Apple Tweaks iPods

Apple had a big surprise for journalists, bloggers and software partners attending a special event held by the company in San Francisco’s convention center.

And, no, it did not announce a deal with that other Apple, namely the Beatles company charged with overseeing the Fab Four’s legacy.

Ever since the Cupertino company announced it would hold an event on Sept. 9 – the same day The Beatles’ re-mastered box sets, single albums and vid game “The Beatles: Rock Band” was scheduled to be released, everyone had been speculating as to whether the band’s music would finally be sold on iTunes. Well, you can forget about that. Didn’t happen.

But what did happen was an appearance by Steve Jobs. Jobs, who hasn’t appeared at such Apple events since last October, walked on stage to a standing ovation, although he was a bit skinnier than folks remembered, and spoke in a quiet manner.

And Jobs had a lot to say. First, he told the audience about receiving a liver transplant in spring, saying he received the organ from a young adult victim of a car accident. Urging everyone to become organ donors, Jobs said, “I wouldn’t be here without such generosity.”

Speculation on Jobs’ health has been as rampant in recent months as rumors about an iTunes Beatles debut. Back in 2004 the Apple co-founder said he was diagnosed and cured of a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

Then last year he looked noticeably thinner than in recent years, sparking rumors his cancer had returned, although Apple representatives insisted Jobs’ sudden weight loss was due to ordinary illness. Plus, he didn’t appear at Apple’s annual January trade show, adding more fuel to rumors of ill health.

Then in January of this year Jobs said he had a treatable hormone imbalance, but would continue to run Apple. That story changed one week later when Jobs said his medical maladies were “more complex” than originally thought and turned the reins over to Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook. Jobs returned to Apple on a part-time basis in June.

Jobs didn’t host the entire 9-9-9 Apple event. Instead, he talked about new upgrades to iTunes and iPhone software before turning the stage over to the company’s Jeff Robbin.

So, what did the Apple men disclose? A new Nano for one. The new player comes with a built-in mic, a pedometer, a 2.2-inch display, video camera and an FM radio tuner. It is decorated in rainbow colors and priced at $149 for the 8 GB version and $179 for the 16 GB model.

Yes, you read that right. An FM tuner is included in the new Nano. IPod lovers have long asked for such a feature and it looks as if their prayers have been answered. That is, as long as they go Nano.

Price cuts were also on the agenda. Apple has lowered prices to current iPod Touch models, cutting $30 from the 8 GB model resulting in a retail price of $199. For other models it kept pretty much the same pricing structure but boosted capacity, with the 32 GB unit costing $299 and the 64 GB player $399.

There was also good news for those yearning for larger iPods – the return of the 160 GB iPod Classic. Apple introduced that particular flavor in 2007, dropped it in 2008 and has now brought it back in 2009. However, while the original unit was priced at $349 in 2007, the return also heralds a new-and-improved price – $249.

There’s a new iPod Shuffle in town, one with 2 gigs of storage and priced at $59 for cost-conscious consumers.

Apple also tweaked the iTunes software. Among the upgrades, users now have more control over which tracks are synced with their various Apple gizmos. The software now allows five computers on the same network to share music with each other by streaming and copying.

Jobs also said the iTunes Music Store will now sell albums with cover art, photography and liner notes, just like days of old when real record stores ruled the Earth and vinyl was king. The new feature – iTunes LP – will also include additional content such as interviews and videos.

Why are Apple’s recent upgrades getting so much coverage? Like it or not, Apple not only leads the world in online music distribution and personal players but for many people is the first and last word in digital music.

When people talked about marketing Beatles music online, they talked about iTunes. When the subject is personal players they talk about iPods. Add the popular iPhone to the mix and you have a company that not only leads the pack but sets the pace, forcing others to play catch-up while the company looks only to the future.

Ask Jack

Sometimes the best ideas really are the simplest ones. Just ask Jack.

“Ask Jack” is a feature recently introduced on the Xcel Energy Center’s Web site. In this case, “Jack” refers to Jack Larson, the VP and general manager of the St. Paul, Minn., venue.

As the name of the feature implies, folks can “ask Jack” about events, the venue itself or general questions, such as photo policies at concerts. It’s Q&A with the GM, and it’s a wonder other venues don’t do something similar.

Recent questions posted on the “Ask Jack” feature included one from a pro wrestling fan asking Larson what his favorite match was at Raw Live; whether the venue has a lost and found; and why secondary ticketing outlets often advertise tickets for the Xcel days or even weeks before they go on sale.

“Our goal is to make the fan experience at Xcel Energy Center the best it can be,” Larson said. “We thought this would be a fun way to communicate with our guests before or after an event, and answer questions that may be helpful to many people.”

The Xcel’s “Ask Jack” feature is right up front on the home page in a box so big you can’t miss it. Not only is it fun and informative but it also puts a human face on an arena in an age when most large venues are identified with corporations and conglomerates. Every venue should have an “Ask Jack.” And if you don’t believe us, just ask, well, you know.