Apple unveils Apple TV, new iPods, Ping

Fans of Apple rejoice! In a huge keynote presentation earlier this afternoon, Apple revealed a number of fresh products, including all-new iPod models, confirmed the long-time rumors of the Apple TV, and threw in a few surprises, as expected.

Of course, Apple’s best known product, the iPod, received major redesigns. The most dramatic and surprising change is the new iPod Nano, which has dropped the classic “click wheel” and has adopted a touch screen. The new Nano resembles the previous-generation iPod Shuffle in terms of size, but features the same capacitative touch screen as the iPhone. It is unknown if the touch screen means the Nano will run iOS, or if games or other apps will be supported. However, it will include a built-in FM radio, Nike+iPod, Apple’s playlist selection program Genius, and a nifty clip to affix your iPod to anything. But probably your back pocket or collar. $149 for 8GB, or $179 for the 16GB model.

Another big surprise comes with iTunes 10. Ping, a new social networking system, will be included in the latest iTunes update. The network, which seems like a combination of existing social networks, will allow users to add friends, “follow” artists à la Twitter, “like” albums in the style of Facebook, and will provide music recommendations, just like last.fm.

The iPod Touch also got a facelift. As rumored before, the 4th generation Touch will include both back- and front-facing cameras for taking pictures, HD video, as well as the new FaceTime app. The new Touch will also feature the iPhone 4′s famous Retina Display, as well as Game Center, an online gaming app.

Also new is the iPod Shuffle, which brings back the buttons (you’ll recall the previous-gen Shuffle can only be controlled via Apple’s new headphones), and will launch at $49 for the 2GB model.

The truth surrounding the last few months of rumors about the Apple TV redesign – namely, calling it the iTV – has been mixed. Contrary to Kevin Rose’s tip, it doesn’t appear that the new Apple TV will run iOS, nor will it use the iPad as a do-it-all app-running remote control – yet. Users will, however, be able to use iOS-running devices as simple remote controls, and rent HD movies and TV shows starting at just a buck, and view YouTube and Netflix. The redesigned set top box is also significantly smaller (about 80%, according to Apple), and sells for $99.

Unfortunately, there was hardly any mention of the iPhone. For those who are still hoping for a white iPhone 4, which has been delayed until “later this year,” or the iPhone on Verizon, which has been rumored for years, this comes as very somber news. Hopefully some information about these will be released later this year. Until then, more rumors and speculation!

(via Apple)

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Tagged as: Apple, AppleTV, iOS, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iTunes