The Apple iPod revolutionized the personal digital music world – suddenly, from clunky, impossible to use digital devices, we had sleek, slim little pieces that would store thousands of songs and fit in the palm of your hand with plenty of room to spare. With several models available, and thousands of apps, songs, videos, and movies from which to choose, the iPod is an unqualified success. On Wednesday, Steve Jobs is expected to announce some new developments, including some possible changes to the iPod.
The iPhone 4 prototype debacle notwithstanding, Apple is usually very secretive about developments and products. According to Reuters, Jobs will likely announce changes to the iPod because that is what he traditionally does in September. So while he could be announcing that he is discontinuing the iPod and bringing back the 8-track, it is much more likely that he will share upgrades to the Touch and Nano. Those are speculated to be:
- ·A touchscreen for the Nano and a new square body shape
- ·Dual cameras for the Touch, along with a new shape to more closely resemble the iPhone 4
- ·The Touch may be able to handle FaceTime software developed for the iPhone 4
- ·High resolution retina display
- ·Faster A4 processor
- ·It is also expected that the iPod Classic will keep kicking
CNET, though, believes that Jobs will touch only lightly on the iPod, focusing more on changes to iTunes and to the inception of Apple TV because of the growing obsolescence (which is arguable on both sides). “Apple still sells three-fourths of all MP3 players sold, but multifunction gadgets like the iPhone are getting the most attention from Apple customers, not to mention the rest of the electronics industry, and bringing in more revenue than iPods these days.”
Will Jobs announce these changes – and will they make a difference to consumers? Are iPods on their way out as iPhones take over?
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