Apple's Show (And Tell) Time

We've been here before. Every time Apple - and Mr Jobs - schedules one of their big events, we, the faithful, dutifully line up with our browsers, and hang on every word. Prior to the event we've discussed, blogged, and flamed about rumours, hopes, and desires.

And do they live up to our expectations any more? Perhaps more accurately: Are our expectations somewhat tarnished by the countless promise of "one more thing"?

Maybe the stakes are higher than they once were. Back when the iPod wasn't "hip" and digital music was the domain of hardcore geeks and techies, these events weren't so high profile. These days, they're important.

And none of Apple's recent events have been more important than this one. With mounting speculation suggesting that the iPod bubble was about to burst, Microsoft's competing device on the horizon, and the holiday season approaching, Apple needed to reveal something big.

And I think they did. Not big in a "hardcore, techie geek way", but big in a "continued dominance in the MP3 market" way. And I suppose, these days, that's what counts for Apple. And what's this big thing I think they've revealed? Coloured Nanos - that's what.

The Nano is, as Jobs mentioned, the most popular MP3 player in the world. The best way for Apple to make it more popular is to introduce new colours - check - and to improve the range of sizes to suit a wider range of budgets - check. The new - and let's not forget scratch resistant - Nanos are sure to be a big hit for Apple this holiday season, assuming they can meet the demand. I suspect the new Nanos are the shot in the arm required to carry the iPod line up to the true video iPod.

And what of the Video iPod? Sadly, unsurprisingly, and inevitably there was no sign of such a device. Instead, we're treated to an updated 5G line of iPods - the iPod With Video. The new line of 5gs (so 5.5gs?) sport a brighter screen, improved battery life, and slightly tweaked hard disk sizes.

And games. And we're not just talking about the classic Brick-Parachute-Solitaire combo that has graced previous iPods, oh no — Apple has opened the door onto something potentially huge. Downloaded games that play on your iPod and top up Apple's coffers by $5 every time you're tempted. And tempted you will be, I'm sure. How well these things will play on the touchwheel - a genius of interface design for music playback, but which was never really conceived with games in mind - remains to be seen.

Article Author: Daniel Woolstencroft

Daniel Woolstencroft is the brains behind Is There Food? - containing topics as diverse as zombies, Apple, technology, film, and other assorted strangeness. Also follow him on Twitter.

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