Refreshed iPods

In perhaps the most disappointing announcement today was the refreshed iPods. Same screen size, same profile, same concept. I was really hoping for the much-rumored "true" video iPod. Perhaps another day. This is a true refresh; Apple still refers to the "new" iPods as "5th generation". Rumors have it that the 6th generation is on track for Q1 2007.

The screen is 60% brighter than the current model, has twice the battery power for video, enhanced ear buds and has some new interface features.

The most important and significant feature is gapless playback. Finally you can listen to The Wall without that annoying gap between songs. iTunes is also now gapless.

Included with gapless playback is the ability to purchase, download and play enhanced games. Tetris, Pac-Man, Mahjong and others for only $4.99. I enjoy playing solitare, brick and parachute, but they get old fast. The new games look great. These are available for the new iPods as well as all 5th generation iPods.

You can now also search for songs by scrolling in letters in a new search interface. I like the idea. Also, as you scroll through your list the letter you are scrolling through will appear. Nice and much-needed tweaks to the interface.

Overall a decent refresh, but not what I or many people were hoping for. The 30GB model is now more affordable at $249 and the top-of-the-line 80GB model (up from 60GB) is $349.