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To compliment their freshly updated line of iPods, Apple has released iTunes 10 software. Replacing the tried-and-true CD based icon with a new aqua orb, the icon change only hints at the new features that lie within the program. Aside from a slightly re-skinned UI, the standout feature of iTunes 10 is Ping.

Ping is a new music-orientated social network which resides within iTunes. Users can easily join the network from within the software and create a profile focused around their musical tastes. Ping users can follow their favorite artists, stay up on industry news, and share what they’re listening to with friends.

Ping includes numerous personalized features that provide users with up-to-date concert listings as well as customized Ping Charts. Both of these features update depending on what artists a user is following, and what their friends are listening to.

iTunes 10 is available now. It can either be obtained “*here*”:http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ or through Software Update. Please note that *Mac OS X 10.5.8* Leopard is required to install.

…in a good way. Wednesday’s Apple Music Event yielded some pretty cool things, one of which was a welcome update to the Apple TV.

Here’s what’s new:

* new matte black color
* 1/4 of the size (it’s been compared to a hockey puck!)
* added HDMI (YES!) and digital audio outputs
* NO internal storage–only rentals from the iTunes Store
* day-of-release HD movies rent for $4.99; HD TV shows rent for $.99
* $99 price tag
* includes a remote

On the lack of storage–one of the major changes that surprised me–Jobs noted that people “don’t want to manage storage… they just want to watch movies and TV shows.” And of course, that whatever hardware we have has to be “silent, cool and small.”

Subscribers to Netflix’s streaming service (at $8.99/mo. or more) will have access to streaming content on the new Apple TV for no additional charge. In addition, Apple TV users will also be able to stream content from MobileMe, YouTube and Flickr.

Also new in this announcement is AirPlay, which replaces AirTunes (more about this coming up in the iOS4 update article). AirPlay allows streaming from one device to an Apple TV–say, from your iPhone or iPad to your new Apple TV. Jobs demonstrated this by streaming a movie from his iPad to an Apple TV using the venue’s Wi-Fi.

Notable tidbits: At launch, only ABC and Fox will offer their HD shows for rental at the $.99 price. The Apple TV will be available in roughly four weeks–the beginning of October–and it’s “available for pre-order now.”:http://www.smalldog.com/product/76960/apple-tv-2010/at_kb

*iOS 4.1*
On Wednesday, Apple introduced iOS 4.1. Steve Jobs noted a lot of fixes and new features, including:

* various bug fixes for Proximity, Bluetooth and iPhone 3G
* High Dynamic Range photos
* HD video upload over Wi-Fi
* TV show rentals
* Game Center

High Dynamic Range photos consist of essentially three separate images so that it will gather midranges, shadows and highlights effectively. As I mentioned earlier, HD video uploads and TV show rentals, and Game Center–a hub for multiplayer games.

iOS 4.1 will be available next week for iPhone and iPod touch. Check back “on Barkings!”:http://blog.smalldog.com for more info and we’ll write more in next week’s Kibbles!

*iOS 4.2 for iPad*
The iPad should feel special, because it’s getting its own (i)OS update. iOS 4.2 is all about the iPad.

This is why it’s hot:

* wireless printing for iOS on your iPad
* AirPlay to stream video and audio over Wi-Fi from your iPad
* add apps to folders, just like iPhone, as well as multitasking

The update will be available in November, and it’s free for iPad users. We’ll be writing more on this as soon as we get our hands on it.

Of all the new products showcased at Wednesday’s keynote event, the redesigned iPod nano is by far the most radical. Featuring an entirely new design, the nano becomes the first click wheel enabled iPod to evolve to a multi-touch interface.

Essentially a cut-in-half version of the the 5th generation device, the new nano is almost comparable in size to the shuffle. Sporting a 240 x 240 resolution display, the nano’s interface borrows largely from Apple’s iOS. Though its feature set is consistent with previously established models in the line, the reduced size and built-in clip are sure to make it an even bigger hit among fitness enthusiasts.

The navigation of the device is basically an abridged version of the Multi-Touch interface available on the iPhone and iPod touch. Users can swipe and use other gestures to navigate the nano’s menu system and media content. The included FM radio, pedometer, and Nike + support round out the feature set, which also includes music and photos.

Incorporating the VoiceOver commands and genius playlists, the new nano is surprisingly feature-packed despite its small form factor. Offered in a host of different colors, the new iPod nano is available in either 8GB or 16GB for $149.99 and $179.99 respectively.

Click “*here*”:http://www.smalldog.com/search/?find=ipod+nano+2010 to pre-order the new iPod nano.

All of our stores and offices will be closed on Monday, Labor Day, so our employees can enjoy this holiday celebrating the American worker. Any company’s success is due to any number of factors and a good idea but it really all boils down to the employees. A company with a happy, productive team will always give a company that competitive edge that leads to success.

Thank you for reading this issue of Kibbles & Bytes. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Your Kibbles & Bytes Team,
_Don, Kali, Ed and Ben_