Now that I'd had a few hours to think about all the announcements from Apple at yesterday's special event, here are some random musings about them.
Despite rumors of the iPod shuffle's demise, it lives on. For now. I still think that its days are numbered, now that the nano has gotten so small. Eventually, I think we'll see a 2GB nano replacing the shuffle entirely.
Hmmm, the new nano trades its camera for a touchscreen. Is that a good swap?
The iPod classic is still around, but received no update. As soon as the iPod touch reaches 128GB of capacity (it's only half that right now) you can bid adieu to the classic, which Apple seems to regard as the ugly ducking in the iPod line-up.
The new iPod touch sounds great, but I was hoping for a 128GB version now. And if the teeny nano can have an FM radio feature, why not the touch? Yes, that's right, I want it all and I want it now!
As for the Apple TV update, overall, I think it's a great step forward. Netflix integration means one less box in my home entertainment center set-up. But only 720p high-def!? C'mon, Apple I want "real" high def -- as in 1080.
I was also hoping to see FaceTime for the Apple TV. I think it will arrive eventually (it seems a natural fit) -- and for the Mac and PC, as well.
I'm slightly -- but only slightly -- perturbed that you can only rent movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store now. That makes sense for the new Apple TV (which has no storage). But why can't I buy a movie or TV show on my Mac, which does have sufficient storage. The rent-only option sounds like a move backward.
On the other hand, since there are simply rentals at the iTunes Store now, most folks will continue to buy movies on DVD and Blu-ray. So there's no longer any reason for Apple not to include support for Blu-ray playback on the Mac. Right, Steve?
iOS or Mac OS X? The new Apple TV is running an A4 processor so it must be running a version of iOS (which is, of course, a version of Mac OS X, so it's all a bit confusing.)
Will there be any sort of softball update for current users of the Apple TV that would offer any of the features of the new incarnation?
The High Dynamic Range Photo feature of iOS 4.1 sounds very cool, as does the upcoming AirPlay feature.
It's great that iOS 4.1 AND 4.2 are going to be free updates for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users.
Overall, Investors seemed pleased with the new announcements. Apple shares were up 2.85%, to $250.03, in late afternoon trading Wednesday.
Your thoughts? Mail me at dsellers@applecentral.com
-- Dennis Sellers
