On Sept. 9, 2008, Apple announced the following new products at its "Let's Rock" iPod media event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
Fouth Generation iPod nano
A major revision to the shape of Apple's mid-range iPod media player. Unlike the previous version, which was almost square and sported an equally square screen, the fourth-generation iPod nano returns the device to its original vertical shape, though it retains the video playback features. This version also adds voice recorder software.
More on the fourth generation iPod nano
The new models cost US$149 for 8GB and $199 for 16GB.
Second Generation iPod touch
The first revision to the iPod touch, which was introduced almost one year earlier to the day. The second generation iPod touch differs from its predecessor due to its shape, integrated speakers, an accelerometer, and support for Genius and Nike+ plus.
More on the second generation iPod touch
The new models cost US$229 for 8GB, $299 for 16GB, and $399 for 32GB.
iTunes 8
The new version of iTunes adds a handful of features, including:
- Genius - A new feature that "creates the perfect playlist" from your iTunes library based on your listening habits, and also suggests new music based on the music you already like for purchase at the iTunes Store (similar to the Pandora service). [Learn how to turn Genius on | turn Genius off]
- HD TV Show downloads - in addition to standard-definition shows. HD shows cost US$2.99 each, $1 more than standard-definition shows.
- The Return of NBC - NBC TV shows will once again be available at the iTunes Store, after they were removed by NBC over a contract dispute late last year.
- New Browsing Interface - You can now view music in a grid by album cover, based on sorting criteria like artist, composer, genre, etc.
It is available as a free download from Apple's website or through the Software Update tool built into the Mac OS and iTunes.
Learn about the history of iTunes
iPhone Firmware 2.1
The new version of the software that runs the iPhone was also released. It adds a suite of features, including:
It will be released on Friday, Sept. 12 as a free download through the Software Update tool built into iTunes. It is a $10 upgrade for iPod touch owners running version 1.x. It is a free upgrade for 2.x users and comes pre-loaded on the new touches) and is available now.
IPhone firmware version history
New Headphones
The US$79 in-ear headphones are a new product from Apple and include both a dual-drive (woofer and tweeter) set up for better sound and a clicker button on the headphone cable like that used by the iPhone to control play/pause and skip/rewind. They also include a mic for recording voice memos. They will be available in October.
Apple also unveiled a US$29 set of headphones with a mic attached to them.
iPod Classic Update
Apple released a new iPod Classic model, as well: The 80GB and 160GB models have been replaced with a single 120GB model for US$249. The new model has Genius support built in.
New iPod Shuffle Colors
The iPod Shuffle now comes in silver, blue, green, red, and pink. No changes to the capacity or features of the device were made.
