ipod video, and Mac-Expo

In October Apple announced the 5th generation ipod that could play video, and a update to Apple's flagship computer the iMac. Both of these products are a preview of what is to come.

I wrote the following paragraph in October and for some reason it got left as a draft, so I am publishing it now.

Wow, Apple did it. After all the rumors and Steve Jobs announcing that he would never make an ipod video, it happened. The new ipod is still not called the ipod video, "simply", it is just the fifth generation ipod, replacing the fourth generation white ipod. The new ipods are both thinner, than their predecessor the 20 GB white ipod and still comes in two sizes, 30 GB ($299) and 60 GB (399). Obviously, the big deal about the new ipod is it's ability to play video. Now, with itunes 6, users can download a load of video content from video podcasts to TV shows. Currently Apple only has 16 shows available from the itunes music store; including "Lost" and "Desperate House Wives". Steve Jobs suggested in his keynote that a 1 hour episode of "Lost" takes about 15-20 minutes to download if you have a high speed internet connection. A couple new features of the new itunes music store are the ability to preview and buy music videos, which cost $1.99 a piece and include both the video and the song. The new music videos can be downloaded and played on a the new ipod. A typical music video is about equivalent to 6 songs. Other feature of the new music store are the ability to gift songs and music videos, and write reviews. You can even review podcasts and video podcasts!

If all of this isn't enough there are still the rumors about the upcoming Mac-Expo. Apple may release a re-vamped version of the mac mini, which will include an intel base, a DVR Tivo killer, and Front Row 2.0. Plus Apple has been negotiating business deals for media content so we could see more media solutions available. This could be a very exiting year for Apple and expect a lot of great new products.