management
Sure, sure, the kids are all excited about iTunes LP and their fancy "lyrics" and "album art." You know what we're psyched about? Finally being able to manage our iPhone apps directly from iTunes 9. It works pretty much exactly as you'd expect, although we were able to make it do some minorly wonky things -- and we're psyched about the AutoFill-esque music sync feature that fills any remaining space on your phone with music.We're also pumped about the new Home Sharing feature in iTunes 9, which lets you transfer content between five different machines directly without screwing around with network shares or USB drives. We've seriously been waiting for a feature like this since iTunes sharing was first launched -- it also works exactly like you'd expect, and we think it'll make managing media across multiple machines much, much easier. Videos after the break!
iPod touch 3rd gen hands-on and video
It's confusing now that we have an iPod touch 3G, right? We just got done handling the new model, and really, there's not much to say. It's a little snappier, but we didn't do any heavy game playing, and otherwise it's exactly the same. We thought it seemed thinner, but the cold hard specs stopped that idea in its tracks. Want to see more? Check out the gallery and video below! %Gallery-72328%
iPhone / iPod touch OS 3.1.1 is live!
That's right, gang -- OS 3.1.1 for iPhone and iPod touch is alive and well and we're installing it as we speak! We're looking forward to digging into all those Genius mixes, syncing options and, most importantly, a reasonable way to manage apps. Stay tuned!Update: Yes, managing apps from iTunes is every bit as magical as we expected. The update is free to iPhone users and iPod touch users who've already shelled out the big bucks for OS 3. If you own a touch and you've held off, however, your patience has paid off -- the upgrade now only costs you $4.95. Huzzah!
iPod nano 5G with camera first hands-on!
We came and we saw... but there's not much to say. It's exactly the same save for that new coating, bigger screen (which does help), and tiny little camera around back. Video quality looked decent, but you really can't tell on the small screen. If you've ever held a nano -- this is the same experience. Want to really know what it's like? Hit the gallery!Update: Quick walkthrough video is now after the break! %Gallery-72319% %Gallery-72333%
Live from Apple's 'It's only rock and roll' event
8:53AM Well... we're here. It's still pretty early (just before 9AM here on the west coast), but we wanted to make sure no one snaked our sweet spot at Yerba Buena. We're holding tight in line right now, but we'll keep you updated on this breathtaking event as it happens. Stay tuned! Remember, the show starts at these times! 07:00AM - Hawaii 10:00AM - Pacific 11:00AM - Mountain 12:00PM - Central 01:00PM - Eastern 06:00PM - London 07:00PM - Paris 09:00PM - Moscow 02:00AM - Tokyo (September 10th)
Apple updates iPod touch line, drops prices, adds top-end 64GB model
Couldn't see this one coming, right? Apple just announced an update to the iPod touch line. It's not exactly a major overhaul to the player, but prices have fallen, and it appears that the new models use the same CPU as the iPhone 3GS, since they can run OpenGL 2.0. The big news is actually no news, however: there doesn't appear to be a camera, contrary to all the rumors. You'll just have to make do with 8GB of storage for $199, 32GB for $299, and 64GB for a whopping $399.
iPod classic bumped to 160GB, price stays the same at $249
The iPod classic doesn't get much love these days, but at least Apple isn't killing it off yet, and has managed to squeeze another 40GB into the enclosure -- though otherwise the player seems unchanged. The new 160GB version will be available for the same $249 pricetag.
iTunes 9 bringing iTunes LP functionality, 'beautiful new look'
Ready to pay more for the same music? Good! We've just spotted some new "Deluxe Version" albums in iTunes, which apparently are part of the "iTunes LP" experience in the upcoming iTunes 9, if the album blurbs are to be believed. The albums pack in bonus material like art, videos and additional recordings. Sounds just like Cocktail to us, and we're sure Apple will be explaining it all soon enough.Update: It's more or less official now, complete with a non-working "Download iTunes 9" button and everything. Apple's mainly touting the new interface for the store in this blurb, but we know it's just a front for taking more of our hard-earned cash and putting it in the hands of starving musicians. The nerve.New features mentioned: Improved store navigation, including persistent navigation menu. Full window iTunes store. For times when that sidebar is just too much. Previews from anywhere in the store -- don't have to drill down to preview. iTunes LP includes lyrics, liner notes, video, photos and "more." iTunes Extras. It's like DVD extras, but with iTunes. Not clear if it includes director's commentaries, but let's hope. Update 2: It's now official, and Apple has fleshed out some more functionality. Genius Mixes. It's like Genius Playlists, but it plays forever like a radio station. App management, letting you set up and arrange your home screens on the iPhone and iPod touch. You can drag and drop to move certain apps or whole pages of apps. Home sharing enables file transfers between up to five local computers of songs, videos and even apps. You can send items in the iTunes Store as gifts, add them to a wishlist, and publish them to Facebook and Twitter -- look who's getting all social all of a sudden! It's available today. [Thanks, Dev] %Gallery-72295% %Gallery-72301%
Last minute Apple rumor roundup: iPhone HD video out, no new iPod touch?
Okay, we're in the final countdown to Apple's Only Rock and Roll event, and some interesting bits of info have hit the wires while we're waiting. First, AppleInsider claims a "historically reliable source" has leaked the entire new lineup of iPods, complete with model numbers, and it's somewhat surprising if true: not only do capacities remain the same apart from a 160GB iPod classic, the iPod touch is absent from the list -- leading some to believe its upgrade has been delayed due to rumored technical issues with the camera module. AI also says the nano is getting "significant changes" to Nike+, but doesn't go into further detail. There's also been an interesting press release this morning from Harmon Kardon, which is touting that its new Bridge III iPod / iPhone dock and AVR 2600 and 3600 receivers can "play back HD video from iPod or iPhone products." Seeing as there's no (official) way to even get HD video onto an iPod or iPhone right now, that seems to indicate there's a change a-comin' -- and seeing as we've already gotten the iPhone 3GS to play back 1080p video, the addition of HD video support to at least some of the i-line seems like a no-brainer. We'll see what's true and what's just wishful thinking soon enough -- the liveblog starts in just a little bit!Update: And just in case you couldn't get enough sketchy cases, Cygnett has some listed on its site that seem to show a new nano screen size, as well as a new touch with a camera. Things are definitely heating up, stay tuned. Read - AppleInsider leaked list of new iPod models Read - Harmon Kardon says new dock can play back HD video from iPhone
Philips sticks to its guns with 16GB GoGear Muse PMP
Think you've seen this one before? Close, but no cigar. Philips' GoGear Muse doesn't deviate much from the path that has been chosen for it (and fittingly so, might we add), boasting a predictably glossy motif, 16GB of internal storage space and a 3-inch display. As it overtakes the Opus for the company's top-of-the-line player, it also gains support for BMP, GIF, PNG, OGG, APE, Real Video and Real Audio formats, and just in case you're curious, it'll also handle those ultra-rare "MP3" things as well. Philips asserts that users could see up to 25 hours of audio playback on a single charge, while watching Family Guy re-runs could suck it dry in just 5 hours. As with pretty much everything else that Philips produces these days, it'll first hit Singapore for S$349 (or around $244 in Greenbacks), with only a faint chance of ever seeing significant action here in North America. One more look is after the break.[Via CNET]
iPod touch prices slashed dramatically before today's event (nano and classic too)
Seeing is believing and we're seeing price drops across each and every iPod touch on Apple's on-line store front. The 8GB model is now $189 (was $229), the 16GB model is $249 (was $299), and the 32GB model is just $279 (was $399). Now what could Apple be making room for?Update: And now the nano and classic have fallen under the axe. The classic has been cut to $229 (was $249) while the nano now starts at $129 (was $149) for the 8GB model or just $149 (down from $199) for the 16GB nano.[Thanks, Max H.]
