A Mac website has obtained what's believed to be the first proven genuine photo of a fourth-generation iPod nano, days ahead of its launch.

The image, deliberately masked by MacNN to protect the identity of the shot, bears a near perfect resemblance to images that have been circulating the web of the device, all of which began when Digg creator Kevin Rose posted an image on his personal blog.

True to the leaks, the new flash-based iPod is tall and has a tapered shell at the front and back which is reminiscent of the MacBook Air. The report claims that the new nano is wrapped entirely in aluminum, but that it will come in "more vibrant" colors than the light-tinted models on sale today -- one of which is the coppery orange that was used for the second-generation iPod shuffle.

Sometimes, a situation is so fouled up that there is no polite way to describe it. Such is the situation with the tracking of iPhone App Store updates. The system is inaccurate, inconsistent, and utterly confusing. And that’s when it is working at all.

The situation is so messed up that it is difficult to present a list of symptoms. Instead, let me describe the shenanigans that occurred during my most recent attempt to update my downloaded App Store apps.

Apple has sent press invites hinting at an iPod-themed event to be held Sept. 9 in San Francisco's Moscone Center. And with an entire event devoted to the iconic media player, you can expect a few dramatic changes to the iPod family. Here are Gadget Lab's predictions of what's to come:

1. A 4G, sideways-widescreen iPod nano
A fairly obvious one, given the increasing legitimacy of this theory. It all started with Digg founder Kevin Rose's purportedly leaked photo, which eventually gained more credibility with photos of cases for this skinner version of the nano at the IFA 2008 trade show. A fan's mock-up of this rumored nano makes it appear more legit, too.

CNET's Donald Bell rolls out his Top 5 iPod features wish list.

All signs point to a new crop of iPods in September, and while I'm as interested in the rumors and blurry "leaked" photos as the next fanboy, I'm also preparing myself for disappointment. Deep down, I know there are iPod features that will never see the light of day. Sure, Apple always trots out a few iPod-related surprises like iTunes movie rentals and Cover Flow, but I've all but given up on the following innovations.

Users looking to use their iPhone once again as a modem might be in luck, as a recent e-mail, allegedly sent by Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs, explains that the company is discussing with AT&T the possible upcoming release of a tethering plan for the device.

This means that the iPhone could be used by consumers to connect their laptops or computers to the phone’s 3G network and surf the Web. This rumor might just be accurate, as the service is already offered by AT&T for other phones.

Most often, when Apple releases an minor update to one of its applications, such as iTunes, its purpose is to provide bug fixes and/or add some essential new feature. For example, iTunes 7.7 (released in July) added the code needed to permit syncing iPhones and iPod touches running the new iPhone 2.0 software.

A few weeks later, Apple released iTunes 7.7.1. For this update, as is too often typical, all Apple would say officially is that the update contained “fixes to improve stability and performance.” Postings on the Web (as described in this TidBits article) filled in at least some of the blanks. For example, we’ve learned that the update apparently fixes a bug that prevented CDs from being ejected while iTunes was running.

NEW YORK - Style.com today announced the availability of its application for iPhone and iPod touch. This free app, available worldwide from the Apple App Store, displays the latest fashions from the runways of New York and Europe in amazing clarity straight onto a user's device.

"Fashion devotees will now be able to view their favorite runway shows from New York City and Europe in the palm of their hand just hours after they happen live," said CondeNet Editorial Director Jamie Pallot. "Style.com has always been about the point where fashion meets technology, and this new application for iPhone and iPod touch lets us deliver on that promise in a whole new way."

Apple Inc. is readying a software update for the iPhone, fixing a security flaw in the device that gives unauthorized access to contacts and e-mails.

``We are aware of this bug,'' Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock said today in an e-mailed statement. She declined to say when the update would be available. Customers can avoid the problem by changing their settings, Bowcock said.

If you've been waiting to pull the trigger on the "iPhone without the phone," now might be the time. You can get a refurbished 16GB iPod Touch for $269.99 shipped from Buy.com. That's 30 bucks lower than I've seen it anywhere else.

I imagine most of you are familiar with the Touch by now, so I won't waste your time with specs and info--all of which you can find in CNET's review. I will say it's my single favorite gadget of all time, and that if I'm wearing pants, you can bet I'm carrying it with me.

AT&T has rolled out some relieving news for the iPhone users who are regular travelers. Apparently, the carrier is introducing two new plans with lower roaming charges for being online outside US.

As per the new plans, iPhone users in US traveling abroad will be charged $199.9 a month for 100 MB and $199.9 a month for 200MB. The plans are suggested to be for business travelers. Since the plans don’t come with a long-term requirement, users can add or take out the plan from their domestic accounts as per their wish.