New iPods

Apple just announced their new iPod lineup for the fall of 2008. It includes yet another new redesign for the iPod Nano ($149+), this time with the old taller/thinner design and the newer widescreen display. Colors are brighter than last season's more muted offerings. There's also a new thinner iPod Touch ($229+)and a new thinner 120GB iPod Classic ($249). 

Also updated is the iTunes softwware. iTunes 8 has a new "Genius" feature that builds playlists based on songs/artists that you like -- something third-party apps have been doing for some time now. The Genius feature is built into the new Nanos and Touches; the Nano also has a "shake" feature that switches to a new playlist when you physically shake the thing.

Nice updates, but nothing earth shaking -- a little underwhelming, actually. Still, it's always nice to have new models for Christmas buying season.

iPhone 3G

Well, the next generation iPhone is finally on its way. Announced last month and due to ship on July 11th, the second-generation iPhone, dubbed iPhone 3G, fixes a lot of what was wrong with the first generation model -- at a much lower price. The 3G refers to the fact that the new iPhone works on 3G wireless networks, for much faster connection and download speeds. You also get built-in GPS and a new OS/interface, complete with lots of new iPhone-specific apps. The new model will be available at AT&T stores only, and only with a 2-year subscription. There's a 8GB model priced at $199, and a 16GB model at $299 -- assuming you're either a new AT&T customer or an older customer who qualifies for this "upgrade" pricing.

FWIW, this is the model I've been waiting for. There's still some things about it I don't like (such as the lack of multimedia messaging), but for me it's time to take the plunge. See you at a local AT&T store on the 11th!