Apple introduced a new iPod Tuesday that moves the device beyond audio media. The new iPod Photo features a high-resolution color screen that can be used to display digital photos.
The iPod Photo, which comes in 40 GB and 60 GB capacities and is the same size as the current full-sized iPod line, is compatible both with Apples own computer lines and with Windows PCs. Through iTunes, users can automatically synchronize photo libraries—from iPhoto on Mac OS X, or from Windows “My Pictures” folder, as well as with Adobe Photoshop Elements or Photoshop Album image libraries.
The new device comes with updated contact, calendar and game software that exploit the new backlit color display.
Additionally, the iPod Photo comes with a docking station with both audio and video out jacks, allowing users to display slideshows on an external video display.
Merrill Lynch analyst Steven Milunovich estimated in a recent report that Apple is on track to sell 2.7 million iPods in the final quarter of this year—beating its own record of 2 million iPods sold in its last financial quarter.
But it adds that Apple is unlikely to introduce other product categories in the consumer electronics space, such as Media Center-style Macs, or to add either wireless or Bluetooth capabilities to the iPod line.
The 40 GB iPod Photo is priced at $499, and the 60 GB version at $599; both are available immediately from Apples retail stores, the Apple online store and authorized Apple resellers.
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