Apple announces iPod, iTunes 2

Today Apple announced iPod, a portable MP3 player, and iTunes 2. iPod requires a FireWire Mac and iTunes 2 in order to function, and iTunes 2 requires at least Mac OS 9.2.1 or Mac OS X 10.1. In describing the new device, Steve Jobs said: "With iPod, Apple has invented a whole new category of digital music player that lets you put your entire music collection in your pocket and listen to it wherever you go. With iPod, listening to music will never be the same again."

iPod details: (from the press release and reader reports)

• 5 GB of storage holds over 1000 CD-quality songs
• 4 inches by 2.4 inches, 3/4 inch thick
• Weight 6.5 ounces
• 160-by-128-pixel high-resolution display, with a white LED backlight
• Plays up to 10 hours with 20 minute skip protection
• Auto synchronizes with iTunes 2 (iTunes 2 is required)
• iTunes songs and playlists are automatically downloaded into iPod
• Transfer an entire CD in 10 seconds
• Reload the iPod with 1000 new songs in 10 minutes
• "Breakthrough user interface"
• Doubles as a 5 GB FireWire drive
• Charges via the included FireWire cable when connected to a Mac or the external adapter

  There is also a longish iPod info QuickTime 5 movie and a detailed specifications page.

iTunes 2 details: (from the press release)

• Burn and recognize MP3 CDs
• Burn audio CDs up to twice as fast as original iTunes
• New crossfader creates more graceful transitions between songs
• New 10-band equalizer with over 20 presets
• Customize audio settings to fit any style of music
• New sound enhancer creates additional depth and richness in sound output

  iTunes 2 is expected to be available in early November as a free download, and it will be bundled with iPod.

(Thanks to John Gettner, David Snedigar, R. Lynn Rardin, and others.)