But Apple didn't add a camera to the iPod touch or other iPod models. And the camera feature is limited. It can't shoot still pictures and doesn't have a zoom. Users can't trim videos on the iPod nano itself, and they can upload videos to the Web only after putting them on their PC.
The other big theme of the event was Apple's move to make its products more affordable. It slashed the price on its entry-level 8-gigabyte iPod touch to $199 from $229, and is now charging $299 for the 32-gigabyte iPod touch, down from $399. A new 64-gigabyte model will be added to the lineup for $399.
Meanwhile, Apple cut the price of its 16-gigabyte iPod nano to $179 from $199, and introduced a new 2-gigabyte version of the iPod shuffle for $59. Those cuts follow price reductions earlier this year on the company's notebook computers.
As for the iTunes update, the company added an expected new feature called "iTunes LP," which includes such things as liner notes, lyrics, band photos and album art with the purchase of digital albums. Music labels have hoped such extras will boost sales of full albums, which have flagged far behind sales of single songs in age of digital downloads
Apple also introduced a related feature called iTunes Extras, which adds content, such as deleted scenes and interviews, to purchases of movies on iTunes. Wall Street seemed unimpressed with Apple's announcements. Although the broader market rose, Apple's stock closed regular trading Wednesday down $1.79, or 1 percent, to $171.14.
Rhapsody streaming application approved
RealNetworks Inc.'s subscription music service Rhapsody has been approved for use on iPhones and iPod Touches, the first time Apple Inc. has allowed an on-demand music streaming program on its devices in the United States.
The initial download will be free but new subscribers will have to pay $14.99 a month if they want to try it for longer than seven days.
The service will allow users to queue up any of some 8 million songs, and create custom playlists that will stream to the device as long as the user is receiving a cellular signal or is in a WiFi hot spot.
- Associated Press
