Apple Quietly Releases New iPods

redletterdave writes "At the company's media event last month, Apple introduced its fifth-generation iPod Touch and seventh-generation iPod Nano, but only mentioned an October timeframe for when it would start filling pre-orders. Without an official word, it looks like the official launch day for the new iPods is today. Apple Stores around the country are currently stocked with the new iPods and customers who pre-ordered are finally receiving email notifications that their orders have shipped, or are 'preparing to ship.' Still, it is interesting to note that Apple didn't make a special announcement or even post a press release to announce the launch of its newest media players, especially as the competition heats up before the holiday season."

Re:Maybe because iPods are irrelevant?

[codegen]

I have a friend who has an iPod instead of an iPhone. She is almost always in range of free wifi, and uses two apps that provide free phone (including dial in) and free texting. Cheaper than an iPhone and lighter too.

Re:"the competition heats up..."

[grouchomarxist]

There is definitely competition out there, but it is minimal. If you check out Amazon's Japan best seller page for portable media players you get:

http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/bestsellers/electronics/140474011/ref=zg_bs_nav_e_3_3371411 [amazon.co.jp]

The top 3 items are Apple iPod touch. 9 out of the top 10 items are from Apple. 17 of the top 20.

In any case, part of my point is not Apple's dominance, but the lack of anything much happening in this market.

Re:"the competition heats up..."

[puto]

If they are using the new port then they will be just like the new Iphones, the built in controls in the car will not be able to control the device... So all of those features are moot, because they will not work.

Re:"the competition heats up..."

[FreakyGeeky]

What are you talking about? They'll work just fine. My iPhone 5 works perfectly in my 2011 Nissan.

Still able to control

[SuperKendall]

If they are using the new port then they will be just like the new Iphones, the built in controls in the car will not be able to control the device...

A number of things with a USB port (like cars) can still control iOS devices with a lightning port, simply using he included cable.

Other devices that had dedicated dock connectors can still work just fine with the new connector if you get the adaptor. The only thing that will not work is playing video or "iPod Out", which was displaying a virtual iPod screen on some other device (since it needs video). That's not much of a loss though as the iPod Out interface was laggy and really low res.