iPod touch (white) hands-on

While Apple's white iPod touch is the same iPod touch that millions and millions of people own and are familiar with - just in another color - it's the first device from Apple to ship with iOS 5 pre-installed. The experience right out of the box with iOS 5 is now perfect, requiring no computer whatsoever to get going. And while this doesn't yet apply to the general public since the only people with iOS 5 back-ups are developers, you can also effortlessly restore all of your backed-up information right to the device from iCloud - no syncing, no cables. Apple's iPod touch is insanely popular for many reasons, but with a new lower price point starting at only $199, a white color option to freshen things up for the holiday season, and iOS 5, Apple has another hit on its hands.

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Google Planning To Launch MP3 Store In The Next Few Weeks?

Google launched their “Google Music” cloud service over 5 months ago and although its been been great for consumers — label executives weren't exactly too fond of the idea. Google Music, in it's current form, is definitely great for your current music library but if there's one area where it's sorely lacking it's being able to cough up some cash and actually buy new music.

Well, according to New York Times, Google is already making the necessary steps towards opening up their own MP3 store, allowing for quick and easy song purchases. Apparently, a few music execs let the cat out of the bag saying Google intends on opening their music store in the next few weeks. Not only does this fall in line with the Ice Cream Sandwich announcement but this could also be an attempt from Google to steal away some of the thunder from Apple's upcoming cloud music service (iTunes Match).

More than likely, this new MP3 store will be tied into Google Music Beta where you could make an MP3 purchase and instantly stream it to various devices from the cloud. This could completely do away with the painful process of uploading huge music libraries to Google Music where users had to spend days, even weeks to access their music from the cloud. Still, I think it would be pretty neat to browse the Android Market for books, movies, apps and music. Every type of media, all in one place.

Big moves, as always, from Google HQ. The only thing that could mess this deal now are those skittish label execs who have always been more than a little wary of Google's open reputation. Let's hope everything works out.

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Hex Icon Watch Band for iPod nano 6th and 7th Generation

We've reviewed silicone watch bands from Hex that convert your iPod nano into a watch, and now we're going to tell you about their newest style for the 6th and 7th generation nano.  The new Icon Watch Band has a polycarbonate case and band, and the style reminds me of those expensive ceramic watches that are so popular now.  You pop the nano in, and the case covers the sides and front, revealing the touchscreen.  The nano's controls are covered by integrated buttons, but the charging connector and headphone jack are open and useable.  The Icon is available in black, white, purple, blue, and green.  The Hex Icon sells for $39.99.

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