U2 iPod, Photo iPod and Additional iTMS Localizations Released

[MacRumors]

Apple released today an all-black U2 edition iPod (http://www.apple.com/ipod/) digital music player in conjunction with the release of the new album by U2. The new iPod is a 20 GB 4th generation with a RED 'click-wheel' iPod with the U2 band's signatures laser-etched onto the mirror-finished back of the device, and comes with a coupon for U2's new studio album "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." The iPod is available for pre-order from the Apple Store (http://store.apple.com/).

Apple also released today a color-screened (220x176, 65,000 color) iPod Photo for holding up to 15,000 songs and up to 25,000 photos. The new iPod Photo is available within 1 to 2 weeks, for either $499 for a 40 GB model or $599 for a 60 GB model. Both offer up to a 15 hour battery life, offering a 1.5x increase over previous models, and TV out, for sharing photos on a television screen.

Additionally, the iTunes Music Store opened its doors to a large number of new customers and now covers the US, Germany, France, the UK, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, with the EU countries offering songs at .99 Euros each. These countries represent the entire collection of EU countries that are adopting the new Euro currency, with the notable exception of Ireland. Localized versions of iTunes software are available for download free from apple.com (http://www.apple.com/itunes/). A credit card account in your specific locale is required to create a user account.

Notably absent from the list of newly-included countries are Japan and Australia, which were widely expected to be included in this new wave of localized stores.

Updates: Apple also announced (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2004/oct/26itmseu.html) that it will launch the iTunes Music Store in Canada in November.

iTunes 4.7 is now available for download (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) for Mac OS X, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.

QuickTime 6.5.2 is now available for download (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/). Messages in iTunes report that QuickTime 6.5.2 is required to use music purchased from ITMS in other applications such as iPhoto or iMovie.

[Jovian9]

15 hours of battery life! Wow!

[ipacmm]

cool....might be ordering the 60GB one soon.

[Stella]

iPod Photo- WHOOO hooo.

15 hours with colour screen!!!! My next iPod!
When are they available from? I didn't see any event coverage.

Though apple are screwing us with exchange rates.... CA$799

[stoid]

What's new about iTunes 4.7? Just increased support for new stores or is there some new functionality?

[evilgEEk]

I must admit, that photo iPod looks pretty sweet....

:D

[Rower_CPU]

I may have to finally upgrade from my 1st Gen 5GB. ;)

[zelmo]

I've been saying that I won't upgrade just for a color screen, but now that it is out...I want one!

I was going to get my wife a Pink mini for our anniversary. Do you think she'd kill me if I gave her my 20GB 4G and got a 40GB Photo iPod for me? Yeah, that's what I thought...

I was really hoping for a smaller, sub-$200 mini this time around.

[AoWolf]

u2pod is ugly but I like the photo pod Os.

[munkle]

Can't resist joining in with the 'me too, me too!!' excitement of a new product! Dang those things look sweet! How rare are these things going to be this Christmas!

[SilentPanda]

Anybody daring enough to try their hymn'ed songs in iTunes 4.7?

[Zaty]

Cool, Apple understands how to bring the iPod to the next level! No get busy working on getting iTMS to even more countries. There are still millions of potential customers in Australia, Canada, Japan and all non-Euro Zone countries waiting for it!

[MacNut]

So it looks like we may be a step closer to Ipod Video.

[sinisterdesign]

..cccan'''tt tyype credditt cardd # quuick ... ennough . ... mmuust buyy ppphphoto podd. . .. .

[g4cubed]

I like it. :D Now to come up with the cash to get it. :(

[Stella]

Is the iPod photo available world wide in 1 to 2 weeks.. because on the Canadian Apple section, iPod Photo is nowhere to be seen?

Or is this a case where the majority of the world have to wait half a year for availability as for the iPhoto Mini?

[dornoforpyros]

OMG! WHY NO ITMS IN CANADA YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:mad:
Who cares about viewing photos on a 2" screen. I wanna be able to buy music for my damned iPod already without buying a plastic disk that's just gonna sit on the shelf after being ripped.

grrrrrrr :mad:


ok sorry. deep breath.

[Natron]

*ducks to avoid Canadians*

[elgruga]

Expect some kind of application soon from Apple to 'bind' all the media stuff together.
Presumably iPhoto will need changes to handle iPod photo library?


anyone know how I can change the constant 'negative' button on my posts?

[bedrock22]

this is awesome. at this very moment apple owns the entire world.

awesome stuff, apple - color ipods WAY sooner than i expected!

[whooleytoo]

Available to the entire euro zone except Ireland? Bizarre.. Presumably must be a licensing issue, since the language and currency is already covered.

[Badradio]

Is that a U2 iPod or a Knight Rider iPod?

[hob]

U2 pod looks lovely! I'd get one in a second if I really liked the band - I love the colours!

iPod Photo for christmas! Thank god for educational discount!

[Metatron]

Okay, hate me everyone. But can we hack it to play movies. It will show pictures and sound, why not movie pictures and sound. Obviously the iPod is heading that direction. But an photo iPod seems useless. We have the new apple newton basically stripped. This thing is a stylus sort of being an all out PDA. Not that I want a PDA, that is usless to me, I just want to be able to take all my DVD's, export them to h.264 with the upcoming tiger, and play them anywhere.

As for the 15 hours battery, wow. And the U2 iPod is great looking.

[Sharewaredemon]

Yeah and there is a new ipod store online now too.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/72103/wo/G32FCEFtwRAL3iTVxKLZJzo0ZKt/0.0.9.1.0.6.21.1.3.1.0.0.0.1.0

[afields]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: Sweet! *checks bank account*



Looks like a good deal. I already have the new 20gb, so I'm not really in the market for it right now. Looks spiffy though. Go apple! :D

[HiRez]

I like the black iPod with red click wheel, it's a pretty striking contrast to your average iPod. But what's up with only offering it in a 20 gig version? Strange choice. I guess if you were going to buy this U2 "digital boxed set" anyway, spending the extra $50 on the U2 iPod is no sweat, since you'll effectively get it back. Bottom line is it's kind of neat visually but limited (and I don't like the fact that they didn't include losslessly-compressed versions of the album). I wonder how the lawyers feel about this: they certainly have no argument now about not shipping music on physical media in regards to the Apple Corp lawsuit...interesting.

[johnnyjibbs]

iTunes is not in software update yet. Do you reckon the upgrade will break Real compatibility? Not that that really matters to me. iTunes does have some new features, they are detailed on the apple site.

I like the look of the photo iPods. It's worked out well, my iPod 20GB hasn't arrived yet but I'm not jealous. I got that for cheap as part of a promotion. The photo iPod can be my next iPod purchase in a couple of years - it's a bit expensive for me at the moment! I'm not too keen on the U2 iPod either, altohugh it's a matter of taste.

Good stuff.

[Rod Rod]

People who are voting this story negative are most likely from Canada, Japan or Australia. If they're disappointed they have the record companies and / or their national governments to blame, not Apple.

Perhaps the Canadian government wants to impose Can-con on the iTMS. Canadians know what I'm talking about. It's the law that dictates radio stations must broadcast at least X amount of Canadian content. Maybe it's been phased out but as far as I know it's still in effect.

[narco]

Usually I rely on the rumor sites to give me at LEAST a couple day head start to sell my soon-to-be out of date iPod on eBay. LUCKILY I don't feel so bad about not getting an advanced warning -- $499 for a 40gig iPod, JUST to have the photos and color screen? I'm sure I can get a big chunk of my money back, so I'm not crying too much.

I would have liked the U2 iPod if it was all black. Oh well.

Looks like Apple is doing a lot of hardware releasing, looking like a great year!

.narco

[AmigoMac]

my 40 GB photoPod is on the way... just ordered! :D

[kainjow]

iTunes 4.7 includes support for copying photos to an iPod photo, the ability to show duplicate songs in your library, (!!!) and other performance improvements.

That duplicate feature just wipes out a few third party apps :)

New iPod options window (not in prefs):
http://www.kainjow.com/itunesipod.jpg

Also, iTunes 4.7 brings the ability to load pictures onto your iPod Photo, so currently it doesn't look like iPhoto will handle that, yet...

Now that new iPod... I will DEFINITELY have ot get one of those...mmm notes/contacts/calendars - all in Color!!! :D I'm so happy. Yay I get to spend more money now!!! :)

[gwuMACaddict]

u2 iPod is HIDEOUS n my opinion... but i DO like the photo iPod :D

[SilvorX]

beat ya to this by a few min *snickers*
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1101671

I never actually thought the photo ipod would be released this soon, but its the future of the iPod

[Wonder Boy]

i have no interest nor need for photo ipod. i think they are overpriced, as well. that being said, i see no reason for them not to be a big hit.

[Zaty]

http://www.mactechnews.de/index.html#bottom (in german)

[reckless_0001]

Apple expands EU ITMS, Canada coming in November
October 26 - 14:18 EDT** Apple today launched an expanded European Union version of the iTunes Music Store, adding Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain to the the mix. The same price of €0.99 per song applies, as well as all the other features currently enjoyed by France, Germany, and the UK. Apple today also announced it will launch the iTunes Music Store in Canada in November.

[elgruga]

OMG! WHY NO ITMS IN CANADA YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because Canada is a seperate country from the USA.
Because we already have a system in place to deal with downloads - we pay a levy on all recording and recordable players/media.

Because Canada doesnt criminalise downloading and isnt a slave to record company demands.

Because Canada has rules about canadian content, which although irritating at times, do protect local talent and help to nurture it - to some extent.

And most of all, because we only have 30 million people in the second largest country (or are we first now). Small market comes last.

Be happy - we dont have Bush.

[swissmann]

The rumors were pretty accurate. I think the best feature of all is the 15 hour battery life.

[MacMyDay]

Gotta admit, it's kinda strange that the entire sidebar is now filled with "iPod" at the top, whereas "Macintosh" is below the iPod. It's like they don't want anyone to see anything but the iPod now.

[Macaddicttt]

All I can say is, "Wow, those color iPods look really cool!"

Too bad I don't have the money or need for one...

I guess I'll just stick with my 10GB 3G for my 5GB music collection.

[Mobility]

itunes 4.7 is out, go to download page

www.apple.com/itunes/download

[jocknerd]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think its a little bit overpriced? The 4G 40GB iPod is $399. The 40GB Photo iPod is $499. I don't know. I'm just tired of spending a lot of money. I just bought my PowerMac in June and I'm trying to pay that off. How much longer will we wait for the sub $200 iPod's? I guess I'll keep right on using my 30GB 3G iPod and use my iBook to show photos.

[Laurent]

Canada cana dacan adacan a da can a da? Canadaca NADA!

iPod Photo isn't enough of a reason to pay that price. Please insert QuickTime 6.5 video compatibility NOW...

[Doctor Q]

It looks like iTunes (not iPhoto) is used to download photos to the iPod Photo, which makes sense since photos are just another media type and because the iPod Photo is for both Mac and Windows. That definitely means we'll need an iTunes update in order to use it.

[fregedegpo]

The red is so ugly! Bummer that they didn't just stay with all black, or black and dark gray or something. The red is really just so ugly, but I guess some folks will like it.

[centauratlas]

OMG! WHY NO ITMS IN CANADA YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


They announced that it will be available in November...just a few more weeks.

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2004/oct/26itmseu.html

They have to negotiate the deals before they can go on-line and no doubt the record labels are the slow part.

[rteichman]

Did anyone notice that the photo iPod is much thicker and heavier than the "plain" iPod! I want one bad, but now I feel I need to "feel" it first

[fixyourthinking]

What's new about iTunes 4.7? Just increased support for new stores or is there some new functionality?

I believe it breaks the rhapsody [real music store] downloads that used harmony to work on ipods

Other than the photo capability I have seen no real difference.

Steve Jobs says a video iPod is not viable due to copyright concern, but a photo iPod is a no brainer due to so much free photo content and the fact people want to off load photos and to share them

I would expect a raft of card readers now to offload photos on to the new photopod.

I hope someone will be able to hack it for video - it shouldn't be that hard.

[krossfyter]

YES! im getting that U2 IPOD!

werd!

[adamberti]

Ok so the iPod Photo is supposed to have 15 hours battery life, but then there is this on the website:

Hiking the backcountry? iPod Photo provides up to 8 hours of battery life between charges.

Hmm, Old specs and they decided to upgrade it?

Also, it says this:

Download guides to restaurants and other attractions and easily access them using iPod Photo’s versatile Click Wheel.

Does that just mean a text file? Or is there something else...

[matthutch]

new ipods look cool, battery life on the photo ipod is pretty awesome.
however no ITMS australia or canada is pretty annoying.

I wonder if it is the record industries holding it up or if apple is delaying it for some other reason?

as an aussie, i find it pretty amazing that ARIA (and other record industries around the world) moan and complain about people getting music from P2P networks, yet it seems as though they are doing their very best to hold up the release of a legal alternative that has such a large market share world wide like ITMS.

oh well, enough of a rant for now ;) here's hoping they release it soon here in australia

[DTphonehome]

Ok all, a little more info for you:

iPod Photo battery life and screen = PHAT
iPod Photo size = FAT

It seems the color ipod is .75 inches thick, as opposed to .57 for the b/w models. I suppose that's to be expected, the screen is a drain, and the extra battery life doesn't come from magic battery elves or a tiny nuclear reactor.

Price is a little high for me, but I don't need a color screen. Those that do probably will not have a problem paying 500-600 for a glorified (very glorified...i love the pod) music player. But 600...to me that sounds high. That's almost an eMac! But damn, that is one purdy screen. Hope someone figures out how to hack it to play movies :D

U2 Ipod comes with a $50 coupon for the complete U2 collection set, consisting of 400 songs. So, if you plan to buy that set, the price is virtually the same as the 20 gigger. And red and black is way cool.

Music Store: Maybe Canada should adopt the Euro ;)

--DT

[mdetry]

What's new about iTunes 4.7? Just increased support for new stores or is there some new functionality?

Just bought a song in Spain wiht Itunes 4.6. I think 4.7 has to do with Iphoto Ipod

[SilentPanda]

Depending on the slide show settings you could get some poor quality video going I would think... video is after all just a slide show of images with audio in the background... you might only get 1 frame per second... :)

[williamsonrg]

The 3G iPod I got just before the 4G's were released just gets more obsolete every day.. I love the U2 iPod, and I hope it's a sign of things to come (although I don't know how many bands are successful enough to justify getting their own iPod). The Photo iPod is almost certainly over-priced, but then again, that's been said about most things from Apple. There's still a market, and I'm sure the price will come down.

Just my $0.02. Of course, had I saved those two cents, I'd only need 49,898 more for a photo iPod.

[reckless_0001]

I'm Canadian and I can wait until Nov. 26 ;)

[Billicus]

Never thought I'd see the day that the iPod extended beyond Music, but I guess that day is here. :rolleyes: ;)

[srobert]

WOW!!! Beautifull. The 2 inch color screen can't be that crisp right? The font doesn't look pixelated at all.



http://images.apple.com/ipodphoto/gallery/images/photoplaying20041026.jpg

[deral]

No doubt that this holiday season will see a lot of ipods sold. I can't believe how much choices we have now. Gosh, anyone wanna buy one of my organs?

[itsaploy]

There is zero chance for iTunes to ever open in Canada.

Here's why: The Canadian Gov't has decided to tax MP3 players, flash memory and CD's - and all ancillary products, to form a fund to "compensate Canadian artists that have been hurt by illegal file-swapping".

The fact is - these artists are not being compensated - this tax just fills a slush fund that is being used for the Gov'ts own purposes - no funds have ever been disbursed to the "starving artists".

There is also no formula to allocate the funds logically or any other responsible decisions regarding this fund.

Allowing legal downloading in Canada puts the Government in a hypocrytical situation, where they'd have to tax a product, based on it's illegal use - when it also has a legal use.

Mark my words: In Canada, there will never be an iTunes music store.

Marshall

[Xenious]

I can't buy one without buying two (one for me, one for wife) ahah, so its a double hit!

FYI new iTunes 4.7 wants new Quicktime 6.5.2 and neither is in software update.

[Superdrive]

Is it just me, or does that screen alone make you want to get a photo iPod? I got a 4g 40GB the day it came out, so I am not in the market by any means. I could easily eBay and iPod, but will probably wait for 2G iPod Photo.

[DTphonehome]

Is this new?
The iPod Store (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/70702/wo/8m3YniKMs06M37CUXdG2j9q04dh/0.0.9.1.0.6.21.1.3.1.0.0.0.1.0)

And, for some weird reason, the price of a U2 pod is reduced 20 bucks in the education store, while all other pods are 30 bucks less. I guess they know who will by the bulk of those :D

And yes, that screen looks very sharp...I do believe that's what we can expect to see.

--DT

[Lancetx]

[QUOTE=itsaploy]There is zero chance for iTunes to ever open in Canada.

Wrong. It's coming next month. Now would you Canadians please settle down! :p

http://www.macminute.com/2004/10/26/euitms/

[Laurent]

This isn't an actual screen capture of the hardware; that explains why everything looks so crisps...

[reckless_0001]

Dude, don't get mad, because your hopes were dashed... it's happening next month...

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2004/oct/26itmseu.html


There is zero chance for iTunes to ever open in Canada.

Here's why: The Canadian Gov't has decided to tax MP3 players, flash memory and CD's - and all ancillary products, to form a fund to "compensate Canadian artists that have been hurt by illegal file-swapping".

The fact is - these artists are not being compensated - this tax just fills a slush fund that is being used for the Gov'ts own purposes - no funds have ever been disbursed to the "starving artists".

There is also no formula to allocate the funds logically or any other responsible decisions regarding this fund.

Allowing legal downloading in Canada puts the Government in a hypocrytical situation, where they'd have to tax a product, based on it's illegal use - when it also has a legal use.

Mark my words: In Canada, there will never be an iTunes music store.

Marshall

[Doctor Q]

iTunes 4.7 includes support for copying photos to an iPod photo, the ability to show duplicate songs in your library, and other performance improvements.
Pretty straightforward, although they spelled "iPod Photo" with a lowercase "p".

[Eniregnat]

Apple's Java applet for the Photo iPod and U2 iPod are acting a little funky. Links below:

U2 (http://www.apple.com/ipod/u2/gallery/u2front.html)

PHOTO (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/gallery/photolibrary.html)

(Sorry for the double post.)

[johnnyjibbs]

iTunes 4.7 downloaded. There's now an iPod option in the preferences. Mine just says "No ipod connected" but I guess this means you can change the options (such as auto update ipod and stuff) without having the iPod plugged in, plus new options specific to the Photo iPod.

EDIT:

No AACplus then. Never mind. There's also an option for the mini player to stay on top of all other windows in the advanced tab. I think this is quite a useful feature.

[FoxyKaye]

Wow. Just wow.

*wipes drool off chin*

I have a 2G 20Gig iPod that I love, but if I had the cash right now you can just bet I'd be picking up one of those sweet-looking U2 iPods. Gawd, I remember listening to U2 in gradeschool 20 years ago - back then I bet no-one could have even imagined a U2 iPod while listening to "Wide Awake in America."

The photo iPod is cool too, although I can't wait to see what will be released next year when the capacity of mini HDDs are even larger. It kind of makes me wonder whether or not we'll start seeing more typical PDA features being built into iPods now that they have color screens, massive HDDs and photo/music/movie(?) features. It kind of seems like a natural progression - a portable audio/visual/PDA type device that picks the best features from all of these areas and pulls them together into something fun.

Apple's really going no holds barred in the digital music player arena - just when other companies are starting to catch up, they raise the bar even higher. Go Steve!

[the_mole1314]

There is zero chance for iTunes to ever open in Canada.

Here's why: The Canadian Gov't has decided to tax MP3 players, flash memory and CD's - and all ancillary products, to form a fund to "compensate Canadian artists that have been hurt by illegal file-swapping".

The fact is - these artists are not being compensated - this tax just fills a slush fund that is being used for the Gov'ts own purposes - no funds have ever been disbursed to the "starving artists".

There is also no formula to allocate the funds logically or any other responsible decisions regarding this fund.

Allowing legal downloading in Canada puts the Government in a hypocrytical situation, where they'd have to tax a product, based on it's illegal use - when it also has a legal use.

Mark my words: In Canada, there will never be an iTunes music store.

Marshall

Which explains why Apple released the EU iTMS Press Release it states that Apple will open their Canada store next month.

Who thought never ment next month?

Also, anyone see the new solitare? it's awsome!

[SiliconAddict]

:D Just ordered mine. Its more expensive then I was thinking it was going to be but *shrugs* One time price that should last me another 2 years or so, so I'm good with that.

[dornoforpyros]

Black U2 iPod. Rather sweet actually, wouldn't mind it if all iPods were colour. Then again theirs always:
http://www.colorwarepc.com/

iPod photo...meh. I personally can't see myself having that much of a use for the abuility to view photos on a 2" screen. Considering the fact that 99% of the time my iPod sits in my pocket un-seen I really have no use for a colour screen. Kinda nifty I suppose but I certnaly don't regret not having it.

iTMS....please...for the love of god...let us have it in Canada. I know this is probably some dumb government/CRTC thing holding it up but honestly I just bought shadows fall's the war within on CD and I played the disk once...to rip it in iTunes. I'm sick of paying for plastic I aint using.

so really on all this update's a little weak to me. I think last weeks iBook update was of more interest.

[djdarlek]

the potential for a portable porn collection is literally orgasmic!

:cool:

[SilentPanda]

Well I tried a Hymned song under iTunes 4.7 and all appears to be a-okay... phew... (I used Hymn so I could bring the songs into Toast to burn the CD's with CD-TEXT).

[1macker1]

Not really doing anything for me. But i'll be buying a iPod mini for a b'day gift pretty soon, but this release isn't special for me.

[elegy]

i have a question / observation
it seems u cannot use the card reader to download photos to the ipod and edit, or play a slide show, without going through the itunes sync first. i could be missing something. it seems that downloading photos with the card reader (belkin i think) would operate just like it did before. that would be a bummer. so if you are on a trip, you would still need your mac to sync the photos you downloaded from the card to the computer, than back to the ipod? as you would with music files that were placed on the ipod (as files, not thought itunes).
hope i am missing something.

[jocknerd]

The U2 iPod is unattractive to me visually and in substance. You're paying $50 extra for a 20GB iPod with a very bad paint scheme. Then you get a $50 coupon towards a $150 purchase of U2's digital box set. For a U2 fan like myself, I already own all their albums on CD. Why would I want to spend $100 to have an inferior version of the same music? Maybe if it was in lossless format, but not for AAC.

The iPod Photo is actually quite nice. My wife might want one for Christmas. But too bad I can't afford it. I'm still paying off my PowerMac. And then the 20" Cinema displays come next. Damn you Apple!

[coolfactor]

What's new about iTunes 4.7? Just increased support for new stores or is there some new functionality?

From the Installer:

What's new in iTunes 4.7
iTunes 4.7 includes support for copying photos to an iPod photo, the ability to show duplicate songs in your library, and other performance improvements.

[HiRez]

What's interesting to me is that it looks like they're using standard OS X UI elements for that progress bar. Sure, it's most likely just emulating the look using images but...that would really be interesting if there's some kind of "Micro Tiger" driving it under the hood. It's only a matter of time you know.

[SiliconAddict]

the potential for a portable porn collection is literally orgasmic!

:cool:


Yah and Apple has conveniently made the iPod so it can be used one handed. Innovation at its best! :D ;)

[Eniregnat]

Apple's Java applet for the Photo iPod and U2 iPod are acting a little funky. Links below:

U2 (http://www.apple.com/ipod/u2/gallery/u2front.html)

PHOTO (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/gallery/photolibrary.html)

[srobert]

Yah and Apple has conveniently made the iPod so it can be used one handed. Innovation at its best! :D ;)

Thank smart guy! now I got to sponge Cola out of my keyboard and nostrils. :D

[cluthz]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Apple is turing into a gadget and musichardware sales corp!

Hopefully the iPod thingies won't take apple of the most important part, making the best OS inthe world..

I'd love to get a new iPod soon.. But I can't affort one now.. :(

[GroundLoop]

Where is my 60GB non-photo iPod? I do not want to be forced to pay an extra hundred bucks for a feature that I do not want. I hope they introduce a 60GB non-photo iPod at the $500 price point after the initial sales of the 60GB photo-pod die down.

Hickman

[fracai]

Correction for the listing on the front page:
The U2 pod doesn't include the latest album pre-loaded.
From apple.com/ipod/u2/
# A gorgeous, black enclosure with a unique red Apple Click Wheel
# On the flip side: find the autographs of all four U2 band members
# Includes an iTunes Music Store coupon you can use to save $50 when you purchase “The Complete U2,” a digital boxed-set that includes more than 400 songs and more than 25 rare and unreleased tracks
# Exclusive U2 poster

The digital boxed-set will be released in November (maybe to co-incide with the release of the Canada store? naw, probably not)

wish I hadn't bought my iPod and had an extra couple hundred :)

[the_mole1314]

Anyone notice the new iPod Store?

[rDLr]

OK This is huge.

This is like going from the Macintosh 512k to the Macintosh II!

[DTphonehome]

Anyone notice the new iPod Store?

Yes. Me. See above.
Is this new?

[blybug]

Anybody daring enough to try their hymn'ed songs in iTunes 4.7?

they work :)

but i did kep a copy of 4.6 around just in case

[Allon]

Hmm, disappointing:

- No media-reader included, thus purchase of the expensive and not too efficient Belkin reader remains required

- Too pricey. Especially since they removed the 20Gb from the (photo)line and there is still no remote attached.

[rikers_mailbox]

from the Quicktime 6.5.2 installation. . .
What's new in QuickTime 6.5.2:
QuickTime 6.5.2 is an important release which includes a security update and bug fixes. In addition this release includes enhancements in the Apple Lossless Encoder and AAC codecs, as well as improved support for iTunes and other QuickTime-based applications.

. . . just FYI.

[itsa]

Just when I thought my B-day was going to be another dead Tuesday!
This is great!!! I can't wait to talk someone into getting me one.:)

[bidge]

WOW!!! Beautifull. The 2 inch color screen can't be that crisp right? The font doesn't look pixelated at all.


Photo iPod: 220 x 176
iPod: 160x128

[nassauone]

Thanks Apple for bringing ITMS to Canada! No really, I think that Puretracks service we have already rocks enough why would I want to buy from I-tunes?

[zapbranigan]

Oh the irony of announcing the extension of the iTMS to all euro countries ... except Ireland ... while also launching a U2 iPod. I'd laugh if I wasn't on the thin end of this particular stick. Credit card disappointingly placed back in wallet, unused.

What I am afraid of is that, being such a small market, Apple will now just forget about us and turn its attention elsewhere. :( If they could provide the names and addresses of whichever record execs stopped this (it's the only reasonable explanation), I'd be happy to pay them a visit.

[Metatron]

Also, I think this should confirm that iPhoto is coming to windows.

[jholzner]

OMG! WHY NO ITMS IN CANADA YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:mad:
Who cares about viewing photos on a 2" screen. I wanna be able to buy music for my damned iPod already without buying a plastic disk that's just gonna sit on the shelf after being ripped.

grrrrrrr :mad:


ok sorry. deep breath.

It's coming in November...Apple said so. Just a bit longer :)

[AmigoMac]

Wow, it's amazing... Redmond, you have a problem... Ballmer don't be fool, you know your son wants an U2 iPod... :D

[nagromme]

I will use the photo features ALL the time. I already use much more awkward means--like lugging a laptop--to get photos to TV (with music). And I show photos on my little camera screen too--VERY annoying controls--and having a 2" screen with clickwheel, and ALL (not some) of my photos... will be great!

Plus the cool factor of the color UI--with battery life BETTER not worse--might even be worth $100 given how long I've held off with iPod money waiting in my hand.

I might even spring for the 60, now that I know the 40 (photo) is just as thick.

The U2 one is neat for a change, but not for me. But I'm not one of the many people who think just because I PERSONALLY don't want a product that nobody else will either ;)

More stores will open soon--Canada in November is official--so a little patience and deep breathing may be in order :)

[SilentPanda]

There's still no CD-TEXT support. Drat. Not that everybody needs it... but I'm sure most all the features can be spoken for that way. I did do a tad bit of research about CD-TEXT and found out that Sony owns CD-TEXT. Which most likely means licensing fees would have to be paid... hmmmm....

Maybe it could be added to iTunes but you'd have to pay $X to enable CD-TEXT in iTunes? Maybe iTunes Pro?

[wildmac]

Both of these announcements are just plain lame.

Oh boy!!! I can buy a black iPod and get forced to spend another $400 on music! weee!!!!!

(It would look much cooler black-on-black)

Oh boy!!! I can see photos on a tiny screen!!!! And pay as much as devices with twice the screen area, and play video too!!!!

But wait, I can't transfer images from my digital camera!!! I have to buy some attachment for another $150!!! Or download to my computer and then to the iPod!!!

How lame is Apple getting???......

Produce a iPod with a compact Flash slot, so you can transfer images directly from your digital camera. THAT would be nice.

Produce the Flash-based iPod for $99. THAT would be nice.

[mpk]

Dammit. This sucks. Not a word about Denmark.

[DTphonehome]

Also, I think this should confirm that iPhoto is coming to windows.

Nope...this from Apple.com:

Wondering how you’re going to get all your digital photographs into iPod Photo? iTunes 4.7. The new version lets you import your images directly into iPod Photo from a folder on the hard drive of your Mac or PC. Spent time organizing your photos using iPhoto on a Mac or either Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 on a PC? iTunes 4.7 rewards your diligence by importing the albums you’ve created in iPhoto or collections created in Album or Elements. You’ll be able to choose them from the Photos menu on iPod Photo.

[virus1]

<caps lock> AWESOME </caps lock>
this is the evolution to the video ipod

[jxyama]

Also, I think this should confirm that iPhoto is coming to windows.

no... photos are loaded via iTunes.

since there's no demand for iPhoto Picture Store, apple won't bother porting iPhoto to windows - there's no money to be made.

wow... so they did put the color screen in. the iPod photo is thicker and bigger, presumably to stuff more battery in. looks neat, but the price, though justified in the line of things they offer, is getting to the point it's a bit much... $600 is a serious committment.

[gskiser]

Do any of you think this might pave the way for an Airport Express that includes video out to view pictures on your television? I'm not sure how difficult this would be, but I'd love to have an Airport Express that would stream music, as well as still photos to the video in on my television. If iTunes can pull pictures to sync on to the iPod, could it also pull them to stream to Airport Express or no? Just curious.

[superfunkomatic]

People who are voting this story negative are most likely from Canada, Japan or Australia. If they're disappointed they have the record companies and / or their national governments to blame, not Apple.

Perhaps the Canadian government wants to impose Can-con on the iTMS. Canadians know what I'm talking about. It's the law that dictates radio stations must broadcast at least X amount of Canadian content. Maybe it's been phased out but as far as I know it's still in effect.

no i think things are positive, and i'm a canuck. disappointed that i won't be able to try out the store tonight. but the new hardware is cool and worth waiting for.

i don't think it's CANCON, the issue is the canadian artist's association that represents musicians wants a higher chunk/percentage of the money than in other countries. it's a licensing thing, not a content thing. i think getting some money from itunes sales in canada makes more sense than getting no money - since in canada file sharing is legal.

[srobert]

Photo iPod: 220 x 176
iPod: 160x128

220 x 176 = 38,720 pixels
160 x 128 = 20,480 pixels

Nice, almost double the pixels. (89% more)

That would explained the detailed album cover and smoother font. It might only be a render but in the past, they always made sure that their render displayed the correct resolution.

[belair]

Photo iPod: 220 x 176
iPod: 160x128

I can't wait to see that screen.
Altough I know that when I see it I will have to buy one.
itms Luxembourg is REAL.
Looks so funny tough.

[HiRez]

Also, I think this should confirm that iPhoto is coming to windows.I don't think so. In fact I'd say it confirms that it is not coming to Windows (at least soon). My reasoning is: why else would iTunes handle the syncing of photos? That's goofy and makes no sense. It should be iPhoto's job. The only reason for it would be because Apple is unwilling or unready to port iPhoto to Windoze, thus they had to jam that functionality into iTunes because it's the only app that Apple has running on both platforms.

[jxyama]

Both of these announcements are just plain lame.

Oh boy!!! I can buy a black iPod and get forced to spend another $400 on music! weee!!!!!

(It would look much cooler black-on-black)

Oh boy!!! I can see photos on a tiny screen!!!! And pay as much as devices with twice the screen area, and play video too!!!!

But wait, I can't transfer images from my digital camera!!! I have to buy some attachment for another $150!!! Or download to my computer and then to the iPod!!!

How lame is Apple getting???......

Produce a iPod with a compact Flash slot, so you can transfer images directly from your digital camera. THAT would be nice.

Produce the Flash-based iPod for $99. THAT would be nice.

please, use a better choice of word. no one's "forcing" you to spend anything or buy anything. if you aren't convinced of the value, that's fine, but don't make it sound like they are making mistakes just because you don't want one or don't want to pay for one. :rolleyes:

[Zaty]

Also, I think this should confirm that iPhoto is coming to windows.

I don't think so. This has been discussed several times and the iPod Photo won't change anything. It would be a mistake if Apple ported iPhoto to Win Platform even if Windows user had to pay $20 or something. Apple's main objective should still be to get Windows user hooked to Apple by selling as many iPods as they can and, eventually, making them switch.

[KindredMAC]

Yah and Apple has conveniently made the iPod so it can be used one handed. Innovation at its best! :D ;)

About time Apple went after its TRUE CORE of users.... Geeks without Girlfriends!!!!!!

But seriously.... Holy **** what a great day today is for everyone.....well...except if you are Canadian. Poor saps..... I'm starting to feel some serious pity on them.
I live in New York close to the border and I can only imagine what it feels like for them.... Kinda like us looking over the border at their free health care and yearning for it.

My wife bought me a 10GB 3rd Gen iPod for Christmas last year and we just got an email from Apple reminding us that we still can get the Apple Care for the iPod in the next 30 days before we lose the opportunity. Yeah! Right! I think I'm going to go home tonight and find a way to smash my iPod without my wife knowing it's intentional just so she will buy me the iPod Photo this year... That thing is just too sweet...

The U2 iPod is aight.... The $50 coupon for iTunes is alittle weird. I saw someone on here say that the collection is going to be $150. What's the point then of spending $100 extra dollars? If the collection was $99 then I could see someone stomaching it. I think going Black is great, but I just don't think U2 has that much of a following to support its own iPod design spec.

Then again back when the first iPod came out, I watched it on the live feed here at work and used every single curse word in the known world, screaming about how stupid I thought Apple was for being a pioneer in mp3 digital players and not putting their money into a better Power Mac.... I turned to my production artist and said that mp3's were the way of the dinosaur because Napster (Macster) got shut down the previous year....

Well.... I was wrong and I will admit it. The iPod has helped to boost Apple to a larger market, even if the computers are still only around 5% market share. It at least has given Apple a name out in the world again and it is still cool to own something Apple.

Keep it up Steve and folks!

[SilentPanda]

Do any of you think this might pave the way for an Airport Express that includes video out to vew pictures on your television? I'm not sure how difficult this would be, but I'd love to have an Airport Express that would stream music, as well as still photos to the video in on my television. If iTunes can pull pictures to sync on to the iPod, could it also pull them to stream to Airport Express or no? Just curious.

The current Airport Express couldn't (due to lack of video out of course) but there's no reason a future Airport Express won't. Tivo already does this. I see it as feasible.

[jholzner]

There is zero chance for iTunes to ever open in Canada.

Here's why: The Canadian Gov't has decided to tax MP3 players, flash memory and CD's - and all ancillary products, to form a fund to "compensate Canadian artists that have been hurt by illegal file-swapping".

The fact is - these artists are not being compensated - this tax just fills a slush fund that is being used for the Gov'ts own purposes - no funds have ever been disbursed to the "starving artists".

There is also no formula to allocate the funds logically or any other responsible decisions regarding this fund.

Allowing legal downloading in Canada puts the Government in a hypocrytical situation, where they'd have to tax a product, based on it's illegal use - when it also has a legal use.

Mark my words: In Canada, there will never be an iTunes music store.

Marshall


From Apple's Press release

"Apple today also announced it will launch the iTunes Music Store in Canada in November."

Hmm...mark your words?

[dejo]

Apple's Java applet for the Photo iPod and U2 iPod are acting a little funky.

That's not a Java applet. It's JavaScript. BIG difference!

[veedubdrew]

Well where the heck is AAC+? That and CD-TEXT were all I cared about for today and I got neither :'(

Oh well. The new iPods look cool, but my 2G 10GB is chugging away just fine still (with ~10 hours play time on the original battery).

-Drew

[andiwm2003]

Dammit. This sucks. Not a word about Denmark.

how long will it take for the EU to say its against EU law to sell stuff only to one region but not to another. it would certainly no be legal to prohibit germans from buying french cars. so why is it legal to ban irish people from buying music from a british shop?

are we a European Union or what?

[KindredMAC]

I don't think so. This has been discussed several times and the iPod Photo won't change anything. It would be a mistake if Apple ported iPhoto to Win Platform even if Windows user had to pay $20 or something. Apple's main objective should still be to get Windows user hooked to Apple by selling as many iPods as they can and, eventually, making them switch.

I agree Zaty...
iPhoto is NOT coming out for Windows. Why else would Apple have made it VERY clear in the specs for the iPod Photo that PC users can use Adobe Elements and Album to gather together their photos for the new iPod???

[the_mole1314]

I'm going to hop on down the Apple Store to see if they have any on the shelf to check out....

[sweetaction]

cool....might be ordering the 60GB one soon.

Been waiting for a while for this one. Christmas came early for my development crew.

Go Apple!

[wildmac]

please, use a better choice of word. no one's "forcing" you to spend anything or buy anything. if you aren't convinced of the value, that's fine, but don't make it sound like they are making mistakes just because you don't want one or don't want to pay for one. :rolleyes:

I'm just very dissapointed in what they are offering. Nothing groundbreaking at all. There are dozens of devices that play music, show photos, PLAY VIDEO, and more, so what's the big deal. AND I can use those other devices to transfer images or video directly from a camera. So what's the big deal here?.......

The ONLY good thing here is for die-hard U2 fans who don't own any of their music yet. But if you are a U2 fan, and you already own some of their music, you get a bargain savings of $50 on a collection of music, most of which you already own?.... give me a break.

[dornoforpyros]

Thanks Apple for bringing ITMS to Canada! No really, I think that Puretracks service we have already rocks enough why would I want to buy from I-tunes?
yeah pure tracks. rockin :rolleyes:
I got $5 worth of free music downloads from puretracks(4 songs with tax BTW) and it was the most wasted 20 minutes of my life. Not only was it harder to use than kazzaa but there damn WMA files. Thanks alot CRTC

[TheManOfSilver]

Nope...this from Apple.com:

Wondering how you’re going to get all your digital photographs into iPod Photo? iTunes 4.7. The new version lets you import your images directly into iPod Photo from a folder on the hard drive of your Mac or PC. Spent time organizing your photos using iPhoto on a Mac or either Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 on a PC? iTunes 4.7 rewards your diligence by importing the albums you’ve created in iPhoto or collections created in Album or Elements. You’ll be able to choose them from the Photos menu on iPod Photo.


Might I remind you that the first crop of Windows-based iPod users used MusicMatch as their jukebox software? Sometimes hardware precedes software where a servable workaround exists.

iPhoto for Windows is not such an outlandish idea, and demand for Photo store products by the other 95% may just be enough incentive to put in the effort. Not to mention that impressing Wintel users with industry-leading design and ease of use in its software and consumer electronics, Apple may slowly start to make modest strides in hardware market share.

[the_mole1314]

I'm just very dissapointed in what they are offering. Nothing groundbreaking at all. There are dozens of devices that play music, show photos, PLAY VIDEO, and more, so what's the big deal. AND I can use those other devices to transfer images or video directly from a camera. So what's the big deal here?.......

The ONLY good thing here is for die-hard U2 fans who don't own any of their music yet. But if you are a U2 fan, and you already own some of their music, you get a bargain savings of $50 on a collection of music, most of which you already own?.... give me a break.

a.) new and easy UI, something no one else has done
b.) no other can display to a TV or projector
c.) it's an iPod. iPod wasn't the first hard drive player, but it did it the BEST. Macintosh wasn't the first computer, nor the first all in one, nor the first GUI, but it did it the best.

Apple isn't about invention, it's about innovation.

[DTphonehome]

When? When will Apple stop isolating its customers! Everyone wants an Andorran iTMS! They use the Euro, too!
And Leichtenstein? Are 33,145 customers TOO FEW for Apple to persue? I predict the demise of Apple! The iPod is a money loser! No one will buy it!!

--DT

ps, even THE POPE can't use iTMS unless he has a credit card billing address outside Vatican City. This is just wrong, people. WHEN will we have a VC iTMS??

[SilentPanda]

The price point of the $400 40 gig iPod + $39 iPod Dock + $39 carrying case ($480) or the $499 40 gig iPod Photo (which comes with those two accessories) is very close. Granted the carrying case is said to be not the best but... with the same accessories that you get with the iPod Photo it's not a horrible deal... I'm still not getting either since I haven't used my 10 gig 1st gen iPod for much of any amount of time... but... just throwing that out there.

EDIT: Nevermind... the dock is included with the $400 40 gig iPod. I apparently can't read.

[wildmac]

[QUOTE=the_mole1314]
a.) new and easy UI, something no one else has done

wrong. don't believe the hype.

b.) no other can display to a TV or projector

wrong.

c.) it's an iPod. iPod wasn't the first hard drive player, but it did it the BEST. Macintosh wasn't the first computer, nor the first all in one, nor the first GUI, but it did it the best.

So?....

The only advantage to this over other image-players is that it is smaller. that's it.

I want to be able to transfer my images directly to the iPod from the camera/memory-card. THAT would be worthwhile.

[the_mole1314]

Might I remind you that the first crop of Windows-based iPod users used MusicMatch as their jukebox software? Sometimes hardware precedes software where a servable workaround exists.

iPhoto for Windows is not such an outlandish idea, and demand for Photo store products by the other 95% may just be enough incentive to put in the effort. Not to mention that impressing Wintel users with industry-leading design and ease of use in its software and consumer electronics, Apple may slowly start to make modest strides in hardware market share.

The ONLY reason I think iPhoto would come to windows is if another iApp is created and/or Apple starts to make money off of the order prints feature. I don't think we will see iPhoto for windows, many of the rendering engens are not on Windows, and would require Apple to drop features to speed up the app or it would make iTunes for windows look like it's going mach 3.

[SiliconAddict]

I'm going to hop on down the Apple Store to see if they have any on the shelf to check out....


I called all three here in MN before ordering online. The first two said there isn't any such thing as a 60GB iPod. :rolleyes: Told them to go to apple.com. After which I asked them to check. I struck out there. Oh well worth a shot. How cool would it have been to get mine today after work. :D

[painimies]

Cool! I can finally play the iPod Solitaire IN COLOR!

I really, really hope they'd start selling the black iPod without the stupid U2 scratches in the back. Looks sweet.

...And finally: Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Apple for finally bringing the Music Store to Finland. And say welcome to my money, coming your way in, like 5 minutes.

[Stewie]

"Photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes."

So what does iTunes convert the photos to? Anyone wanna take a guess as to the format/compress/size?

[HiRez]

I'm just very dissapointed in what they are offering. Nothing groundbreaking at all. There are dozens of devices that play music, show photos, PLAY VIDEO, and more, so what's the big deal. AND I can use those other devices to transfer images or video directly from a camera. So what's the big deal here?.......True, there's nothing that made me drop my jaw, but Apple's job is to make money for their shareholders, and it's impossible to argue with the results there in the last 5 years or so. I just hope the OS X, pro apps, PowerBook, and PowerMac teams have been hard at work while all this music stuff is going on. By the time MWSF rolls around, it should be a great time to see some new Mac goodies all around.

The ONLY good thing here is for die-hard U2 fans who don't own any of their music yet. But if you are a U2 fan, and you already own some of their music, you get a bargain savings of $50 on a collection of music, most of which you already own?.... give me a break.I agree, it is very strange. The new album, ok that's cool to have included, but the $50 off should just be a $50 gift certificate for anything you want on the iTMS, or maybe off just any U2 songs (so you could pick up just the ones you don't already own). Overall I'd say they're going to sell quite a few few of both the U2 iPods and the iPod Photos (especially with the holidaze coming up) but at the same time, I know I won't be buying either of them, and I really am looking at an iPod. Still waiting for a 1 GB $150 flash iPod Mini.

[Zaty]

I agree Zaty...
iPhoto is NOT coming out for Windows. Why else would Apple have made it VERY clear in the specs for the iPod Photo that PC users can use Adobe Elements and Album to gather together their photos for the new iPod???

In fact it shows that Apple seems to be on good terms with Adobe. Adobe uses iPhoto for the album functionality of Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Mac while Apple uses Photoshop Elements/Album for iPod sync.

Now people might say Apple used to use a third party app (MusicMatch Jukebox) to sync iPods on PCs before iTunes was ported so they might do it again with iPhoto. This time the situation is different, though: Apple had to port iTunes in order give Windows users access to iTMS which in turn should accelerate iPod sales. By porting iPhoto, Apple can't win anything except that potential switchers might end up sticking with Windows because they can get iPhoto (and iMovie?) for Windows as well plus Adobe wouldn't be too happy if Apple started competing with Photoshop Elements Album on the Windows platform.

[earthtoandy]

Usually I rely on the rumor sites to give me at LEAST a couple day head start to sell my soon-to-be out of date iPod on eBay. LUCKILY I don't feel so bad about not getting an advanced warning -- $499 for a 40gig iPod, JUST to have the photos and color screen? I'm sure I can get a big chunk of my money back, so I'm not crying too much.
you have no excuse...all the rumor sites and even CNN repoted on this and said the 26th would be the day. i wish my friends had more money...today is my bday!! The u2 pod is spiffy but the color pod is amazing! i cant wait for the price to drop 100$ or so...

[Foxer]

Interesting warning I got when I started up iTunes 4.7 which I never had before. It tells me that my firewall (which is the standard OS X firewall) will prevent remote control of AirTunes. It was my impression that, to this point, I havn't had remote control of Airtunes - but I want it bad! This could be the sweetest bit of the whole thing.

[SilentPanda]

"Photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes."

So what does iTunes convert the photos to? Anyone wanna take a guess as to the format/compress/size?

At a guess I'd say...

Syncs iPod-viewable photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF and PNG formats

http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/specs.html

[Jimmni]

Still 16c more in England. Definitely not 99c anyway. And the difference is only that little because of the current exchange rate.

HOW ABOUT FAIR PRICES IN ENGLAND, EH, APPLE?!

[dejo]

[QUOTE=the_mole1314]
a.) new and easy UI, something no one else has done

wrong. don't believe the hype.

b.) no other can display to a TV or projector

wrong.

c.) it's an iPod. iPod wasn't the first hard drive player, but it did it the BEST. Macintosh wasn't the first computer, nor the first all in one, nor the first GUI, but it did it the best.

So?....

wildmac, here's an idea. Instead of just disagreeing with something, why don't you try citing specific examples to back up your argument? Then you look less reactionary and more researched.

[dornoforpyros]

ok. I (and other canadians) can breat again:

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2004/oct/26itmseu.html

You think they might have included this little tid bit on the canadian site as well.

[Eric_Z]

Looks like (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/specs.html) the "skip protektion time" has gone down on the iPod Photo from "Up to 25 minutes" to "Up to 17minutes".

Still nice though.

[Stewie]

At a guess I'd say...

Syncs iPod-viewable photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF and PNG formats

http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/specs.html

True, but the site is vague as to if they remain in the format. I am guessing that they all would get converted to just one format, I am just not sure which gives the best compression/size ratio. The site also goes on to mention "and even lets you carry around full-resolution copies of your photos." That leads me to think that the synched photos and thus the ones used for slideshows are different then the full-resolution copies.

Then again I could be wrong....

[ZildjianKX]

I'm going to hop on down the Apple Store to see if they have any on the shelf to check out....

Ever heard of a phone?

[mizzman36]

Somebody may have already mention this, but ..... where is the OZ Music store?

[Surreal]

GRRRRR NO LINE IN RECORDING!!!!!!


a color screen before line in....*claws at air*

and what's up with aac+? that was pretty enticing.

but the big question is "is there gapless playback yet?"

[the_mole1314]

Ever heard of a phone?

Can't, in school now.

[aethier]

Pure beauty. i find that the colour in the OS, makes the grey wheel look a lot nicer then it did before.

man apple did it again =)

[Stewie]

Ever heard of a phone?

Every try getting a hold of someone working at the apple store and/or someone who 'really' knows what is going on in the store?


Sometimes it is quicker to actually go visit a store then to try and call. And did you see the comment about the person who called their local Apple store and they didn't even know a 60GB iPod existed?

[myapplseedshurt]

a.) new and easy UI, something no one else has done
b.) no other can display to a TV or projector
c.) it's an iPod. iPod wasn't the first hard drive player, but it did it the BEST. Macintosh wasn't the first computer, nor the first all in one, nor the first GUI, but it did it the best.

Apple isn't about invention, it's about innovation.

I see resistance was futile for you.... :rolleyes:

Really, this seems like the smallest incremental step apple needed to take to
"create" something that was different than what they already had, but yet not enough to make leaps and bounds ahead of what other companies had.

They know they can make money at these small increments as well as extend the suspense of the "what will they come up with next" drama... like retail masturbation.

YOU NEED TO PUSH APPLE FOR INVENTION AND INNOVATION otherwise they're just feeding us what they have instead of giving us what we want! Demand more!!

[afehrenbach]

Wow... is it just me, or does MacRumors forecasting accuracy keep seemingly getting better and better? This is all very good news... :D

[unsigned]

here's their sample image scaled to a220x176 pixel image for comparison. view it on an LCD monitor to get a hint as to the iPod Photo's sharpness.

[oldschool]

yeah pure tracks. rockin :rolleyes:
I got $5 worth of free music downloads from puretracks(4 songs with tax BTW) and it was the most wasted 20 minutes of my life. Not only was it harder to use than kazzaa but there damn WMA files. Thanks alot CRTC

just download from limewire...its still legal here, and as someone pointed out in the beginning of the thread, we pay for the songs by paying levies on recordable media.

[scifiman]

The new iPhoto iPod kicks butt. But I have a question. My friend just got his 40Gb iPod last Thursday, not ordered but actually received it. He really wanted this iPhoto iPod but at that time it was only a rumor and he figured it wouldn't be out until Macworld. What should he do? Can he simply call and request a return, then order a new one the next day. Would he have to give a reason for the return. Is this even possible? Please respond. He really wants the new one (and I want him to get it so I can play around with it ;)

[dornoforpyros]

GRRRRR NO LINE IN RECORDING!!!!!!


a color screen before line in....*claws at air*

and what's up with aac+? that was pretty enticing.

but the big question is "is there gapless playback yet?"

the gaps you speak of are an unfortunate side effect of mp3/acc audio. Apple/iPod has nothing to do with this. It's unfortunalty the nature of the beast.

[Allon]

The price point of the $400 40 gig iPod + $39 iPod Dock + $39 carrying case ($480) or the $499 40 gig iPod Photo (which comes with those two accessories) is very close. Granted the carrying case is said to be not the best but... with the same accessories that you get with the iPod Photo it's not a horrible deal... I'm still not getting either since I haven't used my 10 gig 1st gen iPod for much of any amount of time... but... just throwing that out there.

Any way you put it: it's still $100 over the regular iPod.
Moreover, an iPod Dock IS included with the regular 40gb iPod, which would increase the price difference in your model to $ 60.

[MattG]

I like the Photo iPod...just wish they had integrated 802.11g into it so I could stream to my Airport Expresses. I figured they would have added that into the next generation. :(

[Counterfit]

wildmac, here's an idea. Instead of just disagreeing with something, why don't you try citing specific examples to back up your argument? Then you look less reactionary and more researched. WRONG!


Oh wait, you're right. :D

[cluthz]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Apple is turing into a gadget and musichardware sales corp!

Hopefully the iPod thingies won't take apple of the most important part, making the best OS inthe world..

I'd love to get a new iPod soon.. But I can't affort one now.. :(

[deejemon]

*

[SilentPanda]

Any way you put it: it's still $100 over the regular iPod.
Moreover, an iPod Dock IS included with the regular 40gb iPod, which would increase the price difference in your model to $ 60.

Ahh you're right. The dock is included... never mind then. For some reason I was thinking it wasn't... and the carrying case isn't worth $40 anyhow...

[veedubdrew]

Well not so much...

From http://www.apple.com/itunes/import.html

Handy Concept for Concept Rock

Many music CDs contain songs that blend into each other, and importing them to iTunes may create a small gap between songs that interrupts the flow. If you use the iTunes Join Tracks feature, the program melds two or more songs into one, continuous gap-free track. So now you can enjoy listening to classical music, concept rock albums and extended dance mixes without the silent treatment.

the gaps you speak of are an unfortunate side effect of mp3/acc audio. Apple/iPod has nothing to do with this. It's unfortunalty the nature of the beast.

[CubaTBird]

you would think they would make the photo ipod sync with iphoto and not itunes...

[w00master]

a.) new and easy UI, something no one else has done

This I agree with.

b.) no other can display to a TV or projector

Nearly all of the harddrive based portable video devices has a "video out." Some, including the Archos even has tivo-like capabilities.

c.) it's an iPod. iPod wasn't the first hard drive player, but it did it the BEST. Macintosh wasn't the first computer, nor the first all in one, nor the first GUI, but it did it the best.

Apple isn't about invention, it's about innovation.

This is debatable, because it's purely subjective. I happen to agree with you, but many do not. Ultimately, it all depends on your needs. For people (like me) who just like to listen to their music on a portable device and have some contacts, the iPod is perfect. For others, it may not be.

The Stranger

[macridah]

iTunes Music Store available in more countries, nice; new color ipod, nice; new iTunes 4.7, nice; new quicktime, nice. What a nice day. On my way to my near by apple store just in case they have them on display. I will order one asap ... to beat the holiday rush.

[Steven1621]

i'm still going to wait for video...

[Molson]

Go to Preferences>Advanced

"Keep miniplayer on top of all other windows"

Yay! :)

[dejo]

you would think they would make the photo ipod sync with iphoto and not itunes...

I wouldn't be surprised if they did when they release a version of iPhoto for Windows.

[Surreal]

YAAAAY


now they just need to get on that line in recording and i will buy.

dagnabit i want line in so bad i can taste it.

[jayscheuerle]

So it looks like we may be a step closer to Ipod Video.

This particular pipe-dream is funniest of all. The technology is there to have a video iPod if you plan on keeping it plugged in all day. Battery technology is nowhere near where it needs to be to have a video iPod that isn't twice the size of the current one if you consider a MINIMUM battery time to be able to play an entire movie.

Give it a rest for a couple of years. Maybe after the 4GiPodPhotoMini...

[jettredmont]

The price point of the $400 40 gig iPod + $39 iPod Dock + $39 carrying case ($480) or the $499 40 gig iPod Photo (which comes with those two accessories) is very close. Granted the carrying case is said to be not the best but... with the same accessories that you get with the iPod Photo it's not a horrible deal... I'm still not getting either since I haven't used my 10 gig 1st gen iPod for much of any amount of time... but... just throwing that out there.

40GB iPod comes with the Dock. The extra accessories for the iPod photo are photo-specific (dock including SVideo out, A/V split output cable) and the return of the iPod carrying case.

That having been said, yes, if you'd be getting the Apple carrying case already, the incremental price for photo capabilities + a luscious color screen with aqua-ish goodness is just around $60.

Personally, had I not just bought a 4G I'd have a 60GB photopod on order ... But I'll hold onto my wallet for another year or two and upgrade then instead ... assuming I can stand the lack of jelly-scrollbar goodness ...

[dejo]

now they just need to get on that line in recording and i will buy.

If the Griffin iVoice can do recording, I don't see why a third-party couldn't make a line-in recording attachment.

[mbamac]

US music store has following copyright statemanet:

Copyright (C) 2004 Apple Computer Inc.

but international music stores have different copyright notice:

Copyright (C) 2004 iTunes S.a.r.l

I've also found interesing link:

http://www.apple.com/uk/support/itunes/legal/about.html

Any ideas?

[maya]

Both of these announcements are just plain lame.

Oh boy!!! I can buy a black iPod and get forced to spend another $400 on music! weee!!!!!

(It would look much cooler black-on-black)

Oh boy!!! I can see photos on a tiny screen!!!! And pay as much as devices with twice the screen area, and play video too!!!!

But wait, I can't transfer images from my digital camera!!! I have to buy some attachment for another $150!!! Or download to my computer and then to the iPod!!!

How lame is Apple getting???......

Produce a iPod with a compact Flash slot, so you can transfer images directly from your digital camera. THAT would be nice.

Produce the Flash-based iPod for $99. THAT would be nice.

Relax, mate.

iPod audio = been here for a while
iPod mini audio

iPod photo = just released
iPod mini photo

iPod video = in due time


That would seem as the iPod family is going, I do not see a iPod mini photo since the screen is too small to see much it might happen since the NEW iPod OS seems scalable considering they are taking the iLife applications in a view and play only method not to edit.

Would also explain that they are moving towards handheld computers in the near future with this Aqua look on iPod photo screen.

iPod photo rev. B will have your SD or SD mini slot for photos. At current there are too many flash based cards, Flash I and II, SD and SD mini, xD, Memory Stick, MMC, etc....

Do you really want the iPod to have multiple flash slots in one, that would ruin the simple sleek look of the iPod minimalist look and feel. I am sure Apple is waiting to see which flash based system comes on top of the rest. My bet is SD or SD mini, and they will not implement all these features now, they have to grow the line down the road to avoid stagnation of a line. Apple is in this to make money and as much as it can not to give you all the features now and then twiddle they fingers and then say maybe we should attach a camera to it as well. :rolleyes: ;) :D

Plus they do not want to toss the iPod accessory companies out the door who have invested into the iPod that would be just be stupid on they part, they will do it in baby steps. ;)

Nice to see the iPod family grow we got iPod mini and photo this year. Looking forward to the mini line be refreshed in Jan 05, maybe a mini photo. :D <-- it could happen.

My bet is Apple will go with SD mini, it has the same benefits as SD in a smaller size, plus it will be consistent and will fit the iPod and mini sizes without using an adapter.

[Poff]

I voted negative because of no flash-pod announcement! :mad:


BUT!!

On the Norwegian apple-u2-ipod pages they talk about people getting a rebate on "the complete u2". So when writing this on a Norwegian page, iTMS can't be far away. Can it?

[djdarlek]

Looks like (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/specs.html) the "skip protektion time" has gone down on the iPod Photo from "Up to 25 minutes" to "Up to 17minutes".

Still nice though.

whatever situation makes your iPod spazz around for 17 minutes straight would probably be life threatening anyway.

[jayscheuerle]

But can we hack it to play movies. It will show pictures and sound, why not movie pictures and sound. Obviously the iPod is heading that direction...I just want to be able to take all my DVD's, export them to h.264 with the upcoming tiger, and play them anywhere...As for the 15 hours battery, wow...

Do you have any idea if these tiny hard-drives are even capable of the transfer rate needed for full-screen video? Watch the battery life drop to 20 minutes when you try playing a movie off of one of these things...

[jettredmont]

"Photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes."

So what does iTunes convert the photos to? Anyone wanna take a guess as to the format/compress/size?

Given the size of the screen and resolution of SVideo on a standard TV, I'd guess 720x480 JPEG format would be the max resolution. Apple might bring that down to something more on the order of 360x240 with very little negative impact (that would be approximately VHS resolution for TV output, but might show artifacts in downsampling to the screen resolution). I suspect the thumbnails are pre-rendered on transfer too, at, what, around 50 pixels across?

[edit:] The main oddity here is that they claim only 25,000 photos on the 60GB iPod photo. This may be due to iPhoto "limitations" (25k photos is the upper limit recommended for iPhoto), but if it's a real disk-size issue then that leaves 2.4MB/photo (just slightly less, as a 60GB iPod disk, once formatted, will be less than 60,000 MB). That's a lot of space for a .3 MP image and a thumbnail; even uncompressed at 24-bit resolution a 720x480x24-bit bitmap (or tif) image will take up only around 1 MB ...

[deejemon]

*

[stevehaslip]

I don't think that we'll see an iPod mini photo any time soon, they had to make the normal iPod larger to house eveything so can you imagine getting more inners inside the mini? they would probably have to make it larger and how easy would that be to do to the mini? With the normal iPod they just extend it in terms of depth but they couldn't do that with the mini because it has a one part shell. sure it would be cool but i think its far more likely that we'll see a colour screen iPod before we see a colour screen iPod mini photo. The mini might get the colour screen but it might not get the photo capabilities to differenciate between the two lines?

Apple love doing that kind of stuff! :p :confused:

[Yvan256]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think its a little bit overpriced? The 4G 40GB iPod is $399. The 40GB Photo iPod is $499. I don't know. I'm just tired of spending a lot of money. I just bought my PowerMac in June and I'm trying to pay that off. How much longer will we wait for the sub $200 iPod's? I guess I'll keep right on using my 30GB 3G iPod and use my iBook to show photos.

Let me see... recent PowerMac, 30GB iPod and iBook...

And you still find a way to complain? :rolleyes:

[Peer]

Yeehah!!!
I just purchased my first songs through the iTunes Music Store in The Netherlands (R.E.M. and All Girl Summer Fun Band)!! Although I'm missing some artists. Bettie Serveert (a dutch band) is available in the US Store but not in the dutch store, hmm. I also found some terrible dutch songtitles, which look to be written in a phonetic dutch. Ah well...

[Poff]

the gaps you speak of are an unfortunate side effect of mp3/acc audio. Apple/iPod has nothing to do with this. It's unfortunalty the nature of the beast.

Now that is simply not true! How come so many other programs can play mp3-files without the gaps? WinAmp is one example.


The new iPhoto iPod kicks butt. But I have a question. My friend just got his 40Gb iPod last Thursday, not ordered but actually received it. He really wanted this iPhoto iPod but at that time it was only a rumor and he figured it wouldn't be out until Macworld. What should he do? Can he simply call and request a return, then order a new one the next day. Would he have to give a reason for the return. Is this even possible? Please respond. He really wants the new one (and I want him to get it so I can play around with it ;)

Tell him to take it right back. He doesn't need to give a reason for it.

[dornoforpyros]

Yeah but all that does is create a really big mp3/acc file. So even if you take everyone of pink floyds albums and make them each into their own album file your still going to have gaps when you get to the end of one album and switch to the next.

This also essentially keeps you from selecting a song on it's own. feel like hearing money by itself and have no gaps? forget it.

Heck this "fix" you mention don't work at all for shuffle.

Well not so much...

From http://www.apple.com/itunes/import.html

Handy Concept for Concept Rock

Many music CDs contain songs that blend into each other, and importing them to iTunes may create a small gap between songs that interrupts the flow. If you use the iTunes Join Tracks feature, the program melds two or more songs into one, continuous gap-free track. So now you can enjoy listening to classical music, concept rock albums and extended dance mixes without the silent treatment.

[dejo]

I also found some terrible dutch songtitles, which look to be written in a phonetic dutch

Can you give some examples? (Both my parents are Dutch and I'm curious)

[gekko513]

Asono Elio (http://asono.com/no/go/i/27/m/prod/cid/12/pid/53) was also announced today in Norway. English link (http://asono.com/en/go/i/20/m/prod/cid/12/pid/53)
http://asono.com/products/53/_elio_2.jpg
It is a 20GB MP3/WMA + Photo device. It can be connected directly to a camera and can also read SD cards it seems. It shows photos, but can't show photos directly on a TV as far as I can tell. The price is 28% less than the 40GB iPod Photo, so that would be $359 if it was in the U.S. I'm not sure which is the best buy if you compare specs and price.

[dejo]

Yeah but all that does is create a really big mp3/acc file. So even if you take everyone of pink floyds albums and make them each into their own album file your still going to have gaps when you get to the end of one album and switch to the next.

This also essentially keeps you from selecting a song on it's own. feel like hearing money by itself and have no gaps? forget it.

Heck this "fix" you mention don't work at all for shuffle.

You want no gaps between albums? I don't think even Pink Floyd considered that.

As for hearing Money by itself and have no gaps, if it's really "by itself" I think you cannot avoid gaps (i.e. silence) before it starts playing and after it stops. ;)

[Eric_Z]

Do you have any idea if these tiny hard-drives are even capable of the transfer rate needed for full-screen video? Watch the battery life drop to 20 minutes when you try playing a movie off of one of these things...

It's an UDMA100 disk, it'd do just fine...

[mattvideo]

Perhaps the Canadian government wants to impose Can-con on the iTMS. Canadians know what I'm talking about. It's the law that dictates radio stations must broadcast at least X amount of Canadian content. Maybe it's been phased out but as far as I know it's still in effect.


Can con is still in full effect (thank god, without it there'd be no Barenaked Ladies, Stompin' Tom Connors, Sam Roberts, Hawksley Workman, Gordon Lightfoot, Sarah McLaughlin, etc.) but it has nothing to do with ecommerce. Can con governs production (in terms of what material can qualify) but really relates to broadcast of canadian material on Tv and in radio. Stores don't have to carry a single canadian album if they don't want to, but they'd be fools since the content rules make canadian music much more popular than it would otherwise be. Most brick and mortar music stores have ton(ne)s of canadian stuff up here because it's popular and sells well, and apple would be smart to do the same, just as they've done in britain. Also certain albums aren't released in canada when they come out in the states, and apple's agreement would be with the canadian subsidiaries of the big 5.

They'll make a canadian store for economic and label reasons, not governmental ones.

[dornoforpyros]

hehe yes no gab between albums is definalty impossible....well actually I think Atari Teenage Riot did an album where the last 2 seconds of the last song were the first 2 seconds of the first song so the album would loop with it'self.

But my point is that Mp3's have gaps between separate files. And to the person who claimed winamp didn't have these gaps you are wrong. Winamp simply has a cross fade in use which fades from song to song so the gaps arean't as noticable. If you turn the cross fading off the gaps are still present.

You want no gaps between albums? I don't think even Pink Floyd considered that.

As for hearing Money by itself and have no gaps, if it's really "by itself" I think you cannot avoid gaps (i.e. silence) before it starts playing and after it stops. ;)

[dontmatter]

OK, first- SWEET!!!!!!!!!! More/cooler ipods, more itms, more software all equals more customers. Way great. And, black U2 ipod, not a bad deal in the least, as even if I don't want the WHOLE catalog... it's worth a lot more than $50.

Now, the questions (and a few comments):

1. What is new in itunes 4.7?
1a) For those who aren't getting new ipods, what are the new features/functionality? They're had better be SOMETHING.
1b) If it didn't break rhapsody, I'd say tomorrow microsoft would make windows open source. But what else does it break? Gettunes and Ourtunes, anybody know?

2. Man, I love the additions to itms, even though I'm (gulp) an american. (hopefully I can say that with a much smaller gulp in a week!!!!). But, no Japan and Canada! Those are no brainers?

3. Also concerning itms additions: is the .99 euro price increasing or decreasing the price of any of the old european music stores? How do prices compare, now, between US, Britain, rest of europe?

4. GRRR.... a b+w screen, 60 gig ipod would naturally have fit into the line at 499. I understand that the photo will sell (I don't see why, but people buy phones that take pictures that can only look decent on the phone's screen, so...). But please, the ipod is first about music, why should I have to pay an extra hundread dollars for a feature I don't want, (color) before I can then spend another hundread for what I do (size)? Hopefully next gen. will have a larger size ipod without photo, instead of adding photo to lower sizes.

[Yvan256]

the potential for a portable porn collection is literally orgasmic!

:cool:

ROTFLOL... you can even set up a slide show with background music... :rolleyes:

[LaMerVipere]

...that Apple finally ditched their classic "Chicago" font used for the iPod, and now the "Myriad" font they use in all their ads has replaced it?

I will wait until photo capabilities make their way into ALL the iPods. $299 or $349 iPod Photo...mmmm

[jettredmont]

At a guess I'd say...

Syncs iPod-viewable photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF and PNG formats

http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/specs.html

Correct, but there are the iPod-viewable images (25,000 capacity) and "full resolution" images (capacity indeterminate as "full resolution" may be anything from 2MP to 25MP per picture). The web site makes a very clear distinction there, which I read as meaning that iTunes will resample your photos to some other format/resolution on the fly as they are being transfered over (which is, really, a very quick and easy process, much more practical than, say, transcoding audio on the fly ...).

[rhpenguin]

There's also an option for the mini player to stay on top of all other windows in the advanced tab. I think this is quite a useful feature.

farkin' right its a useful feature... been wanting this since i first laid eyes on iTunes!!

[JeffTL]

I actually liked the 3G buttons better -- so I'll be hanging onto my 10-gig iPod for a while.

But when it comes to the new models, the photo thing looks pretty cool, though the price is starting to get into iBook territory...but it will come down.

The U2 iPod might be nice for a U2 fan or someone who doesn't want to buy from Colorware.

Though if I were in the iPod market again today I'd probably just get the 20-gig and save the rest for accessories.

[dejo]

And to the person who claimed winamp didn't have these gaps you are wrong. Winamp simply has a cross fade in use which fades from song to song so the gaps arean't as noticable. If you turn the cross fading off the gaps are still present.

Umm, iTunes also has a crossfade feature. You can even set it to 0 seconds. How it compares to Winamp's, I have no idea.

But what I think we all want is gapless playback on the iPod.

[wildmac]

wildmac, here's an idea. Instead of just disagreeing with something, why don't you try citing specific examples to back up your argument? Then you look less reactionary and more researched.

I'm not reactionary, I'm underwhelmed at Apple's offerings.

Currently I am using a SmartDisk FlashTrax. It shows pictures, (including RAW format from my camera, plays MP3's, can store files, etc. And most importantly, I can transfer images directly from my flash-cards.

And it has a bigger screen.

These devices have different capabilities, but to show you what's out there.....

http://www.delkin.com/delkin_products_picturepad.html

http://www.archos.com/ (photos, MP3's and VIDEO)

Apple is late to the game, and I resent being called a liar.

[Yvan256]

from the Quicktime 6.5.2 installation. . .

QuickTime 6.5.2 is an important release which includes a security update and bug fixes. In addition this release includes enhancements in the Apple Lossless Encoder and AAC codecs, as well as improved support for iTunes and other QuickTime-based applications.

. . . just FYI.

Is it AACplus? Did they simply not mention it? (after all, it would lower demand for higher-capacity iPods, wouldn't it?)

[crachoar]

Photo iPod is one of the worst ideas Apple has ever had...

What a waste of color LCD screens. I wonder if they'll ever get the clue that we want to watch our own backup movie files on our iPods? If the 'video iPod' ever does become a reality, I bet Apple and the MPAA will make some worthless proprietary format that requires you to pay for encrypted divx files (which would be useless). If somebody hacks this new Photo iPod to play divx and xvid, I will have to sell my brand new (only been used once) 4g 40GB iPod. :(

You'd think they would've just waited to release the 4G iPods......

So are these '5G iPods' now?

[dornoforpyros]

Yes but my point is the only way to make "gapless" playback of mp3's i through cross fades. Wheater it be winamp, itunes or your iPod.

Umm, iTunes also has a crossfade feature. You can even set it to 0 seconds. How it compares to Winamp's, I have no idea.

But what I think we all want is gapless playback on the iPod.

[Object-X]

The 3G iPod I got just before the 4G's were released just gets more obsolete every day.. I love the U2 iPod, and I hope it's a sign of things to come (although I don't know how many bands are successful enough to justify getting their own iPod).

I would expect an exclusive Beatles iPod should be forthcoming!

[srobert]

Higher resolution color screen = more possibilities a near future?

Will we be able to download contacts with the photos we already have in our address book?

If the iPod could display a segment of a picture bigger than the screen, there would be the possibility to store maps on it for reference when needed. Not sure the iPod could handle that.

We can already download audio books? What about Audio/Picture books :-) The narrator reads the book and the screen display accompanying pictures. The ultimate cookbook! :D

Many possibilities.

[dobbs]

This is a huge disappointment to me. I'd been waiting to upgrade my 15gb to a 60 but I have absolutely zero interest in the photo nonsense. Apple not releasing a "regular" iPod with a 60gb drive is a big mistake, imo.

[dejo]

I'm not reactionary, I'm underwhelmed at Apple's offerings.

Currently I am using a SmartDisk FlashTrax. It shows pictures, (including RAW format from my camera, plays MP3's, can store files, etc. And most importantly, I can transfer images directly from my flash-cards.

And it has a bigger screen.

These devices have different capabilities, but to show you what's out there.....

http://www.delkin.com/delkin_products_picturepad.html

http://www.archos.com/ (photos, MP3's and VIDEO)

Apple is late to the game, and I resent being called a liar.

Thanks, wildmac. That is what I was looking for. Now I better understand where you are coming from.

Just so you know where I'm coming from, just replying "Wrong" to something with no explanation as to why you feel that way looks reactionary to me.

As for being called a liar, I don't think anybody said that.

[Yvan256]

There's still no CD-TEXT support.

Sorry to ask, but...

1. what is "CD-TEXT" exactly/what does it do
2. why would you want that

In other news, iTunes (windows at least) finally supports multiple CD/DVD drives! Hurray!

That "always on top" option is also a nice addition (that was way overdue)!

[wildmac]

I'm not reactionary, I'm underwhelmed at Apple's offerings.

Currently I am using a SmartDisk FlashTrax. It shows pictures, (including RAW format from my camera, plays MP3's, can store files, etc. And most importantly, I can transfer images directly from my flash-cards.

And it has a bigger screen.

These devices have different capabilities, but to show you what's out there.....

http://www.delkin.com/delkin_products_picturepad.html

http://www.archos.com/ (photos, MP3's and VIDEO)

Apple is late to the game, and I resent being called a liar.

Oh, I forgot, the Archos devices can record from TV, play FM radio, and more as well. Check them out. All sorts of combinations.

[jcshas]

...I've seen the future, I can't afford it :(

[sinisterdesign]

It seems the color ipod is .75 inches thick, as opposed to .57 for the b/w models. I suppose that's to be expected, the screen is a drain, and the extra battery life doesn't come from magic battery elves or a tiny nuclear reactor.
--DT

WHAT??!? no ELVES?? damn, i could have sworn i read that as a new spec. ;)

yeah, it IS thicker than the new models, but still slightly thinner than my current 2G. so i can handle 3x the space, color screen, video out, AND better battery life and it still only be slightly smaller. not even ONE elf? c'mon.

of course at $600, i may have to add it to my homeowner's insurance.

nevertheless, mine is already ordered!!!

[Yvan256]

Both of these announcements are just plain lame.

[...]

Produce a iPod with a compact Flash slot, so you can transfer images directly from your digital camera. THAT would be nice.

Produce the Flash-based iPod for $99. THAT would be nice.

Agreed on the CompactFlash slot (most pro cameras use that format anyway, don't they?)

As for the Flash-based iPod for 99$US... If they could only pull it off at 149$US, maybe they'll drop the 4GB iPod mini at 179$US and introduce a 6GB for 249$ just before XMas? (so, no need for a small flash iPod)

[Edot]

Photo iPod is one of the worst ideas Apple has ever had...

What a waste of color LCD screens. I wonder if they'll ever get the clue that we want to watch our own backup movie files on our iPods? If the 'video iPod' ever does become a reality, I bet Apple and the MPAA will make some worthless proprietary format that requires you to pay for encrypted divx files (which would be useless). If somebody hacks this new Photo iPod to play divx and xvid, I will have to sell my brand new (only been used once) 4g 40GB iPod. :(

You'd think they would've just waited to release the 4G iPods......

So are these '5G iPods' now?

WOAH, I keep having nightmares of people saying this about the iPod mini! Wait, NO one in their right mind would have said that about the mini would they! Whew, good thing I am only dreaming! A 2" screen for movies? Maybe a movie output device, but that would require significant processing power which would drain the battery quickly and make it bigger.

[Hemingray]

Two thumbs up to Apple! Today is a great day. And the "Special Edition: U2" has opened up an entire new line. Who wants to bet that we'll be seeing more Special Edition iPods in the future? Very smart move on Apple's part all around.

Though I'm quite content with my 1G 5GB iPod with OWC's battery upgrade. :)

[johnnyjibbs]

So, as usual, Apple priced higher than the rumours. The 60GB iPod costs $599, not $499. But at least they gave a choice and added the 40GB version too.

IMO the iPod Photos are cool but a tad expensive. Still, nothing to complain about - they'll come down in price with successive revs, and I've got a normal iPod on order anyway, so it won't affect me. The iPod Photo has just meant an addition to the line, so it won't cut into normal iPod sales. From a selfish point of view, I'm kind of glad the photo versions are out of my price range.. :D

Now we just need eMac and PowerBook G5s next week :p :p :p :D :D :D ;) ;)

[srobert]

Oh, I forgot, the Archos devices can record from TV, play FM radio, and more as well. Check them out. All sorts of combinations.

I guess I can see why you are disappointed but maybe the iPod is not the product you need. You should buy the Archos if it fits your need more closely. You can also address all your "complaints"/suggestions to Apple on the feedback section of the website. Posting criticism here is by all mean OK, but won't accomplish much ^_^.

Here's hoping that you will find the perfect product for your needs.

[Object-X]

Nope...this from Apple.com:

Wondering how you’re going to get all your digital photographs into iPod Photo? iTunes 4.7. The new version lets you import your images directly into iPod Photo from a folder on the hard drive of your Mac or PC. Spent time organizing your photos using iPhoto on a Mac or either Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 on a PC? iTunes 4.7 rewards your diligence by importing the albums you’ve created in iPhoto or collections created in Album or Elements. You’ll be able to choose them from the Photos menu on iPod Photo.

Sorry about that whole Final Cut Pro thing. An olive branch to Adobe with love. Is all forgiven? ;)

[Mord]

i would save up for a U2 ipod bar the fact i dont like U2, but it looks so cool, now if this became a trend and you could pick your ipod skin as per music tastes that would be so very cool, if only they would do a black nirvana one with a nice yellow smily face.

ohhh, the possibilities, collectable ipods.

as for the photo ipod the color screen and the battery life seem good but the photo part seems a bit crap, if you could play videos to a tv that would be great but i'm not a " come look at my photo's" type of guy.

(it would be so very cool if when the ipod switched between menus it did the cube user switching effect, one can only dream)

bad luck canada and Australia.

[headhighguy]

I was following the rumors about this for a while. I like the concept of the U2 branded iPod. However, what i don't like is the iPod Photo. To me this device is going to be the biggest dissappointment apple came up with since the 20th anniversary mac!

Where is the customers need for this? Did anyone requested this? or wish for? I seriously want to see their marketing plan for this! The iPod is a music player, for god's sake and it should stay that way. Adding photos to it is not making it a better music player. Apple is crossing the line here and obviously trying to make it a "media" device which in my opinion is completely wrong. To make a media device on top of the iPod which is designed for listening to music, would have required a substantial redesign of the device. A bigger display would be essential, since it now becomes the "stage" for the product. Headphones were the stage for the music, where is the stage for the photos? A screen of the size thats initially designed for displaying song information and battery status?? That can't be true. Also, if you consider the stage would be a TV set, you do require me to bring an AV cable? The iPod being a compact portable device, there shouldn't be any additional cables to be brought in order to utilize the products features. Headphones itself is enough to carry, and at least those you typically "use" when you're on the way. The AV cable would just be extra load that has no purpose on the road.

Also dissappointed is the Photo synching approach. Why can't I sync photos with iPhoto and Music with iTunes. Now, you're telling me to import/export my photos from iPhoto into iTunes and then sync to the iPod? Doesn't make sense to me. It also doesn't make sense to most Apple users, especially iLife target audience.

Well, I was surprised about the increased battery lifetime. It's basically the new extended battery they put in it, I would imagine. However, I'll plan on upgrading my 40Gig Ipod with that aftermarket battery and bump it up to 22 hours. The missing 7 hours are due to the color LCD that sucks extra energy. I don't need color on a music player... I don't know why you would. Well, in the new day and age, everything turns color, even without purpose, I know, and I would be willing to pay the price of a reduced battery life with it if it would give me more information, such as a higher resolution to have longer text and description, maybe even a screensaver with iTunes like graphics floating around on the little screen to the beat of the music. Why did apple have to put photos in the game? I don't understand the purpose for it at all. Nobody is gonna pull up with an Ipod to grandma's birthday fiddles around 10 minutes to hook it up to the (possibly outdated) TV set, accidentally changes a bunch of channel presets, and pull out a presentation on-screen... I don't know... seems far fetched. It doesn't sound like the average ipod customer to me.

The only reason why this thing sees sales figures is the larger harddrive and more battery lifetime as opposed to the 40Gig regular ipod. I doubt that anyone is hardly using the photo feature. A lot of people use their ipod as an external harddrive to shovel files back and forth or do backups. I don't know if that justifies the $200 more cost for the ipod photo...

I'm disappointed. Apple doesn't show consistency in their product strategy. This seems to be indication for indecisiveness as to entering new media. They piggyback on existing products instead of rounding it up and do it "right" from scratch.

[uberman42]

I thought is was pretty tongue in cheek that Apples first paragraph of the U2 iPod page it says, "Like no other, iPod U2 Special Edition stands out." A little jab at Sony (Sony's tag line is "Like No Other").

[verces]

Greatest day Apple has ever given to true iPod fans...whether you're a 1G owner or a 4G owner......a true iPod fan should happy about any kind of advancement and evolution.

I wish I was a U2 fan.......or might even make myself a U2 fan before I get to Hong Kong to buy one...........but the color iPod is not possible to ignore...but its thickness is getting to me......they they should be making things smaller...I mean the extra 3 hours battery life isn't gonna change much.....they should've just left the size...it was already thick as it was....

I knew those rumours where true. And how they really were....except disappointments in size increase and no 20GB release....

[mashinhead]

Did anyone notice that the photo iPod is much thicker and heavier than the "plain" iPod! I want one bad, but now I feel I need to "feel" it first

yeah i hear that. originally i wanted one, but i don't like the bulky ipods, they'll update it in 4-6 months anyway. and it will be able to play video, have a better screen, be lighter, thinner, and cheaper, because what else are they gonna do to it. so i'll wait

i do like the U2 ipod, though. I don't like the signatures, but what i really like is the red click wheel, i want to put it on my white ipod, I wonder if there is a place that mods them, or sells'em. i can take it apart and put it in myself.

anyway my 2 cents

[jettredmont]

hehe yes no gab between albums is definalty impossible....well actually I think Atari Teenage Riot did an album where the last 2 seconds of the last song were the first 2 seconds of the first song so the album would loop with it'self.

But my point is that Mp3's have gaps between separate files. And to the person who claimed winamp didn't have these gaps you are wrong. Winamp simply has a cross fade in use which fades from song to song so the gaps arean't as noticable. If you turn the cross fading off the gaps are still present.

Um, no. WinAmp (and, well, pretty much any other player aside from iTunes) will play all of Wish You Were Here (for example) without any gaps between the songs and without cross-fading. The trick is that before the one song ends the other must be loaded into memory and cued over to the decoder within one audio frame of the end of the first song.

There's nothing about the MP3 audio format which requires a quarter-second gap between tracks.

I am at a complete loss as to why Apple, across four major releases of iTunes and six major releases of iPod OS, hasn't fixed this yet. It's certainly not rocket science!

[iMeowbot]

If the Griffin iVoice can do recording, I don't see why a third-party couldn't make a line-in recording attachment.
The Griffin dealie even has a mic jack, so you could get it in that way. But it will still be at the low-res mono rate :(

oh, and meeeeeeeoooooowwwww!!!
Likewise, as always.

[toughboy]

The red is so ugly! Bummer that they didn't just stay with all black, or black and dark gray or something. The red is really just so ugly, but I guess some folks will like it.


Like me.. I loved it.. I'm just dreaming to getting one and scream "eeeeleeevaaatiooonnnnn.. uuuuuuuuuuuuuu" :cool:

[Charko]

Excuse my ignorance, but would it be so difficult for Apple to allow you to plug in your camera with a USB cable and download directly into the iPod Photo?

[My first digital camera is arriving in about a week - an Olympus Miju-mini.]

[jch200]

the gaps you speak of are an unfortunate side effect of mp3/acc audio. Apple/iPod has nothing to do with this. It's unfortunalty the nature of the beast.


My friends Creative Nomad Jukebox plays mp3 files seamlessly no gap. Of coarse it's the only thing that he really liked about it, so he sold it and got an ipod. Still there's a way to do it.

[uberman42]

...that Apple finally ditched their classic "Chicago" font used for the iPod, and now the "Myriad" font they use in all their ads has replaced it?



Riot in Cupertino! :p

[diniscorreia]

HOORAY! I'm in Portugal and I still can't believe it. Nice move, Apple! :D

The iPod Photo looks amazing as well.

[wildmac]

I guess I can see why you are disappointed but maybe the iPod is not the product you need. You should buy the Archos if it fits your need more closely. You can also address all your "complaints"/suggestions to Apple on the feedback section of the website. Posting criticism here is by all mean OK, but won't accomplish much ^_^.

Here's hoping that you will find the perfect product for your needs.

Actually, i will be buying one. The new Gimini400 looks really sweet. Smaller HD, but allows video and compact-flash transfer. And their prices have dropped.

And for the price of the Photo iPod you can get something that records from TV as well.

[toughboy]

I'm not reactionary, I'm underwhelmed at Apple's offerings.

Currently I am using a SmartDisk FlashTrax. It shows pictures, (including RAW format from my camera, plays MP3's, can store files, etc. And most importantly, I can transfer images directly from my flash-cards.

And it has a bigger screen.

These devices have different capabilities, but to show you what's out there.....

http://www.delkin.com/delkin_products_picturepad.html

http://www.archos.com/ (photos, MP3's and VIDEO)

Apple is late to the game, and I resent being called a liar.

iPod gets into the game "just-in-time"... Pardon me, but I'll never buy those ugly bulky bricks...

for 3 generations I used/still using iPod and saw many other faker mp3 players.. even colored screen-photo-showing-mp3 player-owner friends of mine looked VERY jealoused at me.. my 4th iPod will be a photo one, I'm just waiting for bluetooth and a little price-drop...

[jcshas]

I would expect an exclusive Beatles iPod should be forthcoming!

Why stop there? How about a Ashlee Simpson edition iPod that doubles as a karaoke device…“Lip sync to your favorite songs”
:p

[kbonnel]

Hopefully they will release a 60GB music only version. I guess I could buy the Photo version, but I hate paying money for something I have no intention/reason too use :mad:

Kimo

[wildmac]

Excuse my ignorance, but would it be so difficult for Apple to allow you to plug in your camera with a USB cable and download directly into the iPod Photo?

[My first digital camera is arriving in about a week - an Olympus Miju-mini.]

It just doesn't allow that. You need the Griffin adapter for that.

And there's no way to know yet just how the photos need to be formatted for the Photo IPod.

If you want to connect your camera, look at Archos or Delkin.

[Mike Teezie]

Ooooooooohhh.

I'll take a U2 iPod, please.

[johnnyjibbs]

I'm not sure about the iPod store (a new part of the Apple online store devoted to just iPod and accessories). While I think it is a good idea in principle, it could have an adverse effect on Mac sales. People who come to the iPod pages (e.g. typing in www.ipod.com) may then click BUY NOW and be re-routed and then go to the Apple iPod store. They no longer have to trip up over iMac G5s and PowerBooks on the way to the iPod merchandise and so may not stumble upon a possible Mac purchase. I know most people don't buy Macs and computers on a spur of the moment basis, it's still good exposure time with Apple's products.

[SiliconAddict]

Is it here yet....is it here yet....is it here yet. This is going to be the longest 1-2 weeks of my life. :( *sighs*

[Yvan256]

Might I remind you that the first crop of Windows-based iPod users used MusicMatch as their jukebox software? Sometimes hardware precedes software where a servable workaround exists.

iPhoto for Windows is not such an outlandish idea, and demand for Photo store products by the other 95% may just be enough incentive to put in the effort. Not to mention that impressing Wintel users with industry-leading design and ease of use in its software and consumer electronics, Apple may slowly start to make modest strides in hardware market share.

You're right about MusicMatch and all. However, Apple makes the iPod but doesn't make anything photo-related at all (besides iPhoto and the print service which I don't know anything about since I live in Canada). Unless they're making a pretty penny with their print service and/or they're coming out with the iCamera, I don't see them briging iPhoto to Windows.

Yes, it *would* maker another good point for Apple to windows users, but it's also one less point to buy a Mac (hey, maybe they'll port GarageBand, iMovie, and iDVD next, I won't have to buy a Mac after all!)

[wildmac]

iPod gets into the game "just-in-time"... Pardon me, but I'll never buy those ugly bulky bricks...

for 3 generations I used/still using iPod and saw many other faker mp3 players.. even colored screen-photo-showing-mp3 player-owner friends of mine looked VERY jealoused at me.. my 4th iPod will be a photo one, I'm just waiting for bluetooth and a little price-drop...


The Gimini400 is a bulky brick?... I don't think so. (Some of the other devices are larger).

http://www.archos.com/products/overview/gmini_400.html

I'm a Mac fan, but I'm not gonna buy a product just because Apple makes it.

[jettredmont]

Sorry to ask, but...

1. what is "CD-TEXT" exactly/what does it do
2. why would you want that


Back in the stone age when people would "burn" their music onto CDs which were then played in numerous locations such as car stereos and home stereos, CD-TEXT was a way for certain CD players to display the song name, artist, and album information for the track currently being played.

I had a 5-disk Sony CD changer at home and a 12-disk Panasonic changer in my car, both of which supported CD Text. Especially on "shuffle", this feature was indispensable! FWIW, I was using Ahead's Nero program and before that Adaptec's Easy CD Creator to burn CD-TEXT disks at least since 1999 ...

Of course, now I play music from my Mac at home and from my iPod in the car, and both of those offer significantloy better information than could have been squeezed through the CD spec via CD-TEXT, so I don't miss it. But I certainly feel for those who can't burn CD-TEXT discs from iTunes!

Someone here said CD-TEXT is a Sony spec. That might explain both why it never really caught on (I don't think I've ever seen a pressed CD with CD-Text information, and only a handful of manufacturers make players which read it), and why Apple's not putting it into iTunes ... But still, it was an impressively good idea, and worked really well back in the days when music had to come 72 minutes at a time on thin plastic discs.

[mclosers]

I'm not sure when this happened, but the iMix screen on the iTMS now allows you to search for iMixes and other cools stuff...
When will we see OLCDs in iPods is the real question though... Aren't they suppose to use less power than B&W LCDs

[Poff]

Yes but my point is the only way to make "gapless" playback of mp3's i through cross fades. Wheater it be winamp, itunes or your iPod.

Crossfade and gapless are two totally different things.

and I believe you can have gapless in winamp.

Maybe it just analyzes the songs, I do not know. It shouldn't be a problem to analyze a song and find out where the sound actually ends.

[how_quare]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think its a little bit overpriced? The 4G 40GB iPod is $399. The 40GB Photo iPod is $499. I don't know. I'm just tired of spending a lot of money. I just bought my PowerMac in June and I'm trying to pay that off. How much longer will we wait for the sub $200 iPod's? I guess I'll keep right on using my 30GB 3G iPod and use my iBook to show photos.

The reason you're paying $499 is because it includes the iPod Photo Dock (obviously the regular one is no compatible) and the AV cable. In fact, it includes everything the 40GB did when it was $499 (minus the remote), except it has better battery life and a colour screen. Not too shabby in my position.

[williamsonrg]

Quick question:
The website lists "Artist Alerts" as a new feature in iTunes, but I cannot find it anywhere. Has anybody else?

[Yvan256]

[QUOTE=the_mole1314]The only advantage to this over other image-players is that it is smaller. that's it.

I want to be able to transfer my images directly to the iPod from the camera/memory-card. THAT would be worthwhile.

The "only" advantage is that it's smaller? And when was the last time you actually wanted your music player to be huge? Why do you think people pay 249$US for a 4GB player when for only 50$US they can get a 20GB that's just a bit bigger?

Size *is everything* with portable electronics.

As for the iPod photo being able to read the memory card directly, yeah, I wish Apple had gone this way. Then again, I'm happy with my 3g 10GB iPod, so I don't really care. :)

[jettredmont]

I'm not sure about the iPod store (a new part of the Apple online store devoted to just iPod and accessories). While I think it is a good idea in principle, it could have an adverse effect on Mac sales. People who come to the iPod pages (e.g. typing in www.ipod.com) may then click BUY NOW and be re-routed and then go to the Apple iPod store.

Okay, I give up. What's the difference between this "iPod store" and what's always been there? Just the fact that the "Buy Now" link on the info page jumps directly to the order page for the particular type of iPod you were looking at?

I don't get it. Is this really new? The order pages themselves certainly aren't new. So is it the link into the store that's giving you fits?

Just don't get it ...

[edit:] Scratch that. Now I see the "iPod Store" link on the front page of the main store. But going to www.ipod.com and clicking "buy now" puts you in the normal Apple Store, not the "iPod store" ... To get to the iPod store you still have to trip all over Macs and such in the main Apple Store front page first.

[MacsRgr8]

Allright!

What a day for "rest of Europe"!!! :)

Already bougt 2 albums.... seeking more.... :D

So glad it finally made it to mainland Europe. Now hunting for rest of world.... go Apple!!!!!

[johnnyjibbs]

iPhoto for Windows will not happen. It is a major incentive to get a Mac.

The iPod pages clearly state that all the photo transfer trickery is done inside iTunes. This is good anyway. iTunes is the iPod interface on both PC and Mac. iPods are mainly about music, after all.

I still think that the photo feature is a bit of a novelty. Nothing more. However, if you can afford the price, it's nice to have a colour screen, album art. Again it's all novelty. At least the only cost was price and size. It's not that much bigger. But the increase in battery life is the star here. (Let's face it, it's probably bigger because it needs a bigger battery.)

[aafuss1]

OK,
More Euro iTMS-as Apple's Eddie Cue stated earlier this month.
U2/Color photo iPod-yes 20/40/60gb-varies by model
Japan and AU iTMS-no, perhaps say next year (good comp. here from Destra based/nineMSN music,etc. Japan-legal issues), but they did expand the EU stores (as confirmed by a reportn I read here).

[Cougarcat]

Just when I thought my B-day was going to be another dead Tuesday!
This is great!!! I can't wait to talk someone into getting me one.:)

Haha, today is my b-day as well...and I know like 3 other people who also have my birthday as well...weird.

I am going to have to settle for Myst IV: Revelation instead of a new Photo iPod as a present...my 5 gigger is doing just fine. But that aqua interface...*drools*

I've been dying for an iTunes feature that shows duplicate tracks. I tried it and it works great, I trimmed out about 400 MB worth of files. Now I actually have room to install Myst IV. ;)

[aafuss1]

I was right about a itunes revision-4.7.