iPhone Cafe

Apple has introduced its updated line of iPod touches, lowering the price of the entry model and increasing storage and speed in the two more expensive models. The price of the 8GB model has dropped from $229 to $199, marking the first time the iPod touch has broken the $200 barrier. The $299 16GB and $399 32GB models have been replaced with 32GB and 64GB versions selling for the same prices, respectively; both larger models also feature OpenGL ES 2.0 support and up to 50 percent faster performance. Notably, none of the new iPod touch models sport a camera, as had previously been reported, and look virtually identical to last year’s models. All three models are available immediately.

Amidst all the other Apple news from today’s “ It’s Only Rock and Roll ” music event is the fact that iPhone OS 3.1 (or, technically, 3.1.1) is now available. With it comes things like support for Genius Mixes, pre-cut ringtone downloads at $1.29 a pop, app organization support in iTunes 9 , and Genius recommendations for apps. There’s also a bunch of polish, bug fixes, and ease of use features as well. The updates can be found either on Apple’s website or through the software update feature in iTunes that becomes available once you plug in your device.

The full list of 3.1 features includes the following:

- Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos
- iTunes U content organization
- Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store
- Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
- Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll
- Option to “Save as new clip” when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS
- Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on
- Remotely lock iPhone with a passcode via MobileMe
- Use Voice Control on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets
- Paste phone numbers into the keypad
- Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS
- Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari (anti-phishing)
- Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling
- Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly

Apple today updated its third-generation iPod shuffle lineup and has decided to build the smallest music player in the world even cheaper, where their iPod shuffle will now start from $59 upwards and come in five fiery colors. Everything else about the shuffle will remain the same, including its intuitive controls and VoiceOver feature – don’t expect any bombshell to drop like a new display! You can get the 2GB model for $59 while the old standby 4GB model is going for $79, where one can choose from silver, black, pink, blue and green colors.

Apple has officially introduced its fifth generation iPod nano where the speculated video camera is included, alongside a microphone and speaker capability to build that an even more well-rounded portable media player. Talk about the wonders of miniaturization in an already slim design, where it will be accompanied by a more generous 2.2″ color display and a gorgeous polished aluminum and glass enclosure. Other specifications include an integrated FM radio (no need for optional FM adapters, eh) with live pause, iTunes Tagging capability and an integrated pedometer to boot. You will be able to choose from nine bright colors that stand out from the crowd, where it will come in 8GB and 16GB flavors, retailing for $149 and $179, respectively.

The rumored iTunes 9 was announced today at Apple’s “It’s Only Rock and Roll” media event. iTunes 9 brings multiple new features, including iPhone app organization, “Genius Mixes”, expanded media syncing options, and much more.

Genius Mixes is a new feature that leverages the Genius information gathered since the launch of this feature with iTunes 8 at last year’s September media event. Genius Mixes can play an endless mix of songs from your iTunes library that “go great together.” iTunes 9 will automatically generate 12 of these mixes by default, and more can be created by the user.

Device syncing has also improved in the latest version of iTunes. Genres and artists can be selectively synchronized along with playlists, and photos can now be synced by Faces and Events.

Home sharing is another new feature that allows iTunes media to be copied and shared among 5 authorized computers in the same household, with settings available to make copying new purchases automatically. All authorized computers are visible in iTunes in the Shared category in the Source list.

iTunes 9 includes the iPhone app organization feature that was previously rumored. Replicas of the home screen pages of a connected iPhone appear within the Applications tab where apps can be selected for syncing and removal and dragged and dropped to appear on the desired home screen page.

Additionally, the iTunes store interface has been re-designed to allow for easier browsing and now offers iTunes LPs – albums with additional content such as lyrics, photos, liner notes, and more. Movies also get a bump from extra content through iTunes Extras that include additional features, graphical chapter selection, and more. Finally, Apple is now offering 30,000 pre-cut ringtones from major music labels, priced at $1.29 each.

iTunes 9 is a free download and is now available.

With almost 65,000 apps available, and 1.5 billion downloaded in its first year, Apple’s App Store is being touted as one of the main reasons for the success of the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.

Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster siad in a research note that with big companies like Sirius and ESPN coming to the iPhone and promoting their apps, Apple is getting more exposure than it otherwise would.

The affect on Apple has been twofold according to Munster. First, it has boosted sales of the new iPhone 3G, but it has also making the less expensive iPhone 3G popular among price conscious shoppers.

“The smart phone industry has effectively crowned the iPhone and its App Store the gold standard among touchscreen mobile experiences, and competitors are trying to copy the device and its software,” said Munster.

Consumers in the U.S. may get their wish and see the iPhone available on a number of wireless carriers, if one analyst’s prediction holds true.

Gene Munster, senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, believes that Apple will transition to the multiple carrier model within the next year. This is most likely next summer, a time when Apple typically introduces new models of the iPhone.

The multiple carrier scenario is not new for Apple. In France, for example, the company moved from an exclusive arrangement with Orange to a multi-carrier deal. According to Munster, this lead to greater success for the iPhone in that country.

According to his numbers, Munster says that Apple has market share in the 40 percent range in France, while it is only in the mid-teens in the U.S. where the iPhone is locked to AT&T’s network.

The Piper Jaffray analyst is not alone in believing the iPhone could jump ship next year, as others believe Apple is looking to Verizon as a possible alternative. Even Denny Strigle, Verizon’s president, has been complimentary of the iPhone this year, as his company is rumored to be fast-tracking its new 4G network for launch by early 2010. AT&T, meanwhile, is said to be continuing its negotiations with Apple, in an attempt to keep the iPhone exclusive through 2011. While customers have been extremely satisfied with Apple’s phone and have embraced it, many U.S. customers have been disappointed with the AT&T network.

Citing sources from Apple Authorized Resellers, Ars Technica reports that the entire current lineup of iPods has been discontinued. Stock of the current screened iPods, announced and released last September, is dwindling, with no more expected to come in; the fate of the third-generation iPod shuffle, released earlier this year, is unclear. Apple is reportedly planning a special event for early September to introduce updated models, which sources have previously said will include camera upgrades for both the iPod nano and iPod touch.