Apple refreshes iPods

Apple's spell of secrecy seems to be losing some of its potency of late as we witnessed the unveiling of the new iPod nano which looks just like the leaked images a few days ago. So it's official, the nano goes back to its longish shape with an elongated display you turn on its side to watch videos in widescreen format. Also new in this iteration is a motion sensor which will adjust the orientation of the display and also allow you to shuffle music with a shake. It will come in 8GB (S$248) and 16GB (S$328) versions with nine different colors to choose from.

The iPod classic remains largely the same except for capacity. Instead of a thinner 80GB model and thicker 160GB one, there will now only be a thin 120GB iPod classic which will go for S$398.

The iPod touch has also been updated. It is now thinner and has a curved back, in line with the design of the iPhone 3G. Another significant hardware improvement is the integration of the Nike+ receiver into the touch--runners using the Nike+ system will require only the transmitter in the shoe. Like the last generation, this iPod will come in 8-, 16- and 32GB varieties at lower prices of S$388, S$498 and S$648, respectively.

Also noteworthy are the new in-ear headphones with mic. Not only are these supposed to produce great sounds, they also come with a built-in microphones so you can record your voice using any of the above-mentioned new iPods. The Apple store doesn't list the iPhone 3G as one of this accessory's supported devices, so we suspect you can't use it as a wired headset. More on that tidbit once we manage to get an answer from the company.

All the new iPods can be ordered immediately from your country's Apple Web store. If your country doesn't have one of those, check with your local distributor for details.

See CNET's live coverage of Steve Jobs' speech at the recent Apple's "Let's Rock" event held in San Francisco.

How iTunes could become the ultimate DVD ripper--and why Apple won't let it

The first smattering of user reactions to RealNetworks' RealDVD software--which allows users to legally rip DVD movies to their PC hard drives--is less than enthusiastic, to say the least. The most telling comment: "Lack of mobile device support is the killer for me." Indeed, Real's product lets you move ripped movies between a total of five licensed PCs, but that assumes they're on a USB hard drive or some sort of flash media--thus far, there's no provision for network streaming, and no support for transferring the movies to portable devices."
Of course, when people say "portable media players", it's pretty much a synonym for "iPod". And while we could imagine Real eventually cutting deals to have devices that are compatible with its proprietary RealDVD format, it's a safe bet that Apple won't be among the partners. But the whole existence of RealDVD raises another question: If Real can release software that makes it quick, easy, and legal for users to rip their DVDs to their PC hard drive, why can't Apple?

Real's software is built on the legal precedent set by Kaleidescape's 2007 victory over the DVD Copy Control Association. Provided that you are backing up DVDs that you own, doing so for your own personal use, and keeping the copy-protection intact, Real's betting that it, too, can keep the lawyers at bay. Assuming the company is correct, though, that would seem to open the floodgates for other companies to release kosher DVD rippers.
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MP3 player upgrades and transferring iTunes content--Ask the Editors

Sometimes, a travel-friendly MP3 player just won't satisfy all of your portable entertainment needs. For those who watch tons of video on-the-go, a dedicated PVP with a capacious screen is a necessary investment. Find some of the longest-lasting options below. Also this week: get those iTunes purchases playing on both a Mac and a Windows machine.

Q: I am big fan of CNET--I think you guys give the best reviews for a wide range of products. Coming to the topic: I already own a 4GB Creative Zen and I really like the player--I bought it on your advice mainly. I really love the sound quality and the stunning screen, but I don't find it comfortably large enough for watching full-length movies. Can you suggest a good player that has a bigger screen, sufficient for video? It should also have good sound quality and of course a decent battery life, because I am constantly on the move. --Nikhil, via email
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Apple watchers spot iPod nano pix, iTunes hints

Tuesday's Apple event can't come soon enough for the gazillions of people eager to find out what the company has in store.

Hence, the latest rumor/hint/supposition: The Web site MacNN says it has confirmed that there is indeed such a thing as the fourth-generation iPod nano, which has long been suspected as one of the highlights of Tuesday's "Let's Rock" event. It also has what is says is a "verified authentic photo" of the device.

The supposedly imminent new iPod Nano, MacNN says and shows, sports the previously reported long, lean, tapered look, along with an aluminum skin. The photo on the site shows a copper-hued music player encased in a protective plastic display housing.

Engadget, meanwhile, is offering up a picture of an unboxed alleged iPod nano, in lime.
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Recycling tech and Creative Zen X-Fi curiosity: Ask the Editors

It's always tough to come back from vacation, especially on a Monday, which is already a day of dread in its own right. So much to catch up on. So. Much. EMAIL. But, on this Monday, there is a bright spot, which is that I received plenty of compelling questions and comments for this column during my absence, and I appreciate every one of them. This week, I've decided to focus on a couple of relatively simple items because (a) my brain is still out of the office and (b) I think the simplest tidbits can be the most useful at times. So, here you have it: How to recycle your old gadgets; and what's the deal with the new Creative Zen players?

Q: Can you tell me the best way to recycle used headphones? Are there hazardous or difficult materials (e.g. magnets, rubber coating on the wires or at the plug) that one needs to be aware of?--John, via email A: That's an excellent question. While I'm not sure exactly what the hazardous waste quotient is with headphones, it's best to recycle them just like any other electronics. The EPA has a Web site with some good resources on how to recycle electronics based on your location.
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