Amazon is trying to head off Apple by offering TV Show purchases (not rentals) for just $.99. They have a good variety of shows available in both HD and SD from networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, HBO, NBC, Showtime and over 50 additional cable channels. They can be streamed to a computer or Roku box, and if you’re running Windows or own a new-model TiVo, you can download them directly for offline viewing.
The bad news is that if you are specifically looking to stream videos to your portable iDevice, then Amazon Video is not the way to go, since there is no Amazon Video viewer available on iOS.
It’s nice to see some competition, which will hopefully result in lower prices for everyone.
[Engadget]
The new version of iTunes demoed at today’s Keynote is finally available for download. The updated media player features sideways window controls, a new logo that has done away with the obsolete CD, and “Ping”, a social network for following your favorite artists and sharing your music with friends.
Your music, movies, TV shows, apps, and more. The best way to follow your favorite artists and friends — and discover the music they’re talking about, listening to, and downloading. iTunes is home to everything that entertains you.
It’s jailbreak friendly, so get it while it’s hot.
[Apple]
You know that insanely detailed, smooth, and (dare I say it?) epic game that Apple showed off today during it’s music event? Yeah, well we are getting a free tech demo of it that you can download and play on your iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, or iPod touch G3 now.
It isn’t so much a game as it is a proof of concept, but from some hands-on time with it, I have to say I’m impressed. This is some insane detail, especially considering the low-quality textures we are used to in the current ‘cream of the crop’ shooters. If every ‘premium’ game in the future features this much detail, then iOS just got a lot more interesting for mobile gamers.
Sadly, it won’t work on your iPhone 3G or 2G, and the iPod touch 1G or 2G isn’t supported, but for those of you with the newer devices, be sure to download the app and play with it for yourself!
[iTunes]
The iOS 4.1 beta has leveled-up to Gold Master, marking the final version before it is released to the public next week. If you’re an Apple Dev, test it out and let us know how those fancy new features perform.
[Apple]
Shuffle
The new iPod Shuffle has 2GB of storage, a 15 hour battery life, and is available for $49.99 in five colors: silver, blue, green, orange, and pink. It has the same five-button control scheme used on previous generations of the Shuffle, and can also be controlled via VoiceOver. Other that that, nothing new.
The new iPod Touch has been released, and has basically every feature that we wanted. (Well, except a more scratch-proof backing.) Here is a quick rundown of what’s new:
iPhone-like Retina Display, 3.5 inches, 326ppi, and a 960 x 640 resolution- 720p video recording and pictures with back camera
- VGA front camera for FaceTime with other iPod Touches and the iPhone
- Same Apple A4 chip found in the iPhone 4
- 3 axis gyroscope
- 40 hours of music playback
- Shipping with iOS 4.1 (Sorry jailbreakers!)
- Built-in microphone
- 8, 32, and 64 GB storage, at $229, $299, and $399 respectively
It is available to pre-order now, and will ship in one week.
iPod Touch 4G forums, for your qualms, questions, and complaints.
iOS 4.1 will be available next week as a free update, and will include:
- Proximity sensor, Bluetooth, and iPhone 3G fixes
- “High Dynamic Range Photos”, which take 3 pictures, one with highlights, shadows, and midranges, and merges them to produce an HDR photo.
- HD video uploads over WiFi
- TV Show Rentals for $.99
- Game Center
iOS 4.2 will give the iPad all the features of 4.0, plus printing and AirPlay. It will be available for free on newer models of the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad in November.
Printing is pretty self-explanatory: you can print a document to any printer on a local network. AirPlay is a revamped version of AirTunes, and allows you to stream audio and video over WiFi to your iOS 4.2 device.
Despite Steve Jobs saying that every iPod was getting an update, there was no mention of the iPod Classic in today’s Keynote. But don’t worry Shåwa, the Classic is still alive and well, according to Michael Gartenberg.
Confirmed via email iPod Classic LIVES. No changes to price or storage. So not every iPod got refreshed. Only the cool ones.
Will the iPod Classic ever get an update? Probably not, or it wouldn’t be called the Classic.
Developing story…
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