The two new iPods were unveiled alongside the iPhone 5 last month, with the new iPod touch having the same 4-inch display as the latest iPhone, along with a new 5-megapixel camera. It’s also the first touch to be available in multiple colors.

As for the iPod nano, that’s undergone another significant design change, growing a larger touchscreen and regaining video playback support. It also has a new UI, though it’s still not running the full version of iOS as on the iPod touch and iPhone.

Shipments of iPod touch preorders began earlier this week, and ours is already on the test bench – you can find some of our first impressions here. Online orders are still listed as being delivered sometime in October.

Apple surprised everyone when they announced the brand new 5th gen iPod Touch complete with almost everything we love about the iPhone 5. The new iPod Touch gets the same 326 ppi 4-inch Retina Display, as well as that awesome new brushed aluminum design — no more chrome to get covered in scratches. For full specs and details about the fastest, tallest, and thinnest iPod yet you’ll want to check out our iPod Touch announcement post.

The new iPod Touch is up on Apple.com right this minute and pre-orders start on September 14th. You can get their 32GB iPod Touch in five excellent colors (as shown above) for only $299, then the 64GB model will run you $399. The previous generation iPod Touch has seen a $50 price cut on all models too if you don’t want that beautifully large screen and new dual-core processor — but you should. Apple didn’t confirm the release date but the new device will be shipping in mid October.

That was the star of the show in terms of iPod stuff, but Apple also announced new colors for the original shuffle, as well as a brand new “renanoed” iPod nano for just $149. Yup I just said renanoed as that is exactly what Apple is calling this refresh. Both the new iPod models have the new lightning dock connector, and the new nano is smaller than ever — while getting a bigger screen.

This time around the nano looks more like a mini iPhone. Here you’ve got the “thinnest iPod nano we’ve ever created”, Apple says, with a 38% thinner body at 5.4mm. You also have a home button just like the iPod Touch and iPhone, and a giant button on the left side for play, pause, forward, back, and volume adjustments. The screen has been boasted up to 2.5-inches and is capable of the usual widescreen video viewing. The nano has the same new aluminum design and will also be available in a wide array of colors as we see above. The all new iPod nano will be available for pre-order on September 14th as well, and will ship in October. You can get the 16GB model starting at just $149.

Then we heard about a newly redesigned iTunes, as well as the new earbuds Apple is calling EarPods. For everything Apple today you won’t want to miss our detailed and thorough Apple Portal. Then if you’d like an all-in-one surely you’ll need to take a peek at all of our iPhone 5 coverage. Lastly if you like what you’re seeing here is our iPod Touch hands-on! Do you like the new iPod offerings, or will you just be waiting for the iPad Mini?

This rumor claims that at least two new or updated iPod lines will be announced at Apple’s September 12 event, and that number may rise to three by the time everything is said and done. The these two iPods apparently come in multiple colors, while one will boast multiple size capacities. The other will only have one size capacity, which seems to suggest that Apple is gearing up to announce a new iPod Shuffle and a new Nano.

The third line is a little more difficult to place – but this one is said to come in a variety of colors as well. It could be a new iPod Touch, but 9to5Mac thinks that Apple might be considering launching an entirely new line of iPods. We’ve seen case moldings for a smaller, slimmer device in the past, and those moldings might be for a redesigned iPod – smaller than Apple’s current offerings, perhaps intended to go hand-in-hand with the iPad Mini (if such a device exists).

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that this is all just speculation, and that we won’t know for sure until Apple takes the stage on September 12. Still, it seems that we can reasonably expect Apple to reveal more than just the iPhone 5, so it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that a handful of new iPods will get some time in the spotlight as well. Stay tuned, and be sure to check back with us here at SlashGear on September 12 – we’ll be liveblogging straight from Apple’s event at 10 AM PST!

This program has the ability to take in not only your iPhone 4S, but a collection of other Apple devices as well as non-Apple gadgets too. The front page for this program shows an iMac, iPad, iPhone, two iPods, and a lovely old button-toting phone from the distant past. It also has the white MacBook, no longer sold by Apple brand new.

This is all part of Apple’s “Apple and the Environment” initiative of course as well, making it clear to users around the world that they are indeed Green. You’ll be assured in this Recycling initiative that your units will be either reused or recycled in environmentally friendly ways, and you’ll get more than just a warm feeling in your heart – you’ll get Apple money.

Apple won’t be tossing any cold hard cash in this program, but they will be giving you credit in their store. Gift Certificates are one of the reasons you’d send in your old gear, a no-cost-to-you offer to get rid of all your gadgets that otherwise would push us closer to a garbage-filled planet is another. If you send in your old iPod or mobile phone that’s not included in the main Gift Certificate part of the program, you’ll either just be able to send it in for recycling for free, (a great deal by itself), or you’ll be able to bring it in to an Apple Retail Store and get 10 percent off a new one.

NOTE: This 10 percent offer does not apply to the iPod shuffle – Apple says so!

And of course what’s rather important about this situation is that the iPhone 4S is included in it. There’s no other reason for Apple to want to include their newest hero phone in a program like this where you’ll get gift cards back for the unit except for the idea that an even newer model is right around the corner – except of course if you’ve got a damaged iPhone 4S and want a new one: they take damaged units, too.

The amount of work that developers would have to do to create applications for this device would be astronomical. That said, Apple has already released an iPod with an odd screen shape that millions of people use daily. Would something such as this iPod Nano Touch take off if released in the real world? Sure – just so long as I can get the gold one!

This concept has a front-facing camera strong enough to work with Face Time, is just about the same length as the standard Apple iPod connector, and does indeed have a clip on the back to connect to your running shorts. This version of the iPod would be able to work essentially the same as an iPod Touch, but would have just one row of apps to tap instead of three.

What do you think, folks, could something like this thrive if released by Apple today?

[via Yanko Design]

The first of these applications details a button which allows the user to switch apps on their iPhone while they remain on a call. This application shows that you’ll be able to finger tap the application switch icon on the same screen as their phone dialer, then switch back with a “Touch to return to call” bar above the display when they want to do so. This functionality has essentially been replaced by the multitasking abilities of iOS 5 since this application was made. This original patent was filed in Q1 of 2008 and credits Senior VP of iPhone Software Scott Forstall and team members Greg Christie, Stephen Lemay, Marcel Van Os and Imran Chaudhri.

Next there’s the second generation iPod Shuffle which does indeed credit Steve Jobs as one of its designers. Interestingly, the parts that are made up of broken lines in the image above are not claimed in the patent while the main bulk of the device is. Finally there’s a “Microperforated and backlit displays having alternative display capabilities,” this relating to an earlier patent win which also has to do with all the bits on your Apple computer that are invisible until a light comes on behind them. Think of the breathing light indicator at the front of your MacBook, for example.

[via Patently Apple]

Previously, users could access the games via a link in the iTunes App Store called “iPod Click Wheel Games.” These games date back to Apple’s very first iPod model and include titles like Brick, Vortex, iQuiz, and Texas Hold’Em, totaling about 50 titles that all rely on the touch-sensitive wheel of the classic iPod. However, the link to this category of games is no longer available from the iTunes App Store menu.

It’s believed that Apple will be putting the iPod Classic to rest during its major “Let’s Talk iPhone” event next Tuesday, October 4. Although there were hopes that Apple would update the iPod Classic with a larger 220GB Toshiba hard drive, it seems unlikely now that Apple is pushing its iCloud music streaming service for iOS 5. Make sure to follow our live blog of the event for all the details.

[via MacRumors]

The download service – which had previously offered MP3s on a track-by-track basis – now puts more emphasis on playlist purchases. Spotify now allows you to purchase and download an entire playlist with one click, with MP3 bundles that, the company says, push individual track pricing down to as little as 50p ($0.82) per track. You can buy 10 tracks for £7.99/€9.99 (working out to 80p/€1 a track), 15 tracks for £9.99/€12.99 (67p/€0.87 per track), 40 tracks for £25/€30 (63p/€0.75) or 100 tracks for £50/€60 (50p/€0.60).

As for mobile users without premium subscriptions, as of today the Spotify Mobile app for iOS and Android will now allow them to wirelessly sync their MP3 playlists from their computer to their phone. It’ll also work with the iPod touch. They won’t get Spotify streaming support for the whole catalog, mind:

“Free and Open users can use our mobile app for all MP3s they would like to sync, both songs bought in Spotify and songs on their computer that they’ve purchased from before. If you’re missing MP3s in your Spotify playlist that you would like to sync to your iPod you can easily complete it by purchasing missing songs in one easy step in Spotify, before syncing.” Spotify

The update will be rolling out to users from today, and is expected to take a couple of days. Of course it’s also limited to certain European countries, since Spotify hasn’t finalized its US launch. More details in the video below.

Apple filed the lawsuit on April 15 in the Northern District of California stating that specific Samsung products—as listed above—violated Apple’s intellectual property infringing on a number of the company’s patents. The filing document claims that Samsung not only copied the hardware shape, but copied core technology to even the screen icons. A glance at Apple’s 2009 and 2010 patents juxtaposed with Samsung’s Galaxy devices does show an astounding resemblance.

“Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products,” the lawsuit said.

Apple is seeking injunctions, actual damages, punitive damages, and a finding of willful infringement.

“It’s no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging,” said an Apple representative. “This kind of blatant copying is wrong, and we need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal our ideas.”

This will surely complicate the relationship between the two companies, as Samsung currently supplies various components for Apple’s iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod—touch, nano, and shuffle— as well as the flash components in Apple’s latest MacBook Air. Not only this, but Samsung manufactures Apple’s A4 and A5 processors, RAM modules, and display technologies.

Samsung has yet to comment, but we’ll keep you posted on further developments.

[via All Things Digital]

The headphones aren’t Bluetooth enabled and don’t use any other wireless tech. The shuffle itself connects to the earpiece of the headphones making them more like a speaker dock for your head than typical headphones. The side of the headphones have a 3.5mm headphone plug that you connect to the shuffle and then you wear the thing on the side of your head.

I will say that the look of the headphones with the iPod hanging on your ear is very weird. The real name of the headphones is Actrail and they are behind the neck headphones. These are good for folks that don’t want to mess up their hair. The Actrail headphones sell for about $50 per pair and come in pink and white over in Japan.

That means the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and the latest iPod Touch, each of which have Voice Control, though the rest of the controls will work with most recent models.  That includes the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPod Shuffle (3rd and 4th generation), iPod nano (4th and 5th generation), iPod Touch (2nd generation), iPod classic (120 GB/160 GB), and 2009 models of Macbook, Macbook Pro and Mac Pro.

More details on each in the press release below; pricing kicks off at $79.95 for the HD 218i Closed, and climbs all the way up to $449.95 for the IE 8i in-ear reference headphones.

Press Release:

Made for iPhone: Sennheiser presents headset versions of six popular portable headphones

The Sennheiser HD 238i Open mini headphones with in-line microphone. (click on image for hi-res)

Old Lyme, Conn. – September 27, 2010 – Listen to music and have conversations using six new Sennheiser headsets specially designed for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and other Apple products*. All six versions—the MM 70i, IE 8i, PX 100-IIi, PX 200-IIi, HD 218i and HD 238i—are based on Sennheiser’s successful “Portable Entertainment” series. The microphone and smart remote control unit are integrated into the cable and allow the Apple product to be controlled at the push of a button or by voice commands.

“The new headsets complement the design and user-friendliness of the iPhone—including the new iPhone 4—and other supported Apple products with top-quality Sennheiser sound and intuitive control functions,” explained Eric Palonen, senior product specialist for consumer electronics at Sennheiser’s US headquarters. The headsets automatically pause the music when a phone call is taken, allowing the iPhone user to switch easily and quickly between music and calls without the risk of missing any incoming calls or favorite tracks.

Compact control unit, high functionality
A wide range of functions can be controlled with a single button. Depending on how often and how long the button is pressed, music tracks and videos can be played, paused or skipped to the next/previous song. The same button can also be used to receive and end phone calls and to activate the voice control function. This Apple function makes it possible to use voice commands to retrieve songs or phone numbers on the latest iPod Touch version and the iPhone 4 and 3GS. The volume can be conveniently controlled using the plus and minus button.

The Sennheiser IE 8i High-end ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone.

Sound precision for professionals: IE 8i
The IE 8i headset features extremely lifelike sound reproduction and also allows individual bass adjustment to suit different listening needs and tastes. The precision and clarity of its sound will delight even the most demanding music lovers. Various adapters are included to ensure a comfortable, snug fit just inside the ear canal.

Sound with style: MM 70i
The eye-catching MM 70i ear-canal earphones are perfectly designed for mobile use, combining clear stereo sound and rich bass. The headset comes with six ear adapters made of silicone to provide an ideal fit for every user, and to effectively seal out ambient noise.

Pocket size: PX 100-IIi and PX 200-IIi
The PX 100-IIi and PX 200-IIi models show that big sound doesn’t need much space. After use, the two particularly lightweight on-the-ear headsets can simply be folded up

The Sennheiser PX 100-IIi open, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone. (click on image for hi-res)
into a pocket-sized package. The PX 100-IIi, with its open-back design, offers lifelike sound reproduction and powerful bass. The PX 200-IIi is particularly suited for use in somewhat noisier environments. Its closed design effectively blocks out exter-nal noise, allowing you to listen to music in peace—without being disturbed and without disturbing others.

Sleek design, rich sound: HD 218i and HD 238i
The HD 218i and HD 238i on-the-ear headsets feature an attractive, sleek design. Sennheiser’s proven acoustic systems ensure that both models offer powerful sound. The HD 238i is more balanced, while the HD 218i features stronger low-end response for bass lovers.

The remote control function on all six models is compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPod Shuffle (3rd and 4th generation), iPod nano (4th and 5th generation), iPod Touch (2nd generation), iPod classic (120 GB/160 GB), and 2009 models of Macbook, Macbook Pro and Mac Pro. Voice Control is supported by iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and the latest iPod Touch. The new product range is available world-wide through Sennheiser’s dealer network and at Apple Online and in Apple Stores.

Product overview (click links to view hi-res images):

IE 8i High-end ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $599.95 Street price: $449.95

MM 70i Balanced ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $129.95 Street price: $99.95

PX 100-IIi Open, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $119.95 Street price: $89.95

PX 200-IIi Closed, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $139.95 Street price: $109.95

HD 218i Closed, mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $99.95 MAP: $79.95

HD 238i Open mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $169.95 MAP: $129.95

iPod shuffle

The shuffle was originally Apple’s attempt at a budget, simplistic MP3 player, and one where they could sell the concept of a screen-free device as a bonus rather than a cost-cutting exercise. Since the gum-stick first-generation its flip-flopped in form factor between that and a boxy clip design, and with the fourth-gen shuffle we’re back to a small square.

Measuring 1.14 x 1.24 x 0.34 inches, the new shuffle gains back the hardware controls its most recent predecessor did without. Apple still includes VoiceOver, their text-to-speech engine that can announce track and album names, playlists and battery status, but primary playback control is down to the clickable control pad that dominates the front of the iPod. Despite the apparent similarities, it’s bigger than before – 18-percent larger, Apple tells us – with a center play/pause key, volume up/down on top and bottom, and skip/rewind on left and right. Up top there are two further controls, a three-position switch which powers the shuffle on and into either regular play-in-order mode or into the eponymous shuffle mode, and the VoiceOver button.

Finally there’s the 3.5mm headphone socket – which doubles as the data port for synchronizing with iTunes with the included USB cable – and a small LED that shows battery and sync status. The whole thing measures 0.44 oz and is crafted out of anodized aluminum in one of five colors: silver, blue, green, orange and pink; on the back is the by-now traditional clip, complete with Apple logo (and where any optional engraving is positioned) to hook the iPod shuffle to your lapel, purse, bag strap or anywhere else.

As you might expect, using the iPod shuffle is pretty straightforward; general playback is handled by the buttons, while clicking the VoiceOver key once announces the currently-playing track and artist, pressing and holding lists the available playlists, and clicking twice reads out the status of the battery. Apple only offers one model – with 2GB capacity – so it’s unlikely that the contents will ever get to the stage where managing them is too unruly with audio as the only guide.

Of course, with iTunes the shuffle is a more flexible PMP than rivals, with the software being used to set up playlists, create Genius Mixes that – presence of tracks on the shuffle itself assuming – can then be played while on the move, and even load new languages via the VoiceOver Kit. If you’ve always wanted your Italian MP3s to be announced with an authentic accent, the shuffle can do it. Finally, you can use the shuffle as a basic flash drive.

It’s hard to go wrong, and Apple’s lengthy battery claims – up to 15hrs of solid audio playback – panned out. Considering the iPod is recharged whenever you plug in to re-sync, we found we were more likely to exhaust our particular batch of tracks before we exhausted the battery. At $49, we can forgive the absence of a USB dock – a neat inclusion with the second-gen shuffle – though it’s always worth remembering that there’s an Apple premium to be paid: if you don’t mind losing the fashion appeal, the sturdy casing and VoiceOver, you can find more capacious rivals some of which have LCD displays for less money.

iPod nano

The fifth-gen iPod nano has seen the biggest changes of this season’s new models, ditching its predecessor’s long-and-thin aesthetic for a shuffle-like squareness. While it may look like the shuffle with a screen, it’s actually significantly larger: 1.48 x 1.61 x 0.35 inches and 0.74 oz. That allows for a 1.54-inch 240 x 240 multitouch-capable color display to be included on the front, as well as a standard Dock Connector on the bottom. At the back is a spring-loaded clip, again with the Apple logo and space for engraving, while the only hardware controls run across the flat top edge: volume up and down, and the sleep/wake stud. On the underside, next to the Dock Connector, is the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Apple is known for their iOS software – as found on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad – and unsurprisingly they’ve borrowed the UI theme for the new iPod nano. That’s not to say it’s actually iOS running on the PMP: there’s no App Store or on-device iTunes downloads, for instance. Still, it makes for a straightforward usage model for anybody familiar with the company’s other mobile devices. Neat touches include swiping left to show the full artist, track or album name if it’s too long to be shown all in one go, and large letters superimposed on the display as you finger-scroll through a long list.

The compact display shows four icons at a time, with four different screens that can be swiped through; as usual, pips at the bottom of the screen show which pane you’re looking at. Time, playback status and battery status run across the top, though there’s a full-screen clock app with stopwatch and timer but no alarm. You can also set the iPod to briefly show the analog clock when you initially hit tap the wake button.

By default, the first screen shows Playlists, “Now Playing”, Artists and Genius Mixes (generated by iTunes and synchronized across) while the second screen has Radio, Podcasts, Photos and Settings. Drilling down into more specific tracks is handled by the third pane, which has Songs, Albums, Genres and Composers, while the last screen offers Fitness and Clock. Tapping and holding on any one of the icons eventually sets them “jiggling”, as on the iPhone’s homescreen, and you can then drag them around to reorder the panes according to your own preferences.

You might have noticed that video is conspicuous by its absence, and that’s because Apple has made some feature sacrifices in order to slim the nano down to its compact dimensions. Gone is the fourth-gen nano’s video playback and camera; now, if you want to shoot photos or video with your new iPod, you’ll need a fourth-gen iPod touch. To be fair, the smaller display of this new nano doesn’t especially lend itself to video content: it would be too small to enjoy even a TV episode, never mind a feature-length movie. The average YouTube clip might be more manageable, but then Apple would have to add in WiFi, pushing up price and bulk.

We were never entirely convinced by shooting video with our nano; doing so with a cameraphone always seems more useful, what with their ability to instantly upload the footage for sharing. This audio-centric focus has given Apple the room to better explore the music experience, too. Cover art looks great full-screen – there’s a rudimentary photo viewer as well, which eschews multitouch pinch-zoom for a simpler double-tap-to-zoom system and swipe navigation – and the addition of VoiceOver from the iPod shuffle means you needn’t retrieve the nano from wherever you’ve clipped it in order to check the currently playing track.

Navigation takes a little getting used to, especially since there’s no home button: instead you press and hold at a point in-between any onscreen controls. It’s certainly possible to cradle the nano in the fingers and thumb away at the touchscreen, though we had better results doing things two-handed. An accelerometer not only flips the display orientation – useful if you’ve clipped it on upside down – but also allows you to shake-to-shuffle for randomized playback. The various EQ settings, audio crossfading, volume limits and other settings have been carried over from the previous model, as has the TV-output support (with the appropriate adapter, and of course you can’t play video).

Integrated is a pedometer – for simply counting steps – together with a Nike+ receiver for the more ambitious exerciser. As before, Nike+ automatically tracks your workout routing, announces feedback over the top of your playlists, and then lets you sync the results to an account at nikeplus.com. If you replace the standard iPod headphones – and you probably should – with a set that includes a microphone, you can record voice notes, plus there’s an FM radio with “Live Pause” for pausing or rewinding up to 15 minutes of the broadcast (though not save that clip and turn it into an MP3).

Audio quality is as good as the content you provide the nano with: high-bitrate files obviously sound better than their lower-bitrate counterparts. A bigger difference can be had by swapping out the headphones for an aftermarket set, though thanks to the Dock Connector you can drop the iPod nano into your existing speaker-dock and play back music that way. Two versions are available – with 8GB ($149) or 16GB ($179) of flash memory – while Apple suggests up to 24hrs of audio playback from a full charge. That presumes the display is switched off; if you’re browsing cover art or flicking through photos, you’ll see less.

iPod touch

The gap between the iPod touch and the iPhone continues to decrease, with this fourth-gen version of the Apple PMP gaining the headline functionality of its fourth-gen cellular sibling. Amazingly it’s even thinner than the waifish model it replaces, down to just 0.28-inches and 3.56 oz, still with a premium-feel stainless steel back plate and black glass fascia. Controls are as before, a home button under the display, sleep/wake on top and volume on the left hand side; the Dock Connector and 3.5mm headphone socket are on the bottom.

Most eye-catching is the 3.5-inch Retina Display, carried over from the iPhone 4 and just as impressive on the new iPod touch. At 960 x 640 resolution – totaling a luxurious 326 pixels per inch – it’s everything Apple’s hyperbole could say about it. Color-rich, with fonts as smooth as print and bags of contrast, it’s tough not to fall in love at first glance. Multitouch support is obviously present, as is WiFi b/g/n (802.11n using the 2.4GHz band only) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR: no GPS, though the touch can triangulate position using known WiFi networks nearby. Finally, gamers should be excited by the new three-axis gyroscope, which offers vastly more accurate positioning information.

Once you’ve gotten past the Retina Display, you might notice the small lens peering out from where an iPhone 4′s earpiece would be. The new iPod touch gets two cameras: one, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime calls, and a higher-resolution camera on the back capable of 720p 30fps video recording or 960 x 720 stills. The FaceTime support is something that’s been rumored since the service was first announced: offering, as you’d expect, not only touch-to-touch video calls but touch-to-iPhone 4 calls, it opens up Apple’s system to a segment unwilling or unable to sign up for a cellular contract, yet who want to get in on the fun. Initiating FaceTime calls remains straightforward, tapping the contact and then flicking between the two camera views when connected by touching the display.

iPod touch FaceTime hands-on:

That familiarity is because the iPod touch runs iOS 4.1, just like the iPhone 4. Apple’s iOS platform has matured nicely, with multitasking, background audio support and plenty more, and of course there’s the capacious App Store with its hundreds of thousands of free and paid applications. One of the most anticipated elements of iOS 4.1 is Game Center, Apple’s social gaming system that can automatically pair players according to their ability. Unfortunately Game Center wasn’t live during our review period, so we’ll revisit it and cover it separately later.

The multimedia experience on the new iPod touch is much as you’d expect from the iPhone 4. Apple’s cover art enriched UI has become a benchmark for usability among PMPs, and with storage up to 64GB (8GB and 32GB versions are also available) there’s no shortage of space for content. Video looks incredible on the Retina Display, while audio performance is also strong; we’d recommend picking up a replacement set of headphones to make the most of it.

Apple integrate their new Ping social networking client into the iTunes app on the iPod touch, allowing you to follow friends and artists, track popular songs and videos, leave comments and talk about content you’ve just bought. It integrates with iTunes 10 on the desktop, and is a reasonably slick way to find out what new music friends are discovering or re-discovering.

The iPod touch’s dual cameras can each be used for video or still recording, unlike the video-only camera on the previous generation iPod nano. As with the iPhone, the rear camera is capable of shooting 720p HD video clips (you can also tap to flick to the front-facing camera, though the quality is only VGA resolution). Video is certainly the iPod touch’s primary strength; if you want an Apple mobile device for still photography, then you should opt for the 5-megapixel iPhone 4 since the touch tops out at 960 x 720.

Apple quote up to 40hrs audio or 7hrs video from a fully-charged iPod touch, though what with the PMP’s inherent flexibility – don’t forget there’s a browser, email app, Google Maps and FaceTime on there too, and that’s before you start wading through the App Store – it’s unlikely you’ll be doing any one thing solidly. Still, we found we were comfortably able to get through a couple of days very heavy use, with a mixture of audio and video playback, browsing, some FaceTime calls and third-party applications. Considering the 7.2mm thickness that’s highly impressive stuff.

Summary

It’s clear with the 2010 iPod range that Apple has gone back to basics with their media players. Music is at the core of the iPod line-up, whether you’re looking to simply carry a few albums’ worth of tunes on a commute or at the gym, have a bigger audio collection, or prefer the flexibility and – thanks to the App Store – nigh on limitless potential of third-party software. Plus, it’s all wrapped in Apple’s iTunes ecosystem.

The iPod shuffle is a solid bedrock for that ecosystem: yes, there are MP3 players cheaper, but they don’t have the same integration with iTunes and the iTunes store that the shuffle offers. At $49 there’s a premium to pay for the Apple brand, but you’re also getting superlative build quality, the convenience of VoiceOver and surprisingly lengthy battery life.

As for the iPod nano, that’s the most changed of the three new models, and while the omission of video playback and the camera may disappoint some, overall it’s a significant step on from the previous generations. Apple’s iOS UI – even without iOS actually behind it – is a far more intuitive and effective way of interacting with the nano than the click-wheel before it, and that’s before you even get to the gear-lust feel of the hardware itself. The iPod nano is incredibly tactile, well built and a suitable step up from the shuffle; the exercise-friendly pedometer, FM radio and Nike+ integration are icing on the cake.

Finally, the iPod touch, and if ever there was a device to overshadow the iPhone 4, this is it. It’s tough to imagine Apple being able to shave anything more from the touch, and a brief hands-on with the PMP is enough to convince most that the Apple premium is worth it. $229 for the 8GB model is a step up from the iPod nano, true, but you’re getting a whole lot more potential for your money. Apple’s new $0.99 TV shows come into their own on the 3.5-inch Retina Display, which is perfectly proportioned for making the most of commutes, lunch hours or time in-between lectures, or of course there’s the A4 processor to drive high-resolution games from the App Store.

That’s three tiers each varied by consumer needs, and each with music at its core. As a line-up, it feels more structured than previous generations, and certainly truer to the original iPod premise. Yes, there are cheaper ways to make your music mobile, but Apple’s range continues to be the most rounded in terms of hardware, software and content support. In the iPod nano, Cupertino has created a little gem with the usability of larger devices but at a new level of affordability, while the iPod touch has bridged the gap between PMP and smartphone even more. The tough part is choosing between them.

iPod touch, nano and shuffle hands-on video:

And, as is usual for these types of teardowns, iFixit goes out of their way to make sure you know exactly what to do, if you not only want to tear down your own device, but might need to do it, to fix something if necessary. So, let’s pull a few of the “good/bad” moments from the device, and see if Apple’s made it any harder for someone to get into this little guy.

First up, one major good point, even if you don’t think it is: the lack of a large screen, whether touchscreen or not, means that there aren’t any major weak points, which means the Shuffle is a bit more resilient when it comes to any type of fall damage. Not that we, or iFixit is saying you should drop your Shuffle, by the way. One bad thing we found quite interesting: apparently, to get the fourth generation Shuffle open, you essentially have to break it. Go ahead and jump through the source link below for the full break down, as well as plenty more pictures.

[via iFixit]

In the hand it’s incredibly light, yet still feels solid.  The shuffle control itself is a firm switch up top, while the control buttons occupy the whole front panel of the PMP.  New on the top is a discrete VoiceOver button, which can be set to read out track or artist information, playlist details or battery status in one of 25 different languages.  It’s intuitive and simple, though we must admit we do prefer the look of the iPod nano with its similar form-factor and multitouch display.

Apple has also added Genius playlist support, though you’ll obviously need to manage that on iTunes 10 rather than on the shuffle itself.  The new iPod shuffle is available to preorder now, priced at $49 for the 2GB model.  It’s expected to begin shipping in a week.

The new Shuffle is smaller than the second generation of the Shuffle, but it does indeed look similar to the previous versions. When square was in. The new Shuffle brings back the buttons, which is good. Volume, forward, back, play, and pause, all right there. It will also let you access VoiceOver, which will let you control your playlist with your words, if that’s what you prefer.

Stay tuned. More to come.

First, though, let’s talk about that smaller iPad. According to the source, Apple’s current version of the iPad won’t be the only one on the market for much longer. The Cupertino-based company is hard at work on a 7-inch model. While two (and a bit more) inches may not seem like much, it definitely would in the hand. The argument that it may be more user-friendly, especially as a GPS unit and eBook reader are pretty commonplace, but that would probably fall into user preference more than anything else.

As for the other rumors, there’s apparently going to be a smaller iPod, too. And, considering we saw a remarkably small touchscreen device, with Apple’s name all around it, appear not too long ago, this one could very well be plausible. Whether or not they’d call it a smaller iPod Touch, or a new member of the Shuffle lineage is anyone’s guess.

And then, the big one. We know that Apple’s “antennagate” is a big deal for some folks, and it was a big enough deal for Apple to raise up a press conference about it. And apparently their current fix just isn’t good enough for the company, so they’re already working on a new iPhone. The rumor states that the new device, aptly called the iPhone 5 (…), would be released some time early 2011, and would hopefully get people to forget about what’s currently plaguing the device. Or, the iPhone 5 could be Verizon’s model. So many options, and quite a few rumors to pick through today. Which ones do you think will come true?

[via CrunchGear]

The shuffle itself looks to have gained a single button running down the front of the PMP, presumably which either triggers voice-controlled playback or answering a call while in Bluetooth hands-free mode.  There are also some controls on the headset, likely for volume, while the shuffle clicks into place using the 3.5mm jack.

Without a render of someone actually wearing the headset, it’s unclear exactly whether it’s intended to go over the head or around the back of it; we’re leaning toward the latter, as otherwise the shuffle would just jab you in the neck.  Of course, this is all just a mock-up, but don’t be surprised if third-party accessory manufacturers “borrow” the idea for alternative headphones for the existing iPod shuffle.

That storage would turn the headset into a full-blown iPod, similar to the shuffle.  You would also be able to record voice notes, since it would have an integrated microphone, and of course it could be used for hands-free calling in the regular way.  Apple’s application also describe a form of basic automatic volume adjustment that would change earpiece volume depending on the ambient noise picked up by the microphone.

“The media player may be an audio player, capable, e.g., of playing audio files such as MPEG-3 (“MP3″) files. Optionally, the media player may include a recording function as well, so that a user can record voice notes. In addition, if the headset is being used with a telephone (mobile or landline), the availability of a recording function could make it possible for the user to record all or part of a conversation. Similarly, voicemail messages received on the user’s telephone could be uploaded into the headset for later off-line playback” Apple patent application

The microphone could also be used to trigger voice-activated shortcuts, such as asking for specific tracks or playlists.  Where the confusion comes in, of course, is that the headset might not appeal so much to existing iPhone users, who already have an MP3 player; however it might broaden the appeal of Apple’s iPod line to users of other cellphones.

[via Gizmodo]

After the cut, slumping iPod sales and the promise of “really great new products” by Steve Jobs

While Mac sales are more than healthy, iPod sales continue to slide.  In fact, they’re down 8-percent compared to the same period in 2008, although iPhone sales have risen 7-percent in the same comparison.  10.4m iPods were sold – encompassing classic, shuffle, nano and touch – while 7.4m iPhones changed hands.  However the bare figures don’t tell the full story: 50-percent of iPod sales went to first-time buyers, rather than those upgrading from a previous model, while iPod touch sales have doubled.

Meanwhile, Steve Jobs is quoted as saying “We’ve got a very strong lineup for the holiday season and some really great new products in the pipeline for 2010″, leading to speculation about the Apple Tablet and other devices.  Unfortunately the company wouldn’t be led to explain any more about what these products might be.

Once triggered, the dinky spy cam starts recording 640 x 480 20fps AVI video or, alternatively, grabbing JPEG snapshots.  These can be pulled off via a USB connection.  No sign of a US distributor, but pricing is certainly at the budget end of things: $15-3 a piece.

[via Red Ferret Journal]

Hands-on galleries plus video of the new iPods after the cut

As expected, all of Apple’s media players saw an update, though the meat of those changes didn’t necessarily fit the rumors.  Most interesting is the fifth-generation iPod nano, which now gets not only a bigger 2.2-inch LCD display but an integrated video camera capable of capturing 640 x 480 30fps footage complete with sound.  Check out the full specifications and our hands-on gallery and video for more.

We’d expected the iPod touch to get a camera too, but that failed to transpire; instead, Apple kicked the 8GB model into budget position at their $199 “magic” spot, while updating the 32GB and new 64GB models – at $299 and $399 respectively – with the same performance abilities as the iPhone 3GS.  Meanwhile the iPod shuffle got a cheaper price and a few new color variants, including a slick polished stainless steel “special edition”, and the iPod classic saw its storage bumped to 160GB for the same $249 price.

It was in software that some of the real magic happened, though, with a new firmware update for the iPod touch and iPhone, together with the debut of iTunes 9.  The former – iPhone OS 3.1 – brings with it $1.99 ringtones, Genius Mixes (which automatically creates playlist mixes) and App Store suggestions based on previous downloads.  As for iTunes 9, that gets a UI makeover to make it more streamlined, easier track previews, “iTunes LP” which encourages whole-album downloads by promising exclusive accompanying content and the ability to organize your iPhone/iPod touch apps from your desktop.  Apple have also thrown in Home Sharing, which allows you to funnel content from one computer between up to five, and do so in a far more useful way than mere streaming.

Did the event live up to the hype?  Not really, no, but then it’s proving increasingly difficult for Apple to manage that.  The lack of iPod touch cameras could be explained by Apple not wanting to upset their iPhone carrier partners, but it leaves the PMP in an odd middle-ground between the optically-equipped nano and iPhone.  Steve Jobs claims it’s because the touch is all about gaming, but we wonder whether the talk of CMOS issues may have had more of an impact on the Cupertino company’s roadmap than they’d like to admit.

On the software front, meanwhile, iTunes 9 – and particularly its Home Sharing functionality – does seem to pave the way for an update to the Apple TV, which has languished compared to other products from the company.  Now that Apple seem to have woken up to the fact that households want to share their media and do so in a straightforward way, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll give the Apple TV some of that magic too.

All of the new products and software are available to buy or download now from Apple.com.  What did you think of the event yesterday, and SlashGear’s liveblog coverage of it?  We’re really interested in your feedback, so please do leave your comments below.

Apple iPod nano 5G hands-on:

Aside from the new color and the slightly inflated price, the shuffle is exactly the same as its standard counterparts.  They’re freshly available in not only silver and black but pink, blue and green.

You can pick up the special edition iPod shuffle now, but make sure to wipe your hands – this thing is a real fingerprint collector.  If you’re not sure, but you’d prefer to see some pretty pictures of it, check out the gallery below then head over to our iPod nano 5G hands-on for more Apple loveliness.

The black and silver shuffles now have new pink, blue and green models to accompany them, and VoiceOver has had a boost with a greater number of third-party headphones that support the in-line controls.  These include the new Monster headphones announced earlier this week, the control unit cable of which is being applied retroactively to all of the company’s Dr. Dre designs.

The new Apple iPod shuffle models are available now, priced at $59 for the 2GB and $79 for the 4GB.  All ship within 24hrs.  Meanwhile the polished silver version is an Apple Store exclusive, and is $99.

Press Release:

Apple’s iPod shuffle Now Starts at Just $59

World’s Smallest Music Player Now in Five Great Colors

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple today announced that iPod shuffle , the world’s smallest music player and the first music player to talk to you, is now available starting at just $59 in five great colors. iPod shuffle’s intuitive controls are conveniently located on the headphone cord, letting you navigate and enjoy music without even looking. With the press of a button, you can play, pause, adjust volume and switch playlists, plus the VoiceOver feature lets iPod shuffle speak song titles, artists and playlist names. The iPod shuffle is available worldwide today in a new 2GB model for just $59 and a 4GB model for $79, and both models come in silver, black, pink, blue and green.

“iPod shuffle is the world’s smallest music player and now comes in five great colors starting at just $59,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “iPod shuffle is so small that you almost forget it’s there, yet remarkably, it holds up to 1,000 songs and talks to you.”

iPod shuffle is based on Apple’s incredibly popular shuffle feature, which randomly selects songs from your music library. iPod shuffle features a sleek and ultra-wearable design with a built-in stainless steel clip. iPod shuffle users can easily clip it to almost anything and take it everywhere.

In addition to the Apple Earphones and Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote, third party manufacturers including Sony, V-MODA, Klipsch and Scosche are supporting built-in headphone controls and Belkin and Scosche offer built-in headphone adapters allowing users to enjoy iPod shuffle with their own headphones.

iPod is the world’s most popular family of digital music players with over 220 million sold. Apple’s new holiday lineup includes iPod shuffle in five great colors starting at just $59; iPod classic in a new 160GB model holding up to 40,000 songs for $249; the incredible new iPod nano with a video camera available in nine brilliant polished aluminum colors starting at $149; and the revolutionary iPod touch starting at the breakthrough price of just $199.

Pricing & Availability

The third generation iPod shuffle is available immediately for a suggested price of $59 (US) for the 2GB model and $79 (US) for the 4GB model in silver, black, pink, blue and green through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. A 4GB special edition polished stainless steel model is available in a 4GB model for $99 (US) through the Apple Store (www.apple.com) and Apple’s retail stores. iPod shuffle comes with the Apple Earphones with Remote and the iPod shuffle USB cable. iPod shuffle requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later and iTunes 9 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista, Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 3) or later.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPod shuffle, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod touch, Apple Store and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Leaked images of the next-gen iPod touch, together with cases for the PMP and its smaller iPod nano sibling, have tipped a new camera for still photography; according to supplier rumors, Apple will be using a 3.2-megapixel sensor.  There’s also talk of an update to iTunes, with version 9 of the media app being updated to include social networking integration.  Less likely to figure on September 9th is the rumored Apple Tablet, which the latest round of speculation has pegged for an early 2010 announcement.

Remember, SlashGear will be live-blogging the whole event with our home-grown, auto-updating live system, so join us at http://live.slashgear.com/ on Wednesday September 9th from 10am PST (1pm EST, 6pm GMT) for all the news, as it happens.

Other supported models include the iPod touch 2G, iPod nano 4G and iPod classic 120GB.  Controls include volume, play/pause, track skip and VoiceOver (only on the shuffle, obviously), and the iLuv iEA15 will go on sale in August priced at a distinctly reasonable $14.99.

One possibility is a price cut for the iPod range.  Apple reported strong performance in their most recent financial figures, however while they sold 10.2m iPods in the last quarter that was a drop of 7-percent over the same period in 2008.  A price cut might rejuvenate the market, and also be a pre-emptive move to clear stock before new models are announced at the end of this quarter.  You can be sure we’ll be keeping an eye on things to see what might be new once the store comes back on line. 

[Thanks Dion!]

The tapSTICK acts as both a case and a control panel for the iPod shuffle. You can plug it into the iPod’s headphone jack, which positions volume and track selection buttons right on top of the device for easy access.

This eliminates the need for Apple-specific earbuds, which can be hard on the ears for some. It also allows you to use headphones that just normally wouldn’t work with the headphone jack. It’s comes in black and will be available in July for $29.99.

All told, the cost of the shuffle’s components, the headphones, and the packaging it ships in comes to $21.77, according to iSuppli’s estimates. That’s about 28% of the device’s retail price. The smaller the component cost as a percentage of price, the higher the potential profit. This suggests the per-unit profit margin on the shuffle is higher than on other iPod models. The component cost for the first iPod touch released in 2007, for instance, amounted to about $147, or about 49% of its $299 retail price. The component cost of the third-generation iPod nano, also released in 2007, amounted to about 40% of its retail price.

iSuppli’s estimates don’t count for cost of research and development, as well as shipping and manufacturing costs, though the simple breakdown of parts per device would make up the majority of the cost. The iPod Shuffle sells for $69 and is the center of a controversy over the lack of buttons on the device, and the requirement of proprietary headphones to operate the unit.

[Via MacRumors]

This case holds your Shuffle within a pocket and then a band affixes to your arm. It’s perfect for joggers or those who hit the gym often. Made out of neoprene, this case won’t get wet and will keep your iPod safe even when you’re working up a sweat.

Even though the Shuffle does have a clip on it, that seems a bit too precarious for my taste. I’d opt for a case that keeps my iPod secure at all times. It even has a pocket on the front can can hold your headphones. You can get the DLO Action Jacket Sports Case starting on April 5 for $19.99 at Best Buy.

[via Gearlog]

Sizing it up

Apple has relocated all buttons to controls on the proprietary ear buds.  All that remains on the small device is the “On, Loop, Shuffle” switch and the headphone jack used for listening and syncing.  It’s different, and it takes some getting used to. This allows for a 50% reduction in size from the previous generation Shuffle. That thing was the size of a postage stamp. That would make this…half the size of a postage stamp? But seriously, it’s small. Those prone to leaving change in their pockets and only realizing it when you do the laundry, you’ve been warned.

Control Freak

Here’s where everyone’s beef with the new Shuffle comes in. The controls have been relocated to the headphones, meaning three things: You can’t use third-party headphones without the yet-to-be-released adapter from Apple, you can’t really be doing anything active (snowboarding, running, or really moving at all) and you have to use an initially confusing series of Morse code-like clicks and holds to change tracks, change playlists, fast forward, skip back, etc.  I say initially because like all technology products with a very specific control scheme, I got used to it.  Let’s face it, Apple isn’t going to release a device that Grandmothers couldn’t get used to.  It just takes some time, and before you know it, you’ll be clicking out S.O.S., I mean skipping playlists with the best of them.

Sounds Good

I’m not an audiophile, but this iPod Shuffle seemed to sound a little bit better than the last generation.  The highs were clearer, less tinny, and the lows came through well without sounding muddled.  This might be an improvement in Apple’s earbuds, but to really run a thorough test, we’ll have to wait for that adapter.

The biggest and most impressive feature is the new UI voice over feedback the shuffle gives you.  You can click the center button and have the shuffle read you the track name, or with a combination of keys equal to the number of button clicks required to do a special move in Street Fighter, the shuffle will read the titles of your playlists.  It’s a very nice feature that Apple started implementing with the latest Nano.  Yes, this Shuffle supports multiple playlists, so you can have a running mix, roadtrip mix, and whatever other mixes your heart desires.  Syncing is accomplished through an included USB to 3.5mm adapter.

Overall Impressions

The 3rd Gen iPod Shuffle is an odd device; part Johnny Ives art concept, part kick-butt mp3 player.  The new iPod Shuffle offers some really cool features and 4GB of storage for $79.  Not bad at all.  However, considering the market for the iPod Shuffle, Apple may have missed the mark.  The shuffle is a solid state mp3 player, meant for active individuals who run and bounce around a lot.  The controls on the headphones makes it nearly impossible to effectively use the device.  The argument there is that you just set your playlist and let it shuffle the music up but still, the reason for multiple playlists is choice.  The iPod shuffle is meant to be an introduction into the world of Apple iPods for users unaccustomed to the world of Apple simplicity.  Simple is the operative word there.  The new Shuffle is simple for young kids who have the time to dedicate to learning a new language just to change tracks, but I would suggest that you avoid getting this one for Grandma unless you want to be on the phone for tech support any time she uses it.  Apple is basically keeping a large portion of their potential market from truly enjoying this device, all in the name of size and design.

As an mp3 player, I really like the new iPod Shuffle. It’s worth the $79 and the effort to learn the click sequences.  I just question Apple’s choice to make it more difficult for non-Apple users to use a device that was originally intended to be simple.

iPod Shuffle (2009) unboxing

The cases offer protection for the shuffle while still allowing access to the switch and headphone jack, as well as use of the clip. The cases are available starting in April for $12.99 at i-Luv.

Apple released the 3rd Generation of their iPod shuffle quietly a few weeks ago to much debate over the removal of the buttons from the device itself, and the placement of the controls on the proprietary ear buds.  There will be a review of the newest iPod Shuffle coming soon on SlashGear, so stay tuned.

That’s right: the iEP505 provide in-line volume control for MP3 players and will soon be upgraded to include navigation controls for the recently released iPod shuffle. That’s good news for those of us that don’t like to be controlled by the whims of the shuffle at all times!

The earphones themselves possess drivers that are meant to improve frequency range and audio reproduction. The price point is pretty decent at $50 and you have your choice of several stylish color options including black, white, pink, red and blue. However, only black is available at the moment. The rest of the colors will be available in the second quarter.

Press Release: iLuv Debuts iEP505 Premium Earphones with Volume Control

Precision Engineering Brings Superior Sound

PORT WASHINGTON, NY – (March 19, 2009) – iLuv, the leader in innovative audio solutions, announces today the immediate availability of iEP505 Premium Earphones. The perfect match for true music lovers on looking for sound reproduction that closely resembles a live performance, these precision-engineered earphones are the result of meticulous attention to detail from the streamlined, ergonomic exterior to the technological mastery of the speakers inside. They feature drivers that create a balance of high and low frequencies for superior sound and a light, comfortable, sound isolating design. The iEP505 not only brings the concert directly to your ears, it practically puts you on stage with the musicians themselves. The iEP505 earphones are available now in black for MSRP $49.99 at www.i-luv.com. Starting in April, the iEP505 earphones will also be available in White, Blue, Pink and Red.

“Our new Premium precision crafted earphones are perfect for music lovers looking to upgrade their headphones” says James Browning, Sr. VP of Operations for iLuv. “We are proud to add a premium sound isolating designed earphone option to our line of audio solutions.”

The iEP505 in-line volume control will later be replaced with the iEP505 with iPod shuffle remote control as seen in the picture above. This new version will be compatible with all new iPod models and will be available in Q2.

For more information on product specifications as well as pricing and availability please visit www.i-luv.com.

For one of the nine color anodized 4GB shuffles in the picture you’re looking at $129; that’s a $50 premium over what Apple want for a basic black or silver example.  $159 gets you a polished version in any of the same tones.  They’ll also do chroming, copper- and black nickel-plating, for $149, $169 and $169 respectively.

If you’re feeling really rich (and perhaps, dare we say it, a little foolish) then they offer some luxury metals too.  24kt gold comes in at $179, while $199 gets you white or rose gold, or alternatively platinum.  They’re also offering laser engraving on the clip or the face, starting from $20, and soon will be plastering diamonds over the poor PMP too.

[via technabob]

The iPod shuffle 4GB’s only port is a headphone socket, which uses an adapter 3.5mm plug to USB cable in order to synchronize with iTunes.  Given that plenty of people would rather not carry that cable around with them, the Dexim Shu-Lip adds a USB plug directly to the PMP’s casing.

Constructed from aluminum and compatible with Macs and PCs for data transfer or any powered USB port if you simply want to recharge your shuffle, the Dexim Shu-Lip is priced at $9.90.  No word on when or where you’ll be able to buy one, though.

[via iTechNewsNet]

V-moda described the alternative to the in-line controller having the chip as being a separate remote circuit, demanding a second jack for the controls to plug into.  This would obviously have prevented Apple’s attempts to shrink the iPod shuffle 4GB.

According to Apple, the “control chip” will be legitimately offered by companies that have signed up to its Made for iPod program, which assures customers that third-party products meet Apple’s own specifications.  It also demands a fee from the manufacturers, which is inevitably passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.  Contrary to original speculation, Apple have not used any sort of encryption or DRM in the control chip, and so third-party companies looking to circumnavigate the Made for iPod program could realistically reverse-engineer the chip’s mechanism and release cheaper products with Apple’s blessing.

Of course, the end result remains the same: until third-parties can get their headphones and adapter cables to market, iPod shuffle 4GB buyers are stuck using Apple’s bundled headphones.

As has already been noted, existing third-party headphones are useless with the new iPod shuffle as they lack the control pod; a number of companies – such as Scosche – have announced that they’re working on suitably outfitted aftermarket sets, but they won’t be available for a while yet.  According to iLounge, though, the situation is more complex than just a box of buttons; they claimed that Apple have fitted an “authentication chip” to the shuffle, which the company will use to extract licensing fees from accessory manufacturers and potentially use the DMCA to wipe out anybody refusing to pay.

That led Boing Boing to go in search of the mysterious chip, and sure enough they found it buried under the control buttons.  Right now there’s no definitive confirmation that it’s an authentication chip – nor whether it uses encrypted signals, which it would have to in order for Apple to take the DMCA route – but it raises the possibility that future iPod and iPhone models will have an even more draconian accessory licensing policy.  Apple themselves are yet to comment.

We also rounded out the last of our PMA 2009 coverage, and if you’re in the market for a new DSLR, lens or camcorder this year, there’s plenty of exclusive content that you really want to check out.  SlashGear’s resident photography expert Daniel Lim has been playing with lenses from Sigma, SigZilla, and Meike, plus cameras from Panasonic, Sony, Canon and Fujifilm.  Remember, you can read all of our PMA 2009 coverage with the PMA tag

Elsewhere, Dell announced the Studio One 19 multitouch-capable desktop PC, and Microsoft revealed further details of their Windows Marketplace for Mobile appstore.  We also joined Sprint for a Palm Pre webcast, amid rumors that Telefonica had clinched the exclusivity deal for the GSM version of the smartphone.

Finally, SlashGear reviewed the iLuv i1155 Portable Multimedia Player, which has room both for your DVD collection and your iPod, together with joining AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery team.  Coming up this week, we’ll be live-blogging Apple’s preview of iPhone OS 3.0, so join us on Tuesday, March 17th for the full coverage.

The disassemble was well documented with photos, details and steps to show its content and inner electronics. Under the knife, there’s a IC chip containing CPU, RAM and 4GB of flash memory; a 3.7 volt lithium-polymer battery soldered to the logic board; and another unit of component that held the headphone jack and shuffle switch together. That’s all to it.

Back to regular channel, the content of the box includes the iPod Shuffle, an Apple Earphones with an in-line remote, a short ran of USB cable and a quick start guide.

The voice-over feature, according to iFixIt, must first be downloaded via iTunes and the included headphone offers “two buttons for volume control and a center button for playback control. The center button can be clicked once to play, twice for the next track, and three times for the previous track”

The IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M are all noise-isolating earphones and allow you to operate the same play, pause, volume, track-skip, playlist navigation and VoiceOver trigger as the standard Apple set.  In addition, a microphone in the control unit allows them to work as a voice memo microphone for the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic 120GB.

If you’ve headphones of your own that you’d prefer to use, Scosche also has an inline-control adapter planned that will let you hook up any set but still have the necessary buttons.  No price tag on that one yet, but the Scosche IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M headphones will launch this Spring priced from $49.99 to $99.99.

Press Release:

Scosche Industries Announces Earphones With Increased Dynamic Range Designed For New iPod shuffle

Oxnard, CA., – March 12, 2009 – Scosche Industries (www.scosche.com), an award-winning innovator of mobile electronics and iPod accessories, today announced that it is developing breakthrough earphones with integrated controls for the new third generation iPod shuffle with Apple’s new VoiceOver feature. The new IDR (Increased Dynamic Range) noise isolating earphones will give users the ability to play, pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists and hear the name of the song and artist with the press of a button.

“We are delighted to support the exciting new VoiceOver technology in the 4GB iPod shuffle,” said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. “Scosche’s focus on innovation means we’re ideally placed to develop new and exciting products like the IDR earphones.”

Scosche is currently developing three earphone models- IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M noise isolating earphones that feature an integrated control surface. Users can control play, pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists and hear the name of the song and artist with the third generation iPod shuffle. A miniature microphone built into the back of the control surface allows users to record voice memos on the latest iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic 120GB. The IDR (Increased Dynamic Range) series earphones are designed to give users an enhanced listening experience with brilliant highs, silky smooth mids and powerful bass. The headphones are expected to be available this Spring and range in price from $49.99 to $99.99.

Scosche is also developing an inline control adapter kit that allows consumers to use any standard set of headphones and enjoy all of the advanced features of the third generation iPod shuffle. The inline control also allows users to plug their shuffle into any vehicles auxiliary input and maintain full control of the iPod.

The new third generation iPod shuffle with the VoiceOver feature can speak song titles, artists and playlist names. When you want to know the name of the song or artist playing, simply press a button on the conveniently located headphone controls and iPod shuffle tells you the song and artist name. iPod shuffle can even announce status information, such as battery life.

The only remaining hardware control on the PMP is a three-position switch, which powers off the iPod Shuffle, sets it to play in order or in random mode.  Volume, play/pause and track skip control is now shifted to the headphone cable; VoiceOver will also read out the names of playlists.

Battery life is 10hrs continuous playback from the li-polymer battery.  The new Apple iPod Shuffle 4GB is available now, priced at $79, in both black and silver. 

Press Release:

Apple Announces Incredible New iPod Shuffle

World’s Smallest Music Player Now Talks to You

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today introduced the all-new iPod(R) shuffle, the world’s smallest music player at nearly half of the size of the previous model, and the first music player that talks to you. The revolutionary new VoiceOver feature enables iPod shuffle to speak your song titles, artists and playlist names. The third generation iPod shuffle is significantly smaller than a AA battery, holds up to 1,000 songs and is easier to use with all of the controls conveniently located on the earphone cord. With the press of a button, you can play, pause, adjust volume, switch playlists and hear the name of the song and artist. iPod shuffle features a gorgeous new aluminum design with a built-in stainless steel clip that makes it ultra-wearable.

“Imagine your music player talking to you, telling you your song titles, artists and playlist names,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPod and iPhone(TM) Product Marketing. “The amazingly small new iPod shuffle takes a revolutionary approach to how you listen to your music by talking to you, also making it the first iPod shuffle with playlists.”

iPod shuffle is based on Apple’s incredibly popular shuffle feature, which randomly selects songs from your music library. And now, when you can’t remember the name of a song or an artist playing, with the press of a button iPod shuffle tells you the name of the song and artist. iPod shuffle can even tell you status information, such as battery life. With the ability to hold up to 1,000 songs and the VoiceOver feature, you can now easily switch between multiple playlists on your iPod shuffle. iPod shuffle can speak 14 languages including English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.

The new iPod shuffle comes in silver or black and features a sleek and ultra-wearable design with a built-in stainless steel clip. iPod shuffle is the smallest music player in the world and is incredibly easy to clip to almost anything and take with you everywhere you go. iPod shuffle features up to 10 hours of battery life.*

Pricing & Availability

The third generation 4GB iPod shuffle is now shipping and comes in silver or black for a suggested price of $79 (US) through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. iPod shuffle comes with the Apple Earphones with Remote and the iPod shuffle USB cable. iPod shuffle requires a Mac(R) with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS(R) X v10.4.11 or later and iTunes(R) 8.1 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista, Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 3) or later and iTunes 8.1.

*Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information. Song capacity is based on four minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; in 256-Kbps AAC format, song capacity is up to 500 songs; actual capacity varies by encoding method and bit rate.