Its a huge day for all the Apple fans in the world as, once again, Steve Jobs takes the stage, surrounded in a cloud of mystery, and gives the world an update on whats happening down in Cupertino. Apparently the event is streaming live on Apple’s website but I’m unable to view it on my machine (OSX required for streaming video?). Anywhoo, Engadget is blogging live with great photos and technology stalwart Leo Laporte (who, apparently, wasn’t invited to this event) is broadcasting live from his website.
iPod Touch
The first piece of interesting news is the updates to the iPod Touch. The new Touch will feature Apple’s Retina display, a video camera, the ability to use the FaceTime app (video chat) and an upgraded processor that will help power new games. It also appears as though Apple has added some sort of ‘matchmaking’ system (Game Center) that will allow gamers to connect with other gamers.
iPod Nano
The biggest announcement so far is the new iPod Nano. Apple seems to be intent on removing all buttons from their devices because now the Nano (The little iPod that could) features OMG TOUCH SCREEN TECHNOLOGY (those with “fat finger” syndrome need not apply)! It almost reminds me of a Dick Tracy style wristwatch and I’m sure some savvy fan will develop some sort of wristband soon enough.
iTunes 10
iTunes 10 will finally arrive accompanied by a new, fancy, LOGO! Unbelievably this was a significant part of the presentation (~5 mins worth out of a 60 min keynote) and the internets are buzzing.
Ping
Now the REALLY big iTunes news. One of the new features shipping with iTunes 10 will be the inclusion of a new ‘social network’ called Ping. This update should be out sometime later today so everybody can download and add yet ANOTHER social network notch on their virtual bedpost. The big news that has all the fanboys squealing is Ping is the ONLY social network that will have a ‘real’ Steve Jobs account (This was reiterated several times by Steve himself… I’m not sure if I buy it). I wonder if he will accept my friend request…
AppleTV
Steve is currently talking about the new AppleTV, which unfortunately appears to be a minor update to a piece of technology that was (imo) a stinker out of the gate. NO app support whatsoever… but hey! Its got the same Netflix my Xbox 360 had circa 2008. I foresee a future Google product being developed to directly compete with this…
Chris Martin
It appears as though the Event is over now. Coldplay’s Chris Martin (who outdid ALL fanboys worldwide by naming his first child Apple) is playing a few tunes solo to close out the presentation. I was unaware that Coldplay or Chris Martin were even relevant at this point in time but if Apple says he is… I suppose he probably is. He did close out with a pretty good Apple zinger though:
Chris Martin: “This is a new song we’re doing, it’s called Coldplay 2.6. It features 7 chords. None of our competitors have it. Jony Ive designed it. It’s in the key of iMinor.”
