Apple Introduces Two New iPods.

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Author: Cohen, Peter

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Apple also introduced the iPod U2 Special Edition, a version of Apple's 20GB player clad in black plastic and equipped with a red Click Wheel.

The iPod Photo, which comes in 40GB ($499) and 60GB ($599) models, looks nearly identical to the previous generation of full-size iPods. The big difference is its 220-by-176-pixel color screen, capable of displaying photos in 65,536 colors. The new model can display 25 color photo thumbnails at a time, as well as slide shows set to your music, and lets you scroll through your photos the same way you scroll through music playlists. (Apple claims improved battery life of up to 15 hours for music, or 5 hours of continuous slide shows.) The iPod Photo can also display the album art that's embedded in each purchased song from the iTunes Music Store (or in tracks to which you've added art yourself). An included AV cable lets you connect the iPod Photo to a TV or video projector for display, either directly or via the dock.

Apple has extended support for iTunes' AutoSync technology, which syncs music on the iPod and on your Mac, to the iPhoto software as well. Windows users can autosync with Adobe Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Album, or a user's My Pictures folder (photo syncing requires iTunes 4.7 or higher).

The iPod U2 Special Edition celebrates Apple's promotional partnership with the legendary Irish rock band. The 20GB iPod U2 ($349) stands out with its black-and-red coloration, and it has signatures of all four band members laser-engraved on the back. Apple also announced that it will offer a digital box set--a first in the online music industry. The Complete U2 will feature every U2 album (including the new How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb), plus more than 25 rare and unreleased tracks--more than 400 tracks in all--for $149. Those who buy the iPod U2 Special Edition will get an iTunes Music Store coupon for $50 off the box set.

Apple also announced that it is opening the doors of new iTunes Music Stores to users in Canada, as well as those in the EU nations of Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

PHOTO (COLOR)

PHOTO (COLOR)

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By Peter Cohen