Wednesday, Sep 1, 2010    Text size: 

The new Apple TV set-top box is a quarter of the size of the current device, which was introduced four years ago, and will stream TV shows for 99 cents. However, only Walt Disney Co.’s ABC TV network and NewsCorp.’s Fox network have signed on so far.

"Not all of them wanted to take this step with us. We think the other studios will see the light," Jobs said.

With no subscription necessary, users can rent movies the same day as their release for $4.99 and in high-definition, when available.

The Apple TV has an HDMI connector to hook into a high-definition TV and is Wi-Fi enabled. It has no storage, as all offerings require online rentals.

In about a month, the device will be available for $99, down from the $229 price tag on the current version.

Jobs also revealed upgrades to its entire range of iPod music players, which he said the company has sold 275 million of, which will be available next week.

The iPod Touch will be getting a front-facing video camera, enabling users to use the Facetime live video chat service when they’re in Wi-Fi areas. It also will feature a higher-resolution screen like the one of the iPhone, plus a rear-facing camera.

Price will be $229 for the 8GB storage model, and $399 for the 64GB model.

The iPod Nano features an upgrade from the traditional click wheel to a touch screen, and will include a radio. Its price starts at $148 for the 8GB version.

The iPod Shuffle has upgraded to button controls and is priced at $49.

Jobs also announced the launch of a new version of the operating system for the iPhone and iPod Touch, IOS 4.1, which is available next week for free for iPhone and iPod Touch users.

The latest operating system for the iPad tablet is scheduled for November and will include wireless connections to printers and the streaming of audio and video to remote devices.

Apple also announced a new social-network feature added to iTunes called Ping that allows users to establish profiles, send messages to friends and share video clips. Jobs called it a “social network all about music.”