iPod shuffle Price Cut, New 2GB Model [Update: UK Pricing]

Apple today announced that the iPod shuffle is now even more affordably priced at $49 (£32) and that it is introducing a new 2GB model of the iPod shuffle for $69 (£45).

“At just $49, the iPod shuffle is the most affordable iPod ever,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “The new 2GB model lets music lovers bring even more songs everywhere they go in the impossibly small iPod shuffle.”

The new 1GB iPod shuffle is available immediately for a suggested retail price of $49 (£32). The 2GB iPod shuffle will be available later this month for a suggested retail price of $69 (£45).

BBC Worldwide Shows Hit iTunes Store

Following on from rumours that came to light earlier today, it appears that BBC Worldwide content has begun to appear (iTunes Link) on the UK iTunes Store.

As of writing the content is only available in the UK.

The following shows are now available from the BBC on the UK iTunes Store; Torchwood, Spooks, The Mighty Boosh, Life on Mars, The Catherine Tate Show, Spooks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Little Britain.

128GB SSD Drive Suitable for Use in MacBook Air

Mtron has announced that they have developed a 128GB 1.8-inch solid state drive (SSD) with a ZIF-type interface, the drive is 100% compatible with the MacBook Air and will ship in April of this year.

Mtron’s new SSD with Single Level Cell (SLC) Flash memory supports PATA (ZIF-type) interface and has a maximum reading speed of 120MB/s and writing speed of 100MB/s, which is more than 6 times faster than the current 1.8 inch HDD. Therefore when it’s used in laptop PC and UMPC, it delivers much faster performance than desktop. Mtron also released 1.8 Inch SSD with Multi Level Cell (MLC) Flash memory, which provides maximum memory capacity of up to 128 GB along with a maximum reading speed of 110 MB/s and writing speed of 40MB/s.

It is unknown at this time whether Apple will add this drive to the MacBook Air build-to-order system but the drive will certainly be capable of adding to a MacBook Air.

Pricing for the drive is not currently available.

American Idol Performances Exclusively on iTunes

Apple has announced via press release that they have partnered with Fox Broadcasting Company to provide performances from Season 7 of American Idol the day following the broadcast.

“We have some truly outstanding talent this year, and by working with Apple and iTunes, we’re giving viewers another great way to enjoy America’s brightest new stars from ‘Idol,’” said Simon Fuller, creator of “American Idol” and Founder of 19 Entertainment. “I’m sure there will be many memorable performances that viewers will want to relive from this 2008 season.”

“We’ve created a special section on the iTunes Store for ‘Idol’ fans with an incredible array of music and video performances from television’s most popular show,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “We think ‘American Idol’ viewers are going to love the ability to purchase and download ‘Idol’ performances from iTunes.”

Customers can purchase music performances for 99 cents per song, and viewers will be able to purchase the full video of Top 12 finalist performances for $1.99, starting March 11.

Gallery: iPod nano (3rd Generation)

Last week World of Apple posted a gallery of the brand new pink iPod nano, this week we’re posting photos of the red iPod nano.

iPod nano (3G), iPod nano (2G), iPhone

Included in the gallery is several shots of the user interface, and comparison photos of the third generation iPod nano against the iPhone and the second generation iPod nano.

View the Gallery

Apple Just Developing Games for iPod and iPhone

A recent article pointed towards Apples recent change of trademark to cover gaming, it sparked speculation that Apple could be about to enter the video game market.

Develop magazine believes that the change is simply to encompass gaming on both the iPod and iPhone, according to the magazine Apple has no interest in releasing a dedicated gaming device;

“Apple is very protective of the reputation it has built in the electronics market,” said our source - familiar with Apple’s conversations with software companies - speaking under conditions of anonymity. “So don’t hold your breath for an announcement of an ‘iGame’ console just yet.”

The iPod touch and iPhone currently lack any official games from Apple.