Sun
CREDIT: The Associated Press Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs enjoys an episode of television’s Desperate Housewives on his video-capable iPod. The newest item in the portable-player line, it was introduced yesterday in San Jose, Calif.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Apple Computer Inc. unveiled yesterday an iPod capable of playing videos, evolving the portable music player of choice into a multimedia platform for everything from TV shows to music videos.
Videos will now be sold alongside songs on Apple’s iTunes Music Store.
Citing a groundbreaking deal with ABC Television Group, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said the online iTunes store will sell episodes of hit shows Desperate Housewives and Lost for $1.99 US each, making them available the day after they air.
“It’s never been done before, where you could buy hit TV shows and buy them online the day after they’re shown,” said Jobs whose other company, Pixar Animation Studios Inc., has a long relationship with ABC’s parent, the Walt Disney Co.
“This is the first giant step to making more content available to more people online,” said Robert Iger, Disney’s chief executive.
“It is the future as far as I’m concerned. It’s a great marriage between content and technology and I’m thrilled about it.”
The new video iPod, available in black or white, will be able to play video and podcasts.
A 30-gigabyte version will sell for $299 and a 60-gigabyte, $399.
Extra features on both versions include a clock, a calendar that Jobs said never looked better, a stop watch and a screen lock.
“It’s really very beautiful and very thin,” Jobs said at the much anticipated news conference.
© The Vancouver Province 2005
