Apple has revealed its iPod Shuffle, Nano and Touch handy media players. The iPod Shuffle has back button controls and rectangle design which has been replaced in the previous model. The 2GB player will be available in several colors at a cost of £39.
The most remarkable updates are the iPod Nano. The ultra-portable player has had its iconic click-wheel replaced by a touch-screen interface similar to the iPod Touch, and the case design has been turned into a square roughly the size of the screen with a clip on the back. The new Nano range costs £129 for the 8GB model and £159 for the 16GB model.
Meanwhile, the iPod Touch now has Apple's Retina display screen and a forward-facing camera allowing the device to run Apple's FaceTime video chat service. The Touch includes an updated version of Apple's iOS 4 mobile operating system. In addition to normal bug fixes, the update adds a new multi-player gaming service known as Game Center.
Apple has iTunes 10 update which adds a social networking tool known as Ping. The service allows users to share information on recent music purchases and obtain concert details directly from performers. Ping will let Apple to set up social networking in an area of strength, rather than attempt to take on a larger, established company such as Facebook or Twitter.
"This is a safe choice because it focuses on adding social networking capabilities around music, where Apple is already popular," he said. "Being a music-specific offering and built into iTunes makes a whole lot of sense."
NEWS SOURCE: www.v3.co.uk