My name is Andy Law, I'm a 25 year old graphic designer from San Jose, CA. I love this stuff and Ill bet you do too. Want to find out how I got into design?
Microsoft and Facebook have joined forces to bring us the beta release of Facebook on Xbox. If you would like a chance to see the new software release before the public release then click the trial link and sign yourself up. Beware of the new beta software, Microsoft is very adamant that you know this new software could “damage your console or render your Xbox inoperable” like we need another RRD (red ring of death) to deal with. Ill post an update after reviewing the new FB software in its entirety. Also coming soon to Xbox: Zune HD Video Store, Twitter and Last.fm.
Today I got my hands on a the latest from Apple, a new iPod Nano with Video (Apple iPod Nano 8GB w/video Orange- $149). The new line of pods are manufactured in 9 bright semi-metallic colors and come in both 8GB ($149) and 16GB ($179) models. The main point of this thread it to talk about the iPod nano’s new features, I will assume that you generally know what iPods can do and the basic functionality of these devices, with that said I will just cover the new features… lets get going.
Yes, that’s right you can record video from your new iPod nano. The camera records at H.264 VGA video, 640 by 480 pixels, up to 30 frames per second with AAC audio. That means that you are not recording in HD (far from it) but its high enough quality so that you can record that new video of your little brother putting kitten mittens on your moms cat and post it directly onto YouTube. You should also note that there are 15 different live effects so that you can get your James Cameron on. The real time effects include (Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Dent, Stretch, and Twirl).
FM Radio is now live on your iPod, not only can you listen to your favorite radio stations (yes, there are still static problems, its not HD Radio) but you can even pause a station and tag your favorite songs. Reconnect your iPod to your PC or Mac and iTunes 9 will identify those songs you tagged from your iPod radio and allow you to purchase them from the iTunes Store.
Can’t remember what song you are listening to? Well ask your iPod. This feature (released first on the iPhone) is now available on the new line of iPods. Clicking the center wheel and VoiceOver will tell you the artist and song title of the track you are listening to, without interrupting your music. Note: the Radio receiver is in the headphones so you cannot listen to the radio when they are detached.
Overall Impression
There is not much to complain about this new 5th Generation iPod Nano, the build is solid and complete the user interface is smooth and customizable and the video camera is, well, its there. I would not buy this just for the video camera alone, (please don’t plan on recording any full length feature films on this device, I’m amazed that they could even get this into such a compact product!) but if you need or want an iPod this should knock your socks off. If you have any comments please post them below, I’d love to hear them! [My thanks to Greg for his help with this post!]
