More iPod news – 160GB Classic, new iTunes, custom ringtone maker and video nano

Apple’s major announcement of the iPod touch was accompanied by a raft of other significant announcements including the introduction the new iPod classic, featuring 80GB or 160GB of storage, an iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, a new version of iTunes (7.4 - download here) with a custom Ringtone Maker and an all new iPod nano, with video playback on a two-inch display with 204 dpi (effectively the same resolution as the video iPod) and the news it is lowering the price of the 8GB iPhone from US$599 to US$399.

The new iPod classic

Now in its sixth generation, the new iPod classic delivers all the features customers love about their iPods, plus an enhanced user interface featuring Cover Flow and a new all-metal enclosure. iPod classic is priced at just US$249 for the 80GB model and US$349 for the 160GB model.

"With a thinner, all-metal enclosure and an enhanced user interface, the iPod classic is ideal for people who want to hold everything on their iPod," said Steve Jobs.

The new iPod classic holds up to 160GB of storage in an all-metal anodised aluminium and polished stainless steel enclosure. iPod classic works seamlessly with iTunes so you can import, manage and then easily sync your favourite content. You can buy music, video and games for your iPod classic from the iTunes Store with more than six million songs available for preview and one-click purchase.

The new iPod classic features up to 40 hours of music playback and seven hours of video playback in the 160GB model, and up to 30 hours of music playback and five hours of video playback in the 80GB model on a single charge, letting users enjoy their entire collections of music, audiobooks, audio and video podcasts, music videos, television shows and movies wherever they go.

The new iPod classic is perfect for playing iPod games and comes pre-loaded with iQuiz, the entertainment trivia game; Vortex, a fast-paced 360 degree brick-bashing game; and Klondike, the popular solitaire card game. Additional games will be available for purchase for the new iPod classic later this month from the iTunes Store, including Sudoku and Tetris from Electronic Arts and Ms. PAC-MAN from NAMCO.

Both iPod classic models are available immediately worldwide in silver and black. The 80GB iPod classic model is US$249 and the 160GB iPod classic is US$349.

The iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store

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