Happy 7th Birthday, iPod!

Seven years ago today, Steve Jobs introduced the first ever iPod. The first iPod was available in 5 and 10GB models, and charged via FireWire. It was 0.78 inches "thin" and weighed 0.41 pounds.

The iPod has become the world's most popular line of portable media players with around 70% of the portable media player market share. Since the original iPod (now called iPod Classic), there have been 4 other models of iPod, 3 of which still remain in the product line.

In 2004, the iPod Mini, Apple's second iPod was introduced as a smaller alternative to the iPod. The iPod mini was available in 4 and eventually 6GB models at a time when the original iPod was available in up to 40GB. The iPod Mini made it through two revisions before being replaced by the iPod nano.

Apple's 3rd iPod was the iPod shuffle. The tiny "stick" shaped design had no screen and no clickwheel, however it has a similar button layout to the clickwheel. The iPod shuffle used the "shuffle" feature that was introduced in previous iPod models to play songs. Apple has updated the iPod shuffle a few times since then, however the biggest change was the form factor change cutting down the size to about one inch diagonally.

In 2005, Apple dropped the iPod Mini in favor of an even smaller flash based music player. The iPod nano was and is the world's most popular music player. It was originally available in 1, 2, and 4GB models in the first generation, and now in the 4th generation 8 and 16GB models are available.

The iPod Touch is Apple's most advanced iPod. It very closely resembles the iPhone, Apple's entry into the mobile phone market. It has a large touch screen and no clickwheel. It has every feature that the iPhone has except for the camera, 3G cell network access, and the ability to call like a phone. The iPod Touch is the only iPod with a built in web browser, or even the ability to access the internet. The iPod Touch is now in it's 2nd generation, however there isn't much difference between the two models.

New iPods and More! Let's Rock!

Apple has released updates for the entire iPod line. There are new iPod shuffles, iPod nanos, iPod classics, and iPod touches.

The most notable new design is in the iPod nano. The rumors were true about the curved design and the tall screen. The new iPod nano comes in 9 different colors. New features in the firmware include a "shake to shuffle" tool that uses the new built in accelerometer to sense vibration, and automatically go to shuffle mode. You can also use the accelerometer to turn the iPod on it's side, and watch video in widescreen, or browse music in coverflow. Another new feature is the "genius" tool. It lets you hold down the center button, and it will bring up a menu that asks if you would like to enter genius mode. If you select yes, it will give a list of songs that are similar to the song you are listening to.

The iPod touch now more closely resembles the iPhone 3G, with a curved backing that is still chrome, despite rumors of it recieving a plastic back similar to the iPhone. The Touch has the same genius, and shake to shuffle features that are in the new iPod nano. There is also a built in speaker on the side. Also introduced was the iPhone 2.1 firmware which costs $9.99 to those who haven't purchased the iPhone 2.0 firmware, but is free to those who have.

The iPod classic got a slight revamp. It now comes just 120GB, in silver or black. The 160GB model was discontinued.

The iPod shuffle now comes in new colors, but the same design, and same storage capacities. The new colors match the iPod nano colors, but not all 9 colors are available for the shuffle.

Also released today was iTunes 8.0. New features are "genius" which, like in the iPod, suggests music similar to the song you are listening to. There is also a new visualizer, and it is amazing. You have to see it for yourself because I can't express the pure shock I was in through words. You can now purchase HD TV shows for the $2.99 per episode.

You can not use the back to school promo which continues until September 15th to get one of the new iPods. Apple also announced new In Ear Headphones for $79.

Apple Event on September 9th Confirmed

There have been recent rumors of an Apple event on September 9th focused on media. Apple is expected to unveil the new generation of iPod nanos and touches. MacBook and MacBook Pro updates are possible, but may not happen until October.

Old iPod- Found

I found an old iPod 3rd generation, 15GB, in very good condition. the stainless steel back plate is a bit scratched up, but that happens generally quickly on iPods. The only actual problem with the iPod is with the Lock, which needs to be pressed with a decent amount of force to be unlocked. my mom said that she actually took it into the Apple Store for this problem, but the warranty was up.

From what I know, this iPod 3rd Generation was bought in 2003... 5 years ago. For those who say iPods don't work for long- Uh-huh. Yeah. Also, this iPod has separate buttons for play/pause, back, forward, and menu. The scroll wheel is still touch-sensitive, as are the buttons. This is the first iPod to feature a backlight, and the only iPod to back backlit buttons, which are red. its very, very cool.

MacTracker for iPod

Recently, I downloaded a little app for my iPod, called MacTracker. If your iPod includes the "Notes" feature, you can use this fun little tool. MacTracker is a database of every Apple Product, but it hasn't been updated since around September last year. Tiger is still listed as the most recent version of OS X, and it doesn't include the new updated iMacs, but you can go in and edit them if you want. Since iPod notes include some basic html support, links are enabled, letting you jump from item to item. MacTracker includes product information, technical specs, and startup and death chimes. A quick note is that it takes about 30 seconds upon startup to load all 500 or so files in the notes.

What will you need for MacTracker on your iPod?

• An iPod with the "Notes" feature.
• 2MB of free space on your iPod.

I highly recommend checking this little tool out to anyone with an interest in the history of Apple Computers. If you don't have an interest in Apple Computers, why are you reading this blog?

iBlog Youtube Page/ New Video

So, we now have a YouTube page. I uploaded this video after getting back from the Apple store with my new iPod, after i traded my old, broken one back.

Nice sites for Apple news

Hello, Timothy here; new writer for the blog.

Interested in iPhone or iPod touch related stuff?

Visit http://www.ipodtouchfans.com/

There is a separate forum for other Apple tech, if not interested in iPhone or iPod touch.

Another great site is http://www.ilounge.com/
Everything Apple is there.

iPod Eggs

I made some iPod easter eggs the other day and I thought I'd share them with you.