I received word from The Adventurer that Steve Jobs is launching the new generation iPods today. This will include a new feature on iTunes called “Genius.” Surprisingly, this has got nothing to do with DJ Fresh whatsoever.

The iPod Nano – as before

The Times Online reports:

A new generation of iPods is set to be launched by Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, tomorrow.

A swirl of speculation points to price cuts, a new “skinnier” look for the iPod nano and a raft of updates for Apple’s market-leading iTunes online music store. Apple is saying nothing official.

The success of the iPhone has pushed the iconic iPod and its siblings, the nano and the shuffle, into the shadows.

The new iPod nano is said to be longer and skinnier with a more distinct curve to the screen. Images on various blogging websites back this up.

The iPod touch is thought to be getting a memory upgrade and a price cut to bring it in line with the cost of the 8Gb iPhone 3G. In the US the 8Gb iPod touch costs $299 and the 8Gb iPhone 3G costs $199.

According to a post by Kevin Rose, founder of the Digg website, Tuesday will see the launch of iTunes 8 with a new music recommendation engine called “Genius”.

Currently iTunes recommends songs from iTunes based on past purchases. Genius will supposedly scan the owner’s music library and give recommendations.

It will also apparently choose songs that are already owned and arrange similar songs to give a more cohesive listening experience. How it does this is not yet clear.

[much more here]

Awesome! It would be even more awesome if one could buy songs on iTunes with a South African credit card. I’m lucky enough to have an overseas credit card linked to my account, but I certainly do feel for those who don’t.

At least we’ve got Rhythm Records online!