Apple TV, iOS Updates, iPods, Ping Show Company Direction

by Nicholas Kolakowski

Apple introduced a revamped Apple TV, with a smaller form factor, HDMI connector, Ethernet and WiFi. It will retail for $99.

The radically revised iPod Nano includes a multitouch screen, a built-in FM radio, a 46 percent smaller body and a clothing clip.

The new iPod Shuffle features a clickable control pad, a “voice over” button to hear a song or playlist, and the ability to sync multiple playlists.

The revamped iPod Touch includes the FaceTime video conferencing app, high-definition Retina Display, HD video recording via a rear-facing camera, and Apple’s proprietary A4 processor.

Apple’s new Ping social-networking service, integrated into iTunes 10, allows people to set up profiles displaying their music tastes and connect to artists’ pages.

Next week, Apple will introduce iOS 4.1, with a number of bug fixes, followed later by iOS 4.2 for iPad. These operating system revisions include Games Center, a multiplayer-centric games hub designed to compete against Xbox, Nintendo, and Sony’s current or upcoming mobile offerings.

The iOS 4.1 update will enable users to upload HD video to YouTube and MobileMe from their iPhone 4.

The iOS update will also allow for 99-cent TV show rentals.

Users will be able to access iTunes Ping through their Apple mobile device, allowing them to receive updates on their friends’ terrible music tastes virtually anywhere.

Apple’s iOS 4.2 update for iPad will allow wireless printing, a feature the device lacked.

The iOS 4.2 update will also bring the same multitasking currently available on the iPhone.

The same app folders currently available on the iPhone will be available on the iPad, with the release of iOS 4.2.