Bites from the Apple: Great. Great. Amazing. Incredible. Amazing.

While there was some speculation that Apple might include its Apple TV in the music-related rollout event from last week which brought us a video camera-equipped iPod nano, it was a no-show. But then this week, Apple quietly discontinued the small capacity 40 GB model and reduced the price of the 160 GB model by $100 to $229 (the price of the old 40 GBer). No additional tweaks to the hardware or functionality added to the software for the device–just a price drop on Apple’s lil’ hobby.

The Apple TV hasn’t been a barnburner for the company, but then again we don’t really know since Apple has never released sales figures for the device (a tactic, as Wired’s Gadget Lab notes, Steve Jobs has previously called a sign of weakness when referring to other companies who won’t divulge sales numbers of their premier products). However, it’s been estimated that several million people own Apple TVs–including me (purchased in conjunction with a book project I worked on)–and it’s getting to a point where we Apple TV owners would really like to know whether there’s a future for this device.

Yes, it does its advertised job as being a conduit to video purchased from the iTunes store (which is the only TV that my family watches since we cut the cable), and it’s a handy way to stream music from one part of my home to another where we have our entertainment center. But it would be far more useful if it had some of the access to additional streaming content such as Hulu or Netflix instead of just YouTube (which certainly entertains my toddler with a variety of LOL cat videos, but the resolution is crappy on the HDTV). At some point this Fall, I’m going to get around to doing some hacking with either the set of software pieces from ATV Flash and/or Boxee. I’ll let you know how it goes.

• Rumor revue: the iTablet makes a comeback this week, with a Taiwanese newspaper saying a 9.6-inch tablet will be released in February priced between $800 and $1,000 (via The Apple Blog). And possibly coming to AT&T?
• Now Google says that Apple did indeed reject the Google Voice app for the iPhone. Au contraire, says Apple.
• TUAW reports that HP this week released the latest version of its MediaSmart servers (the 1 TB EX490 and 1.5 TB EX495–both of which include three empty hard drive bays for further terabytes of expansion), and that they’ve gotten even more Mac-friendly. The MediaSmart server can now be controlled by a Mac (previously you had to do it from a Windows machine) and it now offers full recovery of a Mac via Time Machine. For more, check out this review of the new Mac-centric features at MediaSmarthome.com.
• The gang over at TidBITS finds even more hidden “refinements” in the recently released Snow Leopard OS X 10.6, including added functionality in iChat, screen sharing, and option-clicking tricks (I even make a cameo appearance). Speaking of Snow Leopard, it looks like Apple’s decision to release it at under $30 is paying off quite well, as 9to5Mac reports that it’s outsold both Leopard and Tiger in just two weeks.
• If you’re worried about possible radiation side effects from using your iPhone, check out the Pong iPhone 3G/3GS case, which combines a silicone exterior with an interior that is “scientifically proven” to reduce radiation (via Gearlog).
• NewTeeVee has a side-by-side comparison of video shot by the new iPod nano and video from a standard definition Flip camcorder, determining that the Flip offers the better picture quality.
• AppleInsider reports that some lucky iPhone users have been getting treated to an early rollout of the MMS picture messaging service, which is scheduled to go live on September 25. If you’re not sure what MMS is (or tethering, the other long-promised feature from AT&T), check out this handy break-down from iLounge.
• CNet’s iPhone Atlas blog features some bug workarounds and tips galore for the new in-iTunes app management function for iPhones and iPod touches.
• iLounge gives the new Madden NFL 10 iPhone app from Electronic Arts a B+, but I’m waiting for some real football gaming action with EA’s FIFA 10 soccer game, which will be released in late October. Check out a preview over at Pocket Gamer.
• I was having some trouble finding the new pre-made ringtones that Apple announced last week, but Ars Technica reminded me that they’re only available from the iPhone’s iTunes app (not the desktop)… which is a little frustrating. However, you can still make custom ringtones from some of your previously purchased iTunes songs via the desktop application. And there’s third-party software such as Ambrosia’s iToner to help you out.
• Lifehacker lists its top 5 features it wishes the new iTunes 9 included.
• And finally… the recent Apple music event in the form of adjectives only:

–Agen G.N. Schmitz