News 

Although the basic look and feel of the iPod remains the same as before, there are a number of significant changes. The single track pad control remains, but the play, forward and back buttons have been moved and are now located in a row above the wheel. Apple has also added a docking station, which enables the iPod to connect via FireWire or USB 2, an interface more common on Windows-based PCs. The dock also includes an audio line out port, so the iPod can be plugged directly into speakers or a hi-fi system.

The iPod also supports a new audio encoding format, AAC audio, which provides a higher sound quality for no increase in file size. AAC encoding is provided by Apple's new iTunes 4 software. However MP3 and WAV files can still be played and remain the only options for Windows users.

Playlists can now be created on the iPod itself, as well as in iTunes and then imported. In addition to creating these On-The-Go playlists, iPod users can rate music directly on the player and add frequently used menu items to the main menu. Apple

ADVERTISEMENT

has also increased the number of games on the iPods; Solitaire, Brick and Parachute can now be played. As before, Mac users can view iCal calendars, Address Book contacts and text files on their iPods, and use them as an external hard drive for storing data files.

There are now three iPod versions, with capacities of 10, 15 or 30GB, storing up to 7,500 songs, costing £249, £299, and £399 respectively. This represents a notable saving on the previous models. The 10GB iPod is now cheaper than the discontinued 5GB model, and £80 cheaper than the discontinued 10GB. The 15GB iPod is £30 cheaper than the old 10GB, while the 30GB iPod is the same price as the old 20GB.

Only the 15 and 30GB models include the dock, remote control and case. All three models are both Mac and Windows compatible, with iTunes and MusicMatch Jukebox Plus software included. USB 2 software will be available in June, will be Windows only and will require a USB adapter, sold separately. A PC FireWire adapter is included.

'The competition hasn't even caught up with our first generation iPod, and we're introducing our third generation,' said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.

Further details from www.apple.com/uk/ipod. Apple has also released updated software for the original iPods. iPod Software 1.3 adds iTunes 4 support including playback of AAC files, interface improvements, increase playback time on scroll-wheel iPods and longer standby time. iPod software 1.3 for Mac OS 9 and X is available through Software Update or from www.apple.com/uk/ipod/download.