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A couple of days ago Apple unveiled several new iPod music players and an updated edition to its iTunes software. In addition, the company showed off a device code-named iTV that will enable it to enter consumers living rooms, by allowing users to stream television and movie content - including wirelessly - bought through iTunes to their television.

While the screens of the iPod's are still 2.5 inches, Apple has boosted brightness 60 percent. The top-of-the-line iPod model is now 80 GB ($349), up from a previous high of 60 GB. There is also a new $249 30 GB model.

The latest iPod nano models have aluminum bodies and battery life improved to up to 24 hours, with the highest capacity model containing 8 GB ($249) of storage, twice as much as before. A 2 GB version goes for $149 and 4 GB $199.

Apple's most recent version of the shuffle is only the size of a matchbox (half a cubic inch in volume weighing less than an ounce). It lasts for 12 hours, holds up to 240 songs, and sells for $79.

Disney, which purchased Apple head Steve Job's Pixar Animation Studios earlier this year, is the first studio to sign up for movie download service (see here for details). Older titles will go for $9.99, and new ones $12.99 when they are released on DVD and $14.99 after a week. ABC, owned by Disney, was the first television network to offer shows through iTunes as well last October. Today 40 networks take part.

The iTV gadget is due early next year for about $299. And all video downloads will soon be available at twice their current resolution, 640 x 480 pixels, as opposed to 320 x 240.

Zune Soon
Microsoft officially introduced its highly anticipated move into Apple iPod territory yesterday. Built by Toshiba, and based at least in part on the manufactures Gigabeat music player, Zune has a 3-inch display - 50 percent larger than the iPod's 2-inch - as well as an FM tuner and W-Fi—both missing from the iPod.

Redmond indicated it'll be aggressive on pricing, so its 30 GB music player won't be underut by Apple's newley announced $249 30 GB model. It should ship by the holiday season.

Unlike Apple's iPod and iTunes service, Microsoft said Zune users will be able to purchase music as well as subscribe to an all-you-can-eat music plan. There will be about 2 million songs at launch through the Zune Marketplace.

In additon Zune owners will be able to share tracks, third-parties will create peripherals for the device, and the first Zune player - to be available in black, brown and white - is only the first of many new device to come.

Click here for the full story on the Zune introduction.