Just a few days ago after Apple's new iPod announcement, they have now launched a 4th generation 20GB model for $ 299 and a 40GB for $ 399; both now shipping. For those who have not seen the sneak preview article, this new iPod has several improvements over its predecessors. It features a new patent pending 'Click Wheel' a 5-button touch sensitive scroll wheel designed for one-hand use. Another improvement
is a longer 12-hour battery life; up to double that of previous iPod models. The player is also thinner and weighs just 159g (5.6 ounces).
HP's chairman and chief executive office at HP has been waiting for this new iPod series as they plan on launching its HP branded iPod version in September. Another iPod feature includes Apple's patent pending Auto-Sync technology where an iPod is automatically synchronised with the iTunes music library each time it is plugged in.
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Apple today introduced the new iPod, the fourth generation of the world's number one portable digital music player, featuring Apple's patent pending Click Wheel, which combines the smooth and continuous scrolling of a touch-sensitive wheel with five push buttons for superior one handed navigation. The new iPod also features up to 12 hours battery life and Shuffle Songs, a new command in the main menu which gives users instant access to one of the most exciting new ways to listen to their music library. All iPods work effortlessly with Apple's iTunes, providing music fans with the best digital jukebox on either a Mac or Windows computer and access to the iTunes Music Store, the number one digital music service in the world. The new iPod is available immediately in a 20GB model for 9 and a 40GB model for 9. Read the full article here. For the full specification, check the new Apple iPod's specification here. |
With both the iPod and iPod mini series' major success, Apple's new series will likely sell very well also and may attract those who avoided the original series due their short battery playback time. Unfortunately like iPod's earlier models, the battery is 'built-in' according to the specifications. This likely means that the consumer must still send back their iPod for a replacement battery after approximately 1.5 years of use along with a $ 99 service charge.
One thing I find Apple lacks in its iPod series is FM radio support, even if it means just adding a model with a radio to its current series. I encountered several people who chose a competitors product simply because they needed to listen to the radio without carrying a separate item.
Source: Music Industry News Network
