Well, the much-anticipated and talked about Apple event finally took place today and we’re here to give you a lowdown on the highlights of the event.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced a new line of iPods starting off with the world’s smallest music player and “the first music player to talk to you”. I’m talking of course of the miniscule new iPod shuffle. The 2GB mp3 player retails for $59 while the 4GB model is available for $79.
A new iPod nano was launched too, and this one comes with a video camera, microphone, speaker and now has a built-in FM radio. An 8GB nano sells for $149 and a 16GB model for $179.
“iPod nano is the world’s most popular music player with over 100 million sold,” said Jobs. “And now we’ve added a video camera to its incredibly thin design, without any additional cost to the user.”
For those fans of the iPod Touch who were anticipating an announcement about an additional camera for the device, the event came as disappointment because it didn’t happen. Apple however announced a price cut for its iPod Touch, bringing down the price from $249 to $199 (for the 8GB model).
Jobs also introduced a new version of Apple’s popular online media store, iTunes, and updated software for the iPhone.
iTunes 9 now feature iTunes LP which “combines visual features such as live performance videos, lyrics, artwork, linear notes, interviews, photos and album credits” and Home Sharing which allows users to make use of the software’s features in up to five authorized computers in the home, according to a report from NewsFactor.
But perhaps the biggest highlight of the event is Steve Jobs appearance. Apple didn’t make any announcement that its CEO will be coming to the event and the Web has been abuzz with rumors over whether or not Jobs would show up.
Wearing his trademark long-sleeved turtleneck shirt, jean and sneakers, Jobs took the center stage for his first public appearance after nearly a year.
“I’m very happy to be here today with you all,” he said. “About five months ago I had a liver transplant. So I now have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash and was generous enough to donate their organs.
“I hope all of us can be as generous and elect to be organ donors,” said Jobs, who underwent an operation for pancreatic cancer five years ago.
And what can he say about his return?
“I’m back at Apple, loving every day of it.
