Apple continues their keynote by introducing Keynote or rather iWork for the iPad.  Instead of just being a big e-reader and iPod Touch the new iPad can use Pages, Numbers and Keynote all specially designed with a multi-touch interface.

Update: Each app from iWork is just $9.99

  The Zune has a sympathetic pull on the gadget loving side of me.  While I generally use Apple products, I like the drive of the underdog.  Microsoft knows how to play catchup as we have seen with the Xbox 360 and the great experience many of us have online with our friends.  The real question is will Microsoft hit a home run with the Zune HD?  If you have an iPod Touch then you can guess the Zune HD will have a similar feature set.  The real problem lies in the lack of a hugely successful app store.  I am cautiously optimistic that Zune HD can deliver such an app store, but Microsoft has a vast pocket to draw from.  The marketing power of a company with such monetary resources that far outweigh most companies certainly helps get Zune noticed.  

  Lets be honest with ourselves, who does not want Apple to have competition?  Competition brings out the best in a company as they compete for features, value and price.  The problem Microsoft is going to have is pulling those who have iPods into a market dominated by that familiar touch interface or click wheel.  The other hurdle lies in iTunes and the very competent Zune player.  If you have not use Zune player then you are missing out.  Not only does it offer a great experience, mixview and bios on artists not found in iTunes, but it offers a subscription service that is a very compelling reason for Zune.   With the great interface and experience of Zune player comes the problem that it is simply not iTunes. 

  I could go on and on about the benefits or disadvantages of the Zune, but this holiday should be interesting to see what Apple has up its sleeve and if the Zune HD makes any more headway into an iPod dominated market.  

Lets hear what you think about Zune HD and if you plan to buy one for yourself.

  Alpine is releasing their first touch-screen receiver.  The IXA-W404 will only fit in a 2-din compatible car, but offers a QVGA touch-screen which is fully compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch.  The reciver can also play video files from the iPhone or iPod using a USB interface.  See the press release below:

Alpine iXA-W404 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver

The iXA-W404 is Alpine’s first touch-screen digital media receiver. Designed to deliver a
fully integrated iPod®/iPhone® experience in the car, the receiver has no CD
mechanism. The iXA-W404 meets Apple Inc.’s specifications for the “Made for iPod” and
“Works with iPhone” designations, and features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and superior digital sound quality. The USB input also enables
connection to USB memory devices. The iXA-W404 can also play iPod/iPhone video
files.

The 2-DIN iXA-W404 gives users two ways to navigate and access their iPod music via
their in-dash head unit: the double-encoder knob and the vibrant 4.3-inch QVGA color
touch-screen monitor. The unit’s intuitive user interface and search menu are very
similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch interface, so that users can continue the familiar iPod
experience in the car. The unit’s ultra-responsive touch-screen lets users quickly browse
through their file collection by lightly dragging the on-screen album covers with their
finger. The current album is shown in the center of the screen, with the previous two
albums/songs and next two album/songs on either side of the current selection. Users
can also navigate through files alphabetically via an alphabet bar shown on the right side
of the screen.

For those who want more from their aftermarket head unit, the iXA-W404 delivers. It is
enabled for integrated Bluetooth connectivity so that users can conduct hands-free
phone conversations through the car’s sound system. (Separate Bluetooth module
required.) The iXA-W404 can also connect to a variety of additional sources, such as HD
Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging and multicasting, satellite radio, navigation and more.
(Additional products and subscriptions required.) Discerning audio enthusiasts can enjoy
custom sound processing with the addition of a separate Alpine IMPRINT Audio
Processor.

The iXA-W404’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine iDA-X305 Digital Media Receiver

The iDA-X305 represents Alpine’s third generation of mech-less Digital Media Receivers. It
has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity and is designed to deliver a fully
integrated iPod/iPhone experience in the car. It features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and premium digital sound quality.

The iDA-X305’s crisp 2.2-inch color TFT screen displays artist, album and song
information, as well as album art. The unit’s double-action encoder knob enables maximum
control over all iPod/iPhone music search functions, including search by playlist, artist,
album, song, genre, podcasts, audiobooks and composer. Quick Search and Alphabet
Search make it fast and easy to navigate the largest of music libraries.

Built on Alpine’s proprietary Ai-NET platform, the iDA-X305 can connect to a wide variety of
digital entertainment options for a more enjoyable driving experience, including hands-free
Bluetooth; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and multicasting; and satellite radio. (Separate
tuners, adapters, subscriptions and cables required.) The head unit’s dedicated USB input
also allows connection of USB MP3/WMA players and USB mass storage devices.
Discerning audio enthusiasts may enjoy customized, superior quality IMPRINT sound with
the addition of the PXA-H100 Audio Processor (sold separately).

The iDA-X305 features a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier, three pairs of pre-outs and a 24-bit
DAC. Users can also choose blue or red illumination.

The iDA-X305’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine CDE-102 CD Receiver

The CDE-102 head unit features a front panel USB port for memory sticks and portable hard
drives, as well as a front panel auxiliary input. It is ideal for consumers looking for an
integrated solution for music playback from a memory stick, portable hard drive or portable
music player.

The CDE-102 also has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity, which is
available through the KCE-433iV Full Speed Connection for iPod/iPhone cable (sold
separately). Both offer fast access to music files from the head unit and on-screen display of
song information. The Percentage Search feature divides music libraries into six sections
that can be accessed via six preset buttons on the head unit, making file navigation quick
and easy.
When used with the KCE-400BT Bluetooth module (sold separately), the CDE-102 allows for
hands-free mobile phone use with full phone book access, as well as calling information
displayed on the head unit’s screen. The built-in “Phone” button on the head unit offers easy
one-touch access to a paired Bluetooth phone. Users can also enjoy streaming music from a
Bluetooth device equipped with A2DP or AVRCP protocol.

With a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 power ratings), HP crossover and two
sets of pre-outs, the CDE-102 offers flexible opportunities to build a complete Alpine sound
system.

The CDE-102’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

  A new BlackBerry has been spotted in the blurry photo above.  The device is similar to the storm in that it has a touch interface, but looks like it also has a real qwerty keyboard.  The BlackBerry is scheduled to be announced at the upcoming WES 2009.  The new device is similar to the Curve in size and at this point there is no announcement of date. 

If the Storm is not for you for lack of the true tacttile keyboard, this new one could be for you.

[via BoyGeniusReport]