Apple colours in iPod, expands podcasting

The new iPod line-up is made up of a 20GB model for AU$$449 and a 60GB model for AU$599. Both models feature the ability to import photos from a digital camera with the optional iPod Camera Connector and let users combine their favorite music and photos to create slideshows. The special U2 edition iPod has been upgraded to include a colour screen (AU$499).

The new iPods also take advantage of the new podcasting capabilities built into the latest version of iTunes. Apple says the new iTunes features "everything users need to discover, subscribe, manage and listen to Podcasts".

The new Podcast Directory in iTunes 4.9 features over 3,000 free audio programs, with favourites such as ABC News, Adam Curry, BBC, Clear Channel, The Dawn and Drew Show, Disney, Engadget, ESPN, Newsweek and NPR member stations such as KCRW in Los Angeles and WGBH in Boston. In Australia, the Austereo networks have regular podcasts (such as for 2Day FM in Sydney), as does national youth station Triple J.

"iTunes enables anyone to quickly and easily find and subscribe to their favourite Podcasts so that every time there's a new episode, it's automatically downloaded to their Mac or PC and Auto-Synced to their iPod. iTunes also makes it easy to manage multiple Podcast subscriptions with simple organisation and display by episode and date. Starting today, iPods will offer an easy to use Podcast menu, including bookmarking within a Podcast and the ability to display colour Podcast artwork," an Apple release stated.