Apple overhauls iPod line-up

Apple has unveiled the latest generation of its iPod portable media player line.

The updates cover the entire iPod lineup, from the iPod Shuffle to the iPod Nano and Touch models.

For the shuffle, the update will bring back the button controls and rectangle-shaped case design which had been replaced in the last model. The 2GB player will be available in several colours at a cost of £39.

The most dramatic of the updates came for the iPod Nano. The ultra-portable player saw its iconic clickwheel controller replaced by a touchscreen interface similar to that of the iPod Touch and the case design turned into a square roughly the size of the screen with a clip on the back.

The new Nano models will cost £129 for the 8GB model and £159 for a 16GB capacity.

Meanwhile, the iPod Touch model was updated with Apple's Retina display screen and a forward-facing camera which will allow the device to run Apple's FaceTime video chat service.

To stock the new iPods with music, users will be running a new version of iTunes. The iTunes 10 update will add a social networking tool known as Ping. The service will allow users to share information on recent music purchases with friends and obtain concert information directly from performers.

"This is a very safe choice because it focuses on adding social networking capabilities around music, where Apple is already popular," .

"Being a music-specific offering and built into iTunes makes a whole lot of sense."


News Source:  v3.co.uk

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