Winners and Losers of Today's Apple Event

Some announcements that were expected, and some non-announcements that left us scratching our head. Here's a look at he winners and losers of today's Apple Event:

WINNERS:

Fans of the iPod Classic. Not only wasn't it killed off, it got a capacity boost (of course it had its capacity reduced  previously). $249 for 160GB makes it the perfect iPod for the music-only crowd, or if you need a spacious hard drive with your music.

iPod Nano Shoppers. It's a little surprising considering the non-announcement with the iPod Touch (see below), but the nano really is an intriguing device now with a built-in video camera. Note that this isn't an HD camera as in the newer Flip cameras, but rather a VGA camera. FM radio is now on board, along with a live pause feature and iPod tagging (so you can buy the songs and not have to listen to the radio again!) These features definitely add value to the Nano, but they feel a generation behind. Low res video, and now after all these years FM radio? Where's the HD radio and HD video?

Game developer investors. As someone who spends a great deal of each day using/reviewing iPhone apps/games, it's getting a little tiring seeing the somewhat misleading assumption from Apple that the number of titles equals success on the platform. There's no denying the iPhone offers revolutionary features in a gaming platform. You also can't deny though, that a large majority of apps wouldn't qualify as sellable on other platforms.

iTunes users with multiple libraries/computers. The new home sharing feature (and app organization) make iTunes 9 a decent update, while the facebook/twitter features (at least in a quick look) don't seem very groundbreaking.

People who recently purchased an iPod Touch. I would've advised everyone I know to not buy the iPod Touch over the last six weeks in order to see what the new Touch would bring. Well, it's out, and if you did recently buy a touch, don't feel too bad.

LOSERS:

Beatles fans. Apple's new LP feature looks custom-made for the Beatles catalog release, but it wasn't to be.

Tablet believers. There's always next time.

iPod Touch cam-fans. How do you have developers on stage to extoll the virtues of the iPhone/iPod Touch OS, then not try to make it easier for them by standardizing hardware with cameras and microphones on the Touch? This is by far the most head-scratching omission from today's event.

What are your thoughts on today's announcements?

Apple Event: Our Predictions

Image: Eva KröcherEveryone else is having their say, so we might as well throw our predictions for today's Apple Event out there as well. Below are my predictions, along with what Jamie of Root Access fame thinks will be released/announced:

Beatles announcement?

Ryan: Apple will use the Beatles to highlight their new digital album package (extra video, behind-the-scenes, etc.) Just releasing the songs on iTunes wouldn't be exciting enough.

Jamie: Yoko says yes! This will happen.

iPod Classic disappears?

Jamie: Gone!

Ryan: I hate to say it because it is the form-factor that actually "is/was" the iPod, but I think it's gone.

iPod Shuffle changes?

Ryan: A return to the old look: buttons!

Jamie: No changes.

iPod Nano price drop?

Ryan: Something will be at $99.

Jamie: No price drop, but it will get a camera and new colors.

New iPod Touch features?

Jamie: Camera on the touch, and a 64GB on the high end. With the classic gone, this is the new high-end iPod.

Ryan: Camera (and video) on the touch. A 64GB model is doubtful, but we'll definitely see it if the classic is discontinued.

Camera on the Nano?

Ryan: No. There needs to be more differentiation between the Touch and Nano.

Jamie: Yes. Leaked cases say so.

Jobs on stage?

Jamie: Nope.

Ryan: Ironically, I think he'll show up if the rest of the news isn't that exciting. I know that's the opposite of most people's thinking, but I think he doesn't want his return to overshadow a big product announcement, like the tablet.

"One More Thing?"

Jamie: Not without Jobs.

Ryan: Agreed.

Tablet announcements?

Jamie: No.

Ryan: 12% chance. Definitely be a surprise at this point.

New iTunes features?

Ryan: Going out on a limb and saying we see a subscription option. Some sort of social feature, but nothing to get too excited about.

Jamie: Facebook/twitter integration, and a new Blu-ray feature. Not adding Bluray drives, but movies will include a code that allows you to download a copy from iTunes for free.

So there you have it. I'm sure some of these will seem laughable this afternoon, and maybe a few will be spot on. What are your predictions for today?

Macgirl's Media pick of the Week - Naked

Audiobooks, depending on who you ask, are either a god-send or the end of civilization as we know it.  I take a stance somewhere in the middle.  There is a time and place for audiobooks, and there are instances when they can be quite enjoyable.  A funny book can be even better when read by a great humorist.  One such talent is NPR contributor David Sedaris. His wry, sarcastic tone is often self-effacing.  His voice is much as I imagined in my head first reading his books.  He adds authenticity and reality to the strange experiences and even stranger people in his life.

Enter my pick of the week: Naked by David Sedaris

Although not his latest book, this is by far my favorite.  Add in the opportunity to hear Sedaris himself reading the prose, and you have a hit.  Just try not to laugh too loud on the morning train.

Zune Tries a Smart Marketing Angle

You probably have an iPod (iPhone). Your friends probably have iPods. So who doesn't have an iPod? (hey, keep it clean!) I'll tell you who: people who primarily listen to the radio. Microsoft has found a way to cleverly reach that audience without alienating radio stations.

The Zune HD touts as one of its features the fact that it receives HD radio signals. Perfect! Now you can hear all the bad stuff* on radio in higher quality! By working with radio rather than against it, Microsoft can reach those people who aren't already plugged into their white earbuds.

Coincidentally, I was listening to the Kidd Kraddick show yesterday, driving in another town. (probably first and last time listening) The host and his sidekicks started wondering aloud whether Apple had lost its coolness, and was getting too big. This was about 20 minutes after an ad for the Zune HD on the same show. Coincidence? Quite honestly, it probably was, but Microsoft might have just found the right cheerleaders in commercial radio to get those who haven't bought an iPod to choose the Zune.

*Full disclosure: Once upon a time, I worked as a radio DJ (or on-air personality as many prefer). And of course when I say "all radio is bad" that's a generalization. Also, while I didn't enjoy his show, props to Kidd Kraddick who secretly kept the zanies coming on stations with his Bit Board service, that delivered 75% of those cool ideas your morning DJ would "come up with."

Macgirl Media Pick of the Week - A bit of Fresh Air

I spend a lot of time on the train each day, and along with reading, I spend hours each week listening to my iPod.  One of my favorites is the NPR podcast Fresh Air with Terry Gross.  A daily podcast focused on current events and interviews on a range of topics.

Every episode is unique and interesting.  Although Terry Gross can sometimes ask the obvious questions that annoy, for the most part she is an excellent interviewer who is blessed with interviewing some of the most talented and intelligent people in the world.  From leaders to writers, actors to artists, athletes and educators... all are represented in a supportive and intriguing environment.  I particularly enjoyed the rebroadcast last week of an interview Terry had with ledgendary Les Paul, who recently passed away.  Give it a listen, it is a full and rich hour of humanity.