News: “Live From Cupertino!” Apple’s New Products.

No technology company does a better job of fanning the flames (desire, lust, interest, etc.) than Apple Computer.

Today, Apple introduced a host of “fun new products” designed to grow market share for the Mac, protect the iPod’s turf, and move the company into the living room. How?

With an integrated media center of sorts which funnels music, photos, videos from any Mac or PC to a Mac mini in the living room.

What’s it called? The Mac mini, now from $599 to $799. What else? How about an iPod Hi-Fi stereo speaker system? $349.

Mac360’s “Almost Live” Coverage
No, I didn’t get an invitation this year. Steve knows I’m not a vegetarian, and I’m so much taller that it scares him. In the meantime, I dug up what I could from as many sources as possible.

In reverse chronological order is the order of events from Steve Jobs’ presentation at the Town Hall in Cupertino, CA.

10:46 AM - That’s all, folks. New Mac mini with Intel inside; Front Row, Apple Remote, Airport Extreme, plus, iPod Hi-Fi stereo system for iPods.

10:32 AM - Steve says home needs better audio. Introduces iPod Hi-Fi: Home Stereo. Reinvented. Speaker system with iPod dock on top. Power built-in without external brick; can run portable with batteries, only $349. Requires new iPod software update (available now). Can use Apple Remote.

iPod Hi-Fi’s dock can handle any iPod model. Hi-Fi has built-in handles, white and rectangular with a black grille.

10:25 AM - Core Duo Mac mini model is $799 with SuperDrive, 80 gigabyte hard drive, using Intel’s 1.67ghz Core Duo CPU. Both models available on Apple Store today.

10:23 AM - Base Mac mini model is $599 with iLife, OS X Tiger, Apple Remote, Front Row, Airport Extreme, Bluetooth, DVI video out, using Intel’s Core Sole at 1.5ghz.

10:22 AM - Mac mini hooked up to TV will display all media from other machines hooked up to your network; music, photos, videos.

10:19 AM - Front Row on Mac mini also shares iPhoto photos and videos from other Macs and Windows PCs (using Bonjour over wireless and local network).

10:15 AM - All new Mac mini’s have gigabit ethernet, four USB ports, Front Row, Apple remote control, InfraRed, shares iTunes on home network. Can hook up to TVs via DVI.

10:12 AM - New Intel-based Mac mini in Core Solo and Core Duo CPU versions; up to over 3x faster, same size form factor.

10:08 AM - Steve takes center stage and announces “fun things” and “medium scale” things; setting the stage for Intel.

10:05 AM - Apple execs seated; U2 music playing. Apple Store online is closed: “We’ll be back soon!”

9:55 AM - Nearly 200 media representatives gather at Apple’s Cupertino Town Hall.