Apple's 'It's Only Rock and Roll' Recap

Redesigning Store and iTunes LP Experience

The author recently got to test out iTunes 9.0 and had the opportunity to experience some exciting changes to both the store and iTunes LP. The new layout for both platforms is designed to be more user-friendly and allows customers to pick and choose what they want to see, making it a more personalized experience.

One of the interesting aspects of the updated store was how it compared the sales numbers between Apple's iPods and those from Microsoft. According to Phil Schiller, who is in charge of discussing iPods, Apple had an impressive 73.8% share of the MP3 market, while Microsoft only had a paltry 1.1%. This comparison highlights just how dominant Apple has become in the world of portable music players.

Moving on from the store, the author took some time to explore the latest features and updates available for the iPod touch. One of the standout aspects was how it compared to other gaming consoles like the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. The iPod touch offers a much better user experience, with no need to pay top dollar for games or worry about multi-touch interfaces that are currently trendy. In addition, the iPod touch has an app store and access to music, making it a more appealing option for consumers.

Some notable titles announced during the keynote included Assassin's Creed 2 on the iPod touch, as well as Rhythm Ribbon, which combines elements of Wipeout and Rock Band. Other games like Nova, a first-person shooter with multiplayer capabilities over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, were also showcased. Furthermore, EA Sports announced that they would be releasing Madden NFL 2010 for the iPod touch.

The author noted that the prices for the iPod touch have been reduced, making it more accessible to consumers. The new pricing structure includes an 8GB model for $199, a 32GB model for $299, and a 64GB model for $399. This is a significant decrease from previous prices and makes the iPod touch a much more attractive option for those looking to purchase a portable music player.

The commercial for the iPod touch was also showcased during the keynote, highlighting its sleek design and user-friendly interface. In contrast to the iPod Nano, which was announced as a new addition to the lineup, the iPod Touch did not receive any major updates or features. The iPod Nano, on the other hand, will feature an integrated microphone and camera, allowing users to easily share their photos and videos with others.

The author noted that the iPod Nano is available in eight different colors, including silver, pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple. The 8GB model will be priced at $149, while the 16GB model will cost $179. Shipping for both models will take place within 24 hours of purchase.

Overall, the author was underwhelmed by the lack of major updates to the iPod Touch, but was impressed by the new features and releases announced during the keynote. The inclusion of a microphone and camera in the iPod Nano is an exciting development that could set it apart from other portable music players on the market.