New iOS, iPod's, iTunes and AppleTV

I don't think I need to say much about the media event that Apple held earlier this evening as I'm sure that any true TECH geek will have watched the event live. However, for those that missed it, the following new Apple products were announced:

iOS 4.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch - The new version will be available as a free download for all iPhone, and iPod Touch owners on 8th September. It includes bug fixes for the proximity sensor and apparently significantly improves performance on the iPhone 3G (let's hope so). It also brings a couple of new features, firstly High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos and Game Center that was previously announced as part of the iOS 4.0 launch a few months ago. If you are an Apple iOS developer your can download the final GM build now.

iOS 4.2 for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad - We also got a sneak peek at iOS 4.2 which is set to be released in November and this time it's all about the iPad. This free upgrade will finally bring all the features of iOS 4.x to the iPad, but will also include wireless printing and the ability to stream content over wireless to other Apple devices (such as the newly released AppleTV). For more information check out Apple's iOS 4.2 preview page.

New iPod Shuffle, Nano and Touch - The least surprising part of the event was the release of the new iPod range. The most significant change went to the iPod Nano which is now approximately the same shape (and size) as the shuffle, but includes a tiny (square) touch screen.

Apple also brought the iPod Touch up to the iPhone 4's specification, with the A4 architecture, retina display and camera support for FaceTime. Head over to Apple's iPod section for all the details.

iTunes 10 - The new release of iTunes for Mac and Windows includes an updated user interface (see below) and the launch of a new service called Ping. Ping is Apple's answer to social networking for music lovers. It allows you to follow your favourite bands, buy music and concert tickets and network with other fans. Think FaceBook for music, right inside iTunes. This has been a long rumored new feature, so it is nice to see it finally released to the public.

New AppleTV - Even though Apple are still calling the AppleTV a hobby, it looks like they are finally taking it a bit more seriously. The new version is a complete re-think, that focuses on streamed and rented content from the iTunes store. The device itself is now Apple A4 powered and is a quarter of the size of the original AppleTV.

It includes a HDMI out (although only 720p playback), digital optical out, ethernet port and 802.11n wireless. The AppleTV software has also been overhauled (probably now a version of iOS) focusing on renting movies and TV from iTunes and steaming media from your other Apple products. The device itself looks good, but due to the lack of offline content support, I don't think the hardcore media community will find a lot of use for it (unless we can install boxee somehow). On the plus side it is available for $99 in the US, but as always we get stung for £99 in the UK (approximately $150 US).

For more information and a hands on preview with each of the new products I suggest you head over to Engadget.

How To Get Free Apple Products

I have recently started using the referral services offered by freebiejeebies to receive free Apple products. These range from Mac's, iPhone's and iPod's.

The process is incredibly simple and 100% legitimate. freebiejeebies is affiliated with loads of well known companies from all around the world such as LoveFilm, NetFlix, HSBC, Gala Bingo, etc, and they use Royal Mail in the UK to send the free gifts. Unfortunately most people think this deal is too good to be true (mainly because they don't understand how and why it works) and therefore they let this amazing offer pass them by. However, it is important to note that there are thousands of people worldwide taking advantage of these services to get free gifts.

To help you get started in receiving your free Apple products I have put together this simple 5 step guide to explain everything.

1. Sign up for a free account at apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk.
2. Complete an offer. I recommend completing the LoveFilm offer as it’s free and you also get to receive a free DVD rental! (Please note that there are many other offers available to choose from, LoveFilm just happens to be the easiest to complete and 100% free).
3. Whilst logged into apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk select “My Status” to change your free apple gift. For example a free iPod Nano (5referrals).
4. Next you have to refer some friends and/or family to do the same. It is usually very easy to refer 2 people to get started which will reward you with a free iPod Shuffle. (Don’t forget to ask your Facebook, MySpace and Twitter friends).
5. Finally once you have enough referrals you only have to click the verify button on apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk for them to ship you your free gift. (Note: apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk verifies gifts every weekend and gifts are usually received on a Tuesday).

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer. Also check out freeappleproducts.net and www.exceem.co.uk for more details. Good luck and enjoy your free Apple products...