Check out this GREAT news about the Apple (RED) iPOD line:
AppleInsider
August 29, 2007
iPod shuffle refresh to go (RED)
By Kasper Jade
With much of the excitement lately surrounding anticipated evolutions
of Apple's video iPod and iPod nano families, little has been said
about an upcoming refresh to the company's diminutive iPod shuffle
line, an expansion of which is likely to include a new (RED) model.
People often familiar with Apple's future product plans say the
company is preparing to add a red-colored model to the line of petite
clip-on players, possibly as early as next week. Any such model would
presumably join or replace the electronics maker's existing (PRODUCT)
RED offerings that include (RED) iPod nanos and iTunes gift cards.
(PRODUCT) RED products such as the (RED) nano help benefit the (RED)
charity created by Bobby Shriver and U2 front-man Bono, which
encourages big businesses to help fight against AIDS in Africa through
donations.
In addition to Apple, (RED) has so far garnered the support
of several other big names that include the Gap, Motorola, American
Express, and Converse.
A predetermined portion of the proceeds from each (RED) product sale
are donated directly to the charity. For instance, Apple currently
spares $10 from the sale of each (RED) iPod nano and 10 percent from
the sale of each $25 (RED) iTunes gift card.
Unlike the aging video iPod and iPod nano families -- which are
expected to receive the royal Mac OS treatment and hefty industrial
design overhauls -- the iPod shuffle is arguably the freshest of
Apple's digital media players. It received a completely new form
factor just last fall and there has been little to no evidence to
suggest a second evolution is in the cards for '07.
Outside of going the iPod Picano route, Apple's options for advancing
the shuffle appear limited to capacity increases, price reductions,
and new software-driven features. At the same time, the cost of the
shuffle's components -- such as the NAND flash used for media storage
-- have fallen sharply over the past year. Significant price
reductions notwithstanding, Apple should make more off the sale of
each shuffle this year than it did last.
iPod shuffle (RED) Few changes and fatter margins would also lend
support to source reports of an impending iPod shuffle (RED), given
that Apple would be in a better position this year to hand-off a
percentage of each sale to charity without significantly pinching profits.
Yesterday afternoon, Apple issued formal invitations to a special
product launch event next Wednesday at San Francisco's Moscone West
convention center. The gathering of analysts and members of the media
is an undeniable sign that new iPods are in the cards, as the company
has historically used media events in the early weeks of fall to
unveil its holiday media and music player offerings.
© AppleInsider, 2007.
More continued GOOD NEWS for (RED) in support of the Global Fund!
www.theglobalfund.org 
