The New Apple TV

Apple has spoken once again. In a live stream, Steve Jobs has relayed to us another message from the tech gods of Silicon Valley.

So for those of you who have not seen the September keynote yet you can watch it here. Otherwise, we now have the newest version of the iPod Touch, complete with two cameras ala iPhone 4, complete with the FaceTime ability to video chat over wifi; iTouch to iTouch and iTouch to iPhone etc. The iPod Nano has been updated as well. It is the size of the Shuffle but has lost the control pad entirely for a multi-touch touch-screen. It doesn't run apps like the iPod Touch, but the user-interface is much the same, including the icons for settings, photos, iTunes etc. The Nano also takes advantage of cover flow, allowing you to view cover art and manage your songs in the same way.

Secondly, iTunes itself has been updated. The interface has been cleaned up slightly, and the program has an updated logo (a jab at the obsolescence of the compact disc). However, the main difference is the new built-in social network called Ping. Ping looks and operates very much like Facebook, and it allows you to post concert videos, pics, clips from your favorite albums, and follow your friends and favorite artists. The central focus of Ping is music, so it's not meant to replace your favorite social network, but be a music-focused addition to it.

Lastly, Apple has revisited a past product, Apple TV. It was previously released back in 2006, but it didn't catch on as much as Apple's other devices. Now it is being re-released and updated. The size of the 'box' has been reduced so that it fits in the palm of your hand, and the previous heat issue has been solved so that the device remains much cooler than the original. There are only three ports in the back of the device for power, HDMI and ethernet connections, so it won't add too many wires to the maze behind your entertainment center.

The other great part of the deal is that the whole setup is very inexpensive. The box itself costs $99. It already comes with Netflix streaming capabilities, on top of which you have the option to rent movies and TV shows starting at $.99 (capping at $4.99). Everything you watch will be in HD and completley commercial-free. Apple TV is also connected to YouTube, iTunes Pod Casts, hundreds of radio stations and more free of charge! In addition, through your home wifi connection, you can wirelessly stream video and pictures from your iPhone, iTouch, or iPad to your TV instantly and incredibly easily. This feature comes in handy if you have existing videos on your Apple device, say an iPad. Rather than pay to rent them on Apple TV, or if they are not available on Netflix, you can start it on your iPad and stream it directly to your television. The same can be done with your favorite photos. Just open your iPhoto on your desktop or iPad/Phone/Touch, and stream them straight to your TV in seconds. It will automatically play them in a slideshow.

Apple TV represents an innovative addition/alternative to cable television. With new features and a great low price, it's sure to catch on.