Steve Jobs once said, “You know, you keep on innovating, you keep on making better stuff. And if you always want the latest and greatest, then you have to buy a new iPod at least once a year.”
So this year, with the holiday shopping craze just around the corner, Apple refreshed the iPod lineup hoping to give consumers enough reason to lose some of our cash. But is it really the best time to get that new shiny music player from Cupertino? Or for those who already own one, is it the best time to upgrade? Of course, like all gadget queries, it all depends on you and your needs.
The tiny and minimal iPod shuffle, touted as the first music player that talks back through its VoiceOver feature, now comes in different colors with either 2GB or 4GB capacity. The iPod classic, famous as the largest capacity iPod, now has 160GB. The classic comes in no-nonsense silver or black. The headliner for the iPod family revamp would probably be the polished iPod nano which now sports a video camera and a slightly bigger 2.2-inch screen. For runners, the nano now has a built-in pedometer which can be used in tandem with the Nike plus Web site. The iPod nano is also available in nine hues that you can match to your favorite dress or shoes. How about the iPod touch? Was it blessed with a camera too? Unfortunately it is a resounding no. The new touch lineup now comes in 8GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities and has the latest 3.1 OS. The 32GB and 64GB iPod touches now have Voice Control and can accept Apple earphones with remote and mic.
Beyond the hardware, iPod also lends its charm from its tight integration with Apple’s iTunes. The media management app has been updated to version 9, bringing in a new look and set of new features. The online iTunes store has been renovated for easier navigation. iTunes 9 now supports iTunes LP, Apple’s attempt at recreating the album experience in a computer, and extras on premium movie downloads just like the “special features“ that come with special edition DVDs or Blu-rays. For those with multiple computers, Home Sharing allows them to view and import purchased music and movies for up to five authorized computers. The iTunes’ Genius Mixes automatically searches for songs that it thinks sound great together. It’s like having your own personal DJ and is also a fun way to explore your music collection.
The iPod is also more than just the hardware and software—it is an ecosystem. More than any gadget, the iPod has the most number of accessories available from Apple and third-party vendors. From cases to speakers to stands to DJ accessories, whatever accessory you might need there is a good chance there is one out there. For iPod touch owners, the iTunes app store has more than 75,000 apps and counting to make your media machine more fun and functional. If you are considering the iPod shuffle but is worried about not being able to use your favorite earphones, worry not, Belkin has come up with an adaptor and surely other vendors will follow.
For more information and up-to-date pricing, and other online-only exclusives like the polished iPod shuffle, check out http://store.apple.com/ph.
