“Apple Boring? Get over it.”

by stephanie ~ September 12, 2008

Every September, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announces the company’s latest innovations.  This year’s conference caused a whirlwind of negative press when Apple did not unveil a mind-blowing new device.

Sure, Jobs didn’t announce a ridiculously thin computer; he didn’t unveil a cell phone that would change the future of cell phone trends and technology.  But, that’s not to say Apple is “running out of breath” as some bloggers are saying. 

I completely agree with Fortune’s Jon Fortt, who declared “Apple Boring? Get over it.”  I think he hit the nail on the head in his article, noting that the lack of surprise in Tuesday’s conference isn’t as horrible as some are making it out to be.  Apple is one of the most innovative tech companies out there; let them breathe for a minute.  It would be much worse if they tried selling a new product before all the kinks are worked out.

Has the media just become spoiled by Apple?  For the last several years, groundbreaking products and technology have wowed the tech reporters and tech enthusiasts, but this time around the products are just getting better - whether or not they’re “new.” 

Here are some of the highlights:

Jobs announced Apple’s fourth generation iPod Nano.  This new iPod features bigger screens and is available in nine colors.  What’s even more exciting to me is the price drop.  The 8GB model is available for $149, a $50 decrease from the previous model.  The new 16GB model is only $199.  I own the second-generation 4GB iPod Nano, and I’m pretty sure it originally cost the same amount as the new 16GB model.  With the new line coming out in time for the holiday season, I know I won’t be the only one hoping Santa sees the value in these new iPods.

In addition to the new iPod Nano, Jobs introduced some changes with iTunes.  High-def video will be available in the iTunes store, and iTunes will now be able to create playlists based on your song selection.  In a clever marketing ploy, iTunes also suggests songs that you don’t have in your library but may want, based on your current song selection.  In just one-click, you can download one of the suggestions.  This weekend I’ll be downloading the new iTunes, and I’ll see if the new feature woos me enough to become one of the 65 million users with a credit card stored on iTunes.

Stephanie Jones is an intern at Mediashop PR.  A student at Fordham University, Stephanie is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies.