Today, Apple held its annual conference, where iPods are typically updated. I’ll go into my opinions of the new products, why I like them, why I don’t.
iPods
iPod touch: fantastic improvements. They truly have delivered everything people are wanting! Front and back cameras, Retina display, A4 processor, and FaceTime, of course. However, I feel the design has moved in the wrong direction: the thinner they make it, it feels harder to hold. But overall, good job on the iPod touch.
iPod nano: Still rather “meh” on this one. A touchscreen that small just seems difficult to use. I’ll have to try it out in an Apple Store. It seems like it’s taken away functionality, like video playback.
iPod shuffle: Ah, back into being decent. I’m positive sales tanked when they rid themselves of physical buttons, so this was a step in the right direction. Very impressed!
Apple TV
Some fantastic changes here. Netflix integration, smaller size and design, 1080p HD, TV show rentals, and my favourite change: IT’S $99! Good work Apple – I have a feeling this will depart from being a hobby very shortly.
iPhone/iPad
The improvements found in iOS 4.1 are fantastic. It brings the new iTunes features that were announced today, plus the new Game Centre to iOS. Good improvements. Still waiting on iOS4 for iPad, though.
iTunes
This new “Ping” social network is an interesting concept. I’m not sure if it will take off or not – time will tell. Overall, the visual improvements to iTunes are quite nice, as are the 99cent TV rentals.
Overall
Overall, I think Apple did a fantastic job this year. The new products are stunning. The only thing I’m a bit disappointed about this year is the lack of iWork or iLife news, but hopefully that will be coming soon.
