September 9, 2008

New iPods, software fixes for iPhone, Apple says

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

The wait is over.

Apple fanatics have new iPods to choose from -- and software designed to reduce the number of dropped calls and other service problems that have plagued the new iPhone since it debuted this summer, the company announced today.

New quarter-inch thick nanos -- said to be the thinnest ever -- will come in eight colors and will arrive in stores in the next few days, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at a press conference in San Francisco. The fourth-gen nano will be available in 8GB and 16GB models starting at $149.

At one-third of an inch thick, a new iTouch -- the grammatically cringe-worthy "funnest ever" -- is also being touted as super slender. Prices range from $229 for an 8GB unit to $399 for the 32GB music player.

And iPhone users who've been frustrated by malfunctions will likely be eager to download new software Friday that will minimize dropped calls and application crashes, as well as extend the device's battery life, the Washington Post reports.

Jobs, who battled pancreatic cancer four years ago, added that he's not dying.

"The reports of my death," read one of his slides at the product unveiling, "are greatly exaggerated."

(Image of iPods by Apple)

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American