The last weeks big news is the “Apple’s  09/09/09 Rock’n roll event”. Below are the highlights of the event, followed by my thoughts

• New iPod Nano’s announced with camera, radio, pedometer, larger screen and  new price
• New iPod Classic with 160 GB capacity announced same price
• iPod Touch updated with faster chips and new prices.
• iTunes 9 with iTunes LP functionality, app management, home sharing.

All the rumors about iPod Touch getting a camera, and iPod Classic being killed off  were just that .. rumors. With Zune HD competition looming, it is very surprising that there was no major update to iPod Touch either by adding a camera or any other capability.

iPod Nano: Looks like Apple is going after the Flip market by adding video camera capability to iPod Nano’s. Also very strange that it is not capable of still photos and can only do video ! Radio is now built-in and the cool touch apple added is you can pause the radio for upto 15 minutes. Along with video camera  and radio, iPod Nano  flaunts a larger 2.2 inch screen , voice recorder with integrated mic, a small speaker and  nike + pedometer. 8GB iPod Nano  sells for $149 and 16GB   for $179.99

Summary: I think Apple delivered a winner with  this iPod Nano and has made a good product even better.

iPod Classic:   Contrary to rumors, Apple has continued with the iPod Classic line up and has  boosted the capacity to 160GB but at the same time  maintaining the price point of $249.99.   I still think Zune 2nd generation 80/120GB products (with a bigger screen)  to be much better product than the iPod Classic. But with Microsoft stopping the  production of Zune 80/120GB, I don’t think there are very many other alternatives (Archos). Btw there are great deals that are coming up on Zune 80GB/120GB  (from Slickdeals)

iPod Touch:  This is where my biggest disappointment for this event comes from. There was nothing announced for iPod Touch except that it now supports a faster graphics chip (same chip present in iPhone 3GS) and lowered price. The new price for 32GB model is $299 and that is still $10  more than Zune HD 32GB model! [There is also a 64GB model that sells for $399]

Summary:  Disappointment !

iTunes:   Hopefully this is a start of the much required updates to iTunes ! Making it look more like a rich media player and less like a Excel Spreadsheet.  The latest update to  iTunes adds “iTunes LP” and “iTunes extras” , basically these are album/artist bonus materials, videos, photos, exclusive interviews. Other features include previews from anywhere in the store, Genius mixes,  App management ( u can manage the apps on your iPhone/iPod Touch directly from iTunes), and most importantly home sharing where you can share your library with other iTunes/computers in your home with ease. There is also some basic  integration with Twitter and facebook.

Summary: Much overdue and welcome updates !

Via: Engadget, Crunch Gear, Gizmodo

On of heals of rumors that Microsoft is going to end all Zune players except Zune HD, there is a new rumor that Apple is set to kill off iPod Classic and just carry iPod touch, nano and shuffle !

Maybe is because the iPod touch with flash memory is approaching higher capacities and with greater revenue stream (profits from device and from App store)  that Apple thought it is best to move off of iPod Classic completely !

So folks if you are in market for a high capacity MP3 player from Microsoft or Apple, get them while they are still available hopefully offered at a great discount  like Zune 120 @ Amazon for $189 , iPod Classic currently sells for  $224 (maybe further discounts are underway in future)

You can also see  the iPod Classic vs Zune 120 comparison in one of my earlier posts.

Via Silicon Alley Insider and CrunchGear

With good amount of details of Zune HD out I thought it be great to compare it to existing 2nd gen iPod Touch and see how  well they compare.  I know Apple has confirmed the 09/09/09 rock and roll event and they might potentially announce new iPod Touch but until then, here goes the ultimate and most elaborate Zune HD Vs iPod Touch (2nd Generation). 

   VS  

Find great deals on Zune and iPod from real time comparison shopping site kalistro.com

• Zune HD
• iPod Touch

I will provide a updated new comparison once we know more details about the next generation of iPod touches (possibly after 09/09/09 apple event)

Sri

The Apple rumor mill/speculation  has started again and this time it is about the iPods and iTunes and not about the  Apples possible tablet (iPad).  It looks like Apple has scheduled an event the week of September 7th.  Number of sources say this includes the redesigned iTunes with features like interaction with social networks and better interface  (much overdue) and also introducing the new iPods.

Read More about the event @ CrunchGear and  @ MediaMemo-AllThingsD.

Hopefully Apple has something big instore to counter the growing hype of Zune HD.  If they only make incremental changes to iPod Touch  I see a big wave in favor of Zune HD helping it gain critical mass.  With much rave reviews of Zune HD from early reviewers and user excitement surrounding it, there is no doubt this time around that there is formidable competitor for Apples iPod touch (more than ever before).    Apple has always surprised people, let us see what they got instore this time around !