Video iPod, At Long Last

InformationWeek

Apple Computer last week unveiled its long-anticipated video iPod, designed to dominate the online video-download market. The only problem is that the market doesn't really exist--yet. But Apple expects big things.

The new iPod features a 2.5-inch color screen. It's thinner and has more storage than the previous iPod version, but the price is unchanged--$299 for the 30-Gbyte model and $399 for the 60-Gbyte one, which Apple estimates will hold 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos, or more than 150 hours of video.

Apple partnered with Disney to offer downloads of ABC shows such as Desperate Housewives and Lost. In addition to some 2,000 music videos, iTunes users can buy Pixar short films. And though there aren't many video blogs now, that's likely to change if video iPods become popular.

Audio podcasting took off thanks to both iPod and iTunes, and video podcasting should follow a similar trajectory. Expect to see a lot more of it, from the usual suspects and emerging talent.

>>> I just bought my coloured iPod U2 last August and now Apple has kinda made my gadget defunct. However, I never really wanted to watch videos on my iPod coz it's always better to watch movies, music videos and television shows on the bigger screens of our conventional tv's. What I'm impressed with in this new technology is that you can now watch episodes of your favourite TV shows the day after it was shown. I'm completely aware that you can download these shows on Torrents but these could take forever, depending on the speed of your connection and the connection of your peers. I hope more and more shows will be available in iTunes, like Gilmore Girls, Smallville and One Tree Hill. Although, I must admit that I ain't gonna buy the new iPod. The next iPod I'm probably gonna buy should have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AM/FM radio capabilities on the minimum.