Apple brings iPods into the living room with film download service
The new gadget — codenamed the iTV — will wirelessly transmit iTunes music, film, TV and video content from users’ computers to their flat-screen televisions.
Giving a sneak preview of the box before its 2007 launch, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said it would complete the story by bringing Apple into the living room.
It will be preceded by the technology giant’s film download service which will initially launch in the US with 75 titles.
An international launch is expected next year.
Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films have partnered with Apple for its move into films.
Prices range from $12.99 (€10.25) for pre-orders and releases up to one week old and $14.99 (€11.80) thereafter. Older ‘library’ films will cost $9.99 (€7.80).
Movies will take about 30 minutes to download from iTunes for customers with at least 5Meg broadband connections.
They can be viewed on PCs, Apple Macs and laptop computers and on the Apple iPod.
The new download launch follows the success of Apple’s TV show and music video service, which went live less than a year ago.
Unveiling the iTV at a press conference in San Francisco yesterday, Mr Jobs said it would wirelessly transmit content from the user’s computer or Mac to their television.
Apple’s upcoming iTV player will go on sale in the first quarter of next year under a different name, priced at $299 (€235).
It will also wirelessly transmit users’ podcasts and iTunes photo collections to their flat-screen TVs.
In addition, Apple last night announced an upgraded ‘fifth generation’ iPod with various new features, priced at €279 for a 30GB version and €380 for a new, larger 80GB version which is capable of holding up to 20,000 songs.
The smallest iPod — the iPod shuffle — has been redesigned. It is smaller, lighter and has an in-built clip which attaches to the user’s clothes.
The new 1GB iPod shuffle is due to launch worldwide next month priced at €81.
Apple also unveiled a second-generation iPod nano which is slimmer and lighter than the original.
It is made from aluminium and comes in five different colours. Prices range from €149, €190 and €249 for the 2GB, 4GB and 8GB models.
