Talking Tech: It's finally time to say goodbye to the iPod
Thursday's here, Talking Tech readers. It's Brett Molina returning with a fresh batch of tech headlines for this week.
Tuesday marked the end of an era for Apple. The tech giant discontinued its last iPod ever, the iPod Touch. The device, which looks like an iPhone without the actual phone part, will still be available to buy "while supplies last."
Personally, I'll always remember those early iPod ads. You know, the ads with the silhouettes dancing behind colorful backdrops with their bright white iPods and matching ear buds? You knew a new iPod was coming once you saw a new song and set of silhouettes dancing away.
My first iPod was the iPod Shuffle, because of course Apple products are expensive and I had to wait for the iPod to approach $100 to consider it.
Even without the screen, the Shuffle was worth it. You could fit so many songs on to a device that resembled a stick of gum. Coming from an age of CD Walkmans, my reaction to the Shuffle and the MP3 players of its day wasn't too far off Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, after a co-worker put all his music on an iPod: "Tom put all my records into this rectangle! Play one right after the other. This is an excellent rectangle!"
But now my rectangle doesn't just play music. It's also a phone, and a messaging tool, and email client, and basically a tiny supercomputer my family believes is permanently attached to my body.
But most of us will never forget the iPod.
What else happened in tech?
The latest on Elon Musk. The billionaire and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX said if his deal to buy Twitter is approved, he would lift the permanent ban on former president Donald Trump.
A new tech law in Texas. The law will allow any state resident banned from social media platforms for their political views to sue.
Two answers in your daily Wordle? Yep, it happened again this week. Twice.
Roe v. Wade and online privacy. The potential decision to overturn the landmark ruling raises concerns over abortion rights and data privacy.
Thursday's tech tip
Fun fact you may not know about: your smartphone is also a very handy scanner. Here's how to use your smartphone to digitize text or sign forms.
Happy Friday eve! And thanks for reading.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.