iPod Shuffle
The smallest of Apple’s lineup, the iPod Shuffle received a price reduction, some new colors, and an increase in capacity. Pricing starts at just $59 for the 2GB model and $79 for the 4GB model. Both those capacities will be available in silver, black, pink, blue and green. Apple also threw in an extra feature, VoiceOvers. This feature lets the iPod shuffle speak song titles, artists, and playlist names.

iPod Nano
Apple took an interesting step with their next upgrade. They decided to squeeze in a Camera and Microphone into the popular iPod Nano. The new built-in speakers will allow listening to clips that you have recorded. And with the latest version of iTunes, recordings can be easily uploaded to YouTube. Also thrown in was a built-in FM radio, which many competing products such as the Microsoft Zune have had. The radio can also identify and tag songs for future purchase in iTunes.  The Nike workout accessory is no longer needed since the device has a built-in pedometer. Data can be uploaded to Nike when synced as always. Pricing is now set at $149 for 8GB and $179 for 16GB. Both versions will be available in nine colors: silver, black, purple, blue, green, orange, yellow, (PRODUCT) RED and pink.

iPod Touch
Apple’s focus at the media event would probably be the iPod Touch. It’s the most powerful of the iPod line up and only a notch below what the iPhone offers. The biggest news would be the extreme price cut. The 8GB now costs just $199. This gives a larger audience much more affordable access to the iTunes Application store. For those who were seeking more storage space, a 32GB model is available for $299 and a 64GB model for $399. Apple also increased the graphical performance making room for better games. Over 20,000 games are already available in the App Store. The one missing feature would probably be the Camera. The iPod Touch will ship with the 3.1 OS.

iTunes 9
The other update of the day was a major upgrade to iTunes. It features an upgraded and redesigned interface, a new iTunes Store, and improved syncing. Home Sharing, also included in the new version, allows easily transferring music, photos, and videos among a maximum of 5 authorized machines. iPhone and iPod Touch users can organize their downloaded Apps from the iTunes interface. There are plenty more minor enhancements, such as Jump Lists for Windows 7, but we won’t go into details. The new version of QuickTime, isn’t included for anyone other than Snow Leopard users.

Final Notes:
The new iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, and iPod Touch are all available for purchase in retail stores today. The latest version of iTunes 9 is also available for download on Macintosh and Windows now.

Links: Apple.com | Apple Store
Buy: Amazon.com – New iPods

Since Skatter Tech is approaching our 300 post, we are offering all our readers a chance of wining a brand new Apple iPod Shuffle. The Shuffle can hold 1GB of storage (~240 songs), has 12hrs of battery life, is available in 5 colors, and costs $79. To enter our FREE giveaway contest you must meet all the requirements stated below and perform the following steps:

How To Sign Up:
1) Add Skatter Tech to your Technorati Favs
2) Leave a comment with the following info:

• a) Your Name (in the name field)
• b) Your Email (in the email field)
• c) Technorati User Name in the comments
• d) Color you want: Silver/Blue/Pink/Green/Orange

3) You are done!

Restrictions:
1) Must live within in the United States, Canada, or U.K.
2) Attempting to sign up more than once will result in disqualification.
3) You still may enter other future contests if you don’t win.

Other Info:
Contestants will be picked randomly until one is found that meets the requirements and has successfully completed instructions. We will not accept any entries made after 03/31/07. The winner of the contest will be announced on April 2, 2007. The winner will be announced here and contacted by the email address he/she has provided.

UPDATE: The winner of the contest is “Dean Patel”! He has already responded to our email, therefore will be receiving a brand new 1GB GREEN iPod Shuffle. Thanks to all who participated in the contest. We plan to have another giveaway within a few months, so check back!

Apple released the new 2nd generation iPod Shuffle last month. Many have complained that the unit is too small, making it quite easy to drop. Although the shuffle has been proven to withstand occasional drops, since it is an item that is constantly handled, we still would recommend purchasing a case. Proporta was generous enough to provide Skatter Tech with three of the iPod Shuffle cases they recently released: steel sleeve, crystal sleeve, and silicone sleeve. (continue reading for a 10% off coupon code)

Protection:
All three of the cases protect the front and sides of the iPod Shuffle. In addition, the crystal and silicone sleeves protect the top and bottom. The silicone sleeve is the only one of the three that also protects the click-wheel. The steel sleeve has an inner lining of foam to prevent scratching the unit and is the strongest. Despite this, we would still rate the silicone sleeves to offer the best protection for your iPod Shuffles.

Design:
The steel sleeve has a neat and tight fit around the iPod Shuffle giving it a new expensive and stylish look, while the other two do just the opposite. The clear crystal sleeve looks a bit cheap, easily traps dust, and shows scratches. The silicone sleeve captures even more dust and has a considerably large Proporta logo on the front, destroying the simplicity. Of the three the steel sleeve is, by far, the best looking case.

Currently available colors. Steel: black, blue, chrome, green, pink, purple, red, silver, and white. Crystal: black, blue, clear, pink, and red. Silicone: black, blue, pink, and white.

Usability:
All cases have openings to allow access to all necessary buttons and ports. Although the cases don’t affect the actual usability of the Shuffle, they do create one major flaw. Because the sleeves wrap around the iPod, they no longer can be placed into the provided dock unless removed. Removing the case constantly may become somewhat of a hassle for those constantly sync or charge their iPod Shuffle. We do not know if it is possible due to the current design of the dock, but Proporta should consider including some sort of adaptor to save users the trouble.

Although the silicone sleeve does the best job of protecting the iPod, our favorite case was the steel sleeve. We suggest purchasing some type of case for the Shuffle since it’s so tiny. Each of the three models will cost $8.95. Although it may seem a bit expensive for such a small piece of material, it’s still a good price considering the $80 iPod it protects. Unfortunately the cases are currently not available through the online Apple Store, but can be purchased directly from Proporta’s website (proporta.com). Finally (what you’ve been waiting for) since since you have read the Skatter Tech review, you are welcome to use ‘SKATTERTECH’ during checkout for a 10% discount on any of the cases mentioned above.

If you know of any other better cases/sleeves for the 2nd gen iPod Shuffle leave us a note in the comments. Also check back for a review of Proporta’s 2nd gen iPod Nano Case!

Links: Proporta.com | Steel | Crystal | Silicone
Coupon Code: SKATTERTECH (10% discount)
Related: Agent 18 iPod Nano Shock Shield