Apple Updates – New iPods, iTunes Updates, OS 3.1 for Touch/Phone
Information from Mac Rumors http://www.macrumors.com/
OS 3.1 Update
At today’s “It’s Only Rock and Roll” media event, Apple announced the availability of iPhone OS 3.1 for the iPhone and iPod touch. The new firmware will be able to take advantage of the new Genius feature for apps to help users find new apps that may be of interest based on past purchases and will also allow wireless downloading of new pre-cut ringtones. The full list of 3.1 features and updates includes the following:
- Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos
- iTunes U content organization
- Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store
- Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
- Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll
- Option to “Save as new clip” when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS
- Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on
- Remotely lock iPhone with a passcode via MobileMe
- Use Voice Control on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets
- Paste phone numbers into the keypad
- Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS
- Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari (anti-phishing)
- Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling
- Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly
iPhone OS 3.1 is available and is a free download for iPhone customers and iPod touch users already running iPhone OS 3.0. iPod touch users running earlier firmware versions can upgrade to iPhone OS 3.1 for $4.95.
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Updates to iPod Models
The iPod touch gets a hardware upgrade for the high-capacity models and a price cut on the lowest-capacity model. The 8 GB iPod touch will be $199 (down from $249), while the 32 GB and 64 GB models will be $299 and $399, respectively.
The 32 GB and 64 GB iPod touch models are “50% faster” than previous models and will run OpenGL ES 2.0. iPod touch owners who already have the latest 3.0 firmware will also be able to download the new iPhone OS 3.1 firmware, which is available today, at no charge, while those running older firmware versions can upgrade for $4.95.
The only change to the iPod classic model is a capacity bump to 160GB, up from 120GB, at the same price point of $249.
The iPod shuffle also receives a refresh today, including new pink, green and blue colors in addition to the original black and silver. A new polished stainless steel special edition model available only through Apple online and retail stores also joins the mix. The new iPod shuffle will be available in two capacities – 2 GB and 4 GB. The 2 GB model will be priced at $59 and the 4 GB model will be $79, while the stainless steel special edition will be priced at $99. Also, Apple is working with third-party headphone manufacturers to release new headphones that will be compatible with the iPod shuffle’s feature set.
The iPod nano receives the most noticeable feature changes with the addition of a video camera, an FM radio, Voice Over, and the new Genius Mix feature. The iPod nano will also have a slightly larger screen at 2.2 inches within the same form factor as the previous model and with a polished anodized aluminum casing. To support video recording, a microphone and speaker are also added, as well a built-in pedometer. Available today at $149 for the 8 GB version and $179 for the 16 GB version, the iPod nano will also be available in nine different colors.
All updated iPod models are available today.
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iTunes 9 Available Today
The rumored iTunes 9 was announced today at Apple’s “It’s Only Rock and Roll” media event. iTunes 9 brings multiple new features, including iPhone app organization, “Genius Mixes”, expanded media syncing options, and much more.
“iTunes 9 is a great iTunes release, with innovative features that make using iTunes better than ever and iTunes content richer than ever,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iTunes LP, for example, lets artists share more of their creativity with fans and gives music lovers the feeling of being immersed in an entire album with art, lyrics, liner notes, photos and videos.”
Genius Mixes is a new feature that leverages the Genius information gathered since the launch of this feature with iTunes 8 at last year’s September media event. Genius Mixes can play an endless mix of songs from your iTunes library that “go great together.” iTunes 9 will automatically generate 12 of these mixes by default, and more can be created by the user.
Device syncing has also improved in the latest version of iTunes. Genres and artists can be selectively synchronized along with playlists, and photos can now be synced by Faces and Events.
Home sharing is another new feature that allows iTunes media to be copied and shared among 5 authorized computers in the same household, with settings available to make copying new purchases automatically. All authorized computers are visible in iTunes in the Shared category in the Source list.
iTunes 9 includes the iPhone app organization feature that was previously rumored. Replicas of the home screen pages of a connected iPhone appear within the Applications tab where apps can be selected for syncing and removal and dragged and dropped to appear on the desired home screen page.
Image courtesy of Gizmodo
Additionally, the iTunes store interface has been re-designed to allow for easier browsing and now offers iTunes LPs – albums with additional content such as lyrics, photos, liner notes, and more. Movies also get a bump from extra content through iTunes Extras that include additional features, graphical chapter selection, and more. Finally, Apple is now offering 30,000 pre-cut ringtones from major music labels, priced at $1.29 each.
iTunes 9 is a free download and is now available.
