Apple unveils thin laptop and movie rentals
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a number of new consumer products, including the world’s thinnest laptop and movie rentals for iTunes users.
The laptop, called MacBook Air, is just 0.76 inches thick and does not have a CD or DVD drive in order to save space.
Launching the device at an event in San Francisco, chief executive Steve Jobs also outlined plans to take on the TV and movie industries with film rentals and an overhaul of its Apple TV offering.
The company has signed deals with all of the major movie studios, including 20th Century Fox, Universal and Walt Disney, to allow iTunes users to download rented films and watch them on computers, iPods, iPhones or Apple TV.
It’s expected that 1,000 film titles will be available by the end of February, with rentals costing $2.99 (£1.50). The service will be rolled out globally after an initial US launch.
Apple TV will become a more movie-orientated device, allowing consumers to download movies from iTunes directly from their widescreen TV.
There will also be upgrades for the iPhone and iPod Touch, with both gaining a map application and web clips from selected sites.
Jobs said: “We’ve built the world’s thinnest notebook—without sacrificing a full-size keyboard or a full-size 13-inch display.
“When you first see MacBook Air, it’s hard to believe it’s a high-performance notebook with a full-size keyboard and display. But it is.”
Jim Gianopulos, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment, said: “Apple has created an incredibly easy and innovative way to rent and enjoy movies.
“Millions of movie lovers will be able to watch wonderful movies from Fox and the other major studios whenever and wherever they want, be it on their computer, TV, iPod or iPhone.”
To read Nikki Preston's blog on this story and to have your say, visit madcomments.co.uk
| Bookmark with: |
