
That said, there's been an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that 16GB models remain unavailable simply because Apple's original plans for the fourth-generation iPod nano leading up to last Tuesday's event called for only 4GB and 8GB configurations.
As such, it's likely manufacturing ramp of the 16GB models didn't begin until just recently because Foxconn, Apple's iPod manufacturing partner in the East, was busy pumping out 4GB and 8GB models instead. Though unannounced last Tuesday, those 4GB models mysteriously began cropping up at European retailers earlier this week.
The official response from Apple was on the matter was that it decided to produce a "limited number of 4GB iPod nanos for some international markets." The statement suggests the 4GB models were the afterthought as opposed to the 16GB model, but doesn't explain a motive, why availability of the 4GB models will soon cease, or why they're priced relatively close to the 8GB model.
Separately, AppleInsider has learned that some Apple retail stores actually received marketing material last week for the fourth-generation nanos listing only 4GB and 8GB models, which they were then asked to return. Those materials were said to have priced the players in line with the third-generation nanos -- $149 for a 4GB model and $199 for the 8GB.
This has led some industry watchers to question whether it was Microsoft, for once, who caught its longtime rival to south off-guard and possibly pressed its margins in the process. On Monday September 8th, just one day before Apple chief executive Steve Jobs announced the fourth-generation iPod nano, reports surfaced on Microsoft's plans to introduce an 8GB Zune at $149 and a 16GB Zune at $200 around the same time." Via AppleInsider .
"Although I really liked last year's third-generation fat nano, the iPod nano 4G represents a clear improvement in both form and function. The scroll wheel and subtly tweaked user interface work as quickly and as intuitively as ever. The accelerometer's greatest feat is not the shake trick, but the screen shifting option that allows for a better photo and video viewing experience on what, ultimately, is still a very small player. The added Genius and shake-to-shuffle features aren't exactly groundbreaking, but they do show that the king of digital audio devices isn't asleep at the wheel. It's continual minor tweaks like these to the venerable iPod line that keeps Apple's stronghold on portable media player market intact. Once again, with the nano 4G, Apple has produced the coolest, slickest, and most intuitive sub-$200 flash player you can get, and easily earns our Editors' Choice," Gideon reports."
"The Nano 4G feels impossibly light and thin, with a seamless metal construction that prevents it from snapping like a twig. A slightly curved design gives the Nano 4G the essence of an airplane wing," Bell reports.
"The Nano's 2-inch screen size remains unchanged from the previous model, as well as its 1-inch wide scroll wheel control," Bell reports. "Because Apple has flipped the Nano's screen on its side, menus and user interface get a dramatic overhaul from last year's model. Menu text size has increased slightly and album cover art takes up less real estate on the main menu. In a bid to increase the accessibility of the Nano for people with impaired vision, Apple has included a font size setting on the fourth-generation Nano that makes its menus more legible--a nice feature even if you have 20/20 vision."
"If you passed on last year's iPod Nano and are still holding on to a first- or second-generation Nano (or possibly an iPod Mini), there's no better time to bite the bullet and get an upgrade. Given its competitive price, attractive range of colors, and improved user interface, Apple's fourth-generation of the iPod Nano is its best yet," Bell reports.
Gizmodo has posted ther iPod nano 4G review . They love the the new UI, the built in accelerometer makes viewing videos and playing games great, the "shake to shuffle" feature chooses a random song but is smart enough to not skip tracks if the screen is off or the hold switch is on. Check out Gizmodo for a full review.
We all know Apple is going to announce a new iPod nano tomorrow, Apple's own "Let's Rock" banner shows a silhouette of the new nano.
Engadget has posted what appears to be a leaked shot of the upcoming iPod nano 4G complete with the typical packaging Apple has been packing nanos in. We'll know for sure if this is the real deal come Tuesday. Stay tuned.
Alibaba.com has posted a picture of a screen protector they will be selling along with what appears to be the iPod nano 4th generation. We'll know if this is the real deal come Tuesday. Stay tuned.
iLounge has posted pictures of the dimensions of the upcoming iPod nano, and iPod touch.
"Images of the supposed new iPod nano show a device that measures 90.75mm tall by 38.75mm wide by 6.08mm deep, compared to the second-generation nano’s measurements of 90mm by 40mm by 6.5mm. These numbers suggest that the device will be the thinnest and narrowest iPod nano yet released, though almost inperceptibly so, while also just a hint taller than the original and second-generation models."
"The second-generation iPod touch is depicted as having a shape similar to the iPhone 3G, masking increases in both the height and thickness by using a more tapered enclosure. This device is shown as measuring 111mm tall by 61.8mm wide and 8.4mm deep, versus the original iPod touch’s 110mm height, 61.8mm width, and 8mm depth, and the iPhone 3G’s 115.5mm, 62.1mm, and 12.3mm measurements. What appears to be an antenna enclosure is shown on its rear top left, with the same headphone port and Dock Connector port arrangement at its bottom. Notably, the drawings show what appear to be volume controls on the left side, addressing a key concern of iPod touch users; the added thickness might be attributable to changes in the battery. "
Kevin Rose doesn't have the greatest track record when uncoverin upcoming Apple products. Remember his prediction of the 1sy iPhone being on CDMA, GSM networks, have a slide out keyboard, and seperate removable batteries for the phone part abd iPod part? Well he's doing it again, this time he's providing a picture of the rumored redesigned iPod nano. He's also reporting:
- Revamp of entire iPod line.
- Small cosmetic changes to Touch, Nano to see significant redesign (see pic below).
- iPods to see fairly large price drops to distance itself from the $199 iPhone.
- iPod touch 2.1 software, iPhone to get update very soon after.
- iTunes 8.0 ("it's a big update w/new features").
- All of this coming in the next 2-3 weeks.
"First up is the Nano which will appear in multiple colors...not multiple color versions but each one will have a plethora of colors. The storage will double and new features will be added...."
9to5Mac was the first site to leak pictures of the current iPod nano (fatty). Apple legal demanded they remove the pictures at the time, so chances are they know what they're talking about.
Labels: nano
With Valentine's Day right around the corner Apple has released a Pink iPod nano just in time. The Pink 8GB iPod nano is available now for $199.00
"Our channel checks indicate that of all the iPods, the Touch piqued the most interest from customers," analyst Darren Aftahi wrote in a research report to clients this week. "However, our conversations do not lead us to the conclusion that "level of interest" translated into consumer purchases of iPod Touch."
From interactions with sales representatives and store managers, Aftahi and his team determined that even though 8GB iPod Touch ($299) generated lots of interest among holiday shoppers, when it came to purchases, they instead decided on the 8GB iPod Nano given its smaller size and lower price ($199).
"Also, a lot of consumers seemed to opt for iPhones over iPod Touch because iPhones facilitate all that iPod can do (and more), but the opposite is not true," the analyst further advised clients. "Older individuals preferred iPod Touch because of its interface and Wi-Fi capability, while iPod Nano was more favored by younger individuals (children and teens)." Via AppleInsider .
The Boy Genius has posted an unboxing of the iPod nano 3G, and he likes it.
"Just a couple days after we unboxed the Apple iPod Classic and had mixed feelings towards it. The click-wheel wasn’t as responsive as we’d hoped and the OS was a little sluggish actually…How did the iPod Nano compare? Amazingly well! We love this little guy. First of all, the size — yes it is a "fatty" but we love it anyway — also the OS seems snappy, and click-wheel is a-clickin’! You really just have to hold one to get a feel for the dimensions. What’s impressive, is that while the proportions might look off, it is perfectly comfortable to hold and use."
He's 100% right, you've got to hold this nano to appreciate what Apple did with it. It's unbelievably thin, feels great in the hand, and the screen is gorgeous.
Labels: nano
Gideon reports, "Held next to a second generation nano, however, the widened dimensions don't seem to matter. In fact, a beautiful screen and just-as-thin body make the device seem like a large evolutionary step. The new user interface also combines the nicer touches of the iPhone's U.I. (such as Cover Flow) with new elements (a split screen which shows album covers for highlighted songs and a new Now Playing screen). Throw in a few games with quality graphics, and you've got yourself a real winner. In its price range, nothing beats the nano... make no mistake: this is the best-designed flash video player on the market in this price range."
Labels: nano