Research analysts have reported in recent days that Apple is aggressively cutting back production on iPods and iPhones, while increasing production on Mac computers.

Craig Berger, an analyst with FBR Research, told clients in a research note this week that Apple has reduced orders for iPhones and iPods for the second time in two months.

“For both iPods and iPhones, we believe Apple was previously targeting a roughly 50 percent quarter-over-quarter decline for first quarter units, whereas we now think the firm is targeting a 60 percent quarter-over-quarter unit decline for first-quarter units,” he wrote.

Apple have updated the iPod touch and iPhone.

The latest iPhone features 16 gigabytes of memory and retails for $499. The new iPod Touch comes with 32 GB of memory and retails for $499.

The new devices are available through Apple’s online and retail stores. Apple said that all iPhone and iPod Touch models come with updated software that the company announced in January.

Rumours are around that Apple could be developing a games console.

The rumour started when a listing appeared at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the patent described

‘handheld units for playing electronic games; handheld units for playing videogames, standalone videogame machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD games machines, electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games’.

Is Apple looking to expand on the iPod and iPhone ?

This looks even more likely with a job vacancy posted by Apple looking for a “Game Producer/Designer”, with “Proven track-record in the areas of game design and production, 6+ years of Game production / Game design experience, Possesses a deep appreciation for casual games and demonstrates a strong understanding of genre and marketplace trends”.

Apple announced today that they’re dropping the price on the 1GB iPod Shuffle to $49 and they’re adding a 2GB model for $69 (available soon).

“It’s the world’s most wearable music player, and the 1GB iPod shuffle — just $49 — is now the most affordable iPod ever. It also has a new 2GB sibling that costs just $69 and allows customers to wear even more music on their sleeves. Or belts. Or lapels. While the 1GB iPod shuffle is available immediately, the 2GB will be available later this month. Both models come in five colors — silver, blue, green, purple and a (PRODUCT) RED special edition) — weigh just half an ounce, and are just half a cubic inch in volume.”

At the moment there is no news on a UK price drop. (Yet)

Apple has introduced two new games for iPod.

Available through iTunes, Yahtzee from electronic arts is available for the iPod nano 3g, iPod classic and ipod video.

Yahtzee offers multiple game modes and supports solo, against a friend and against the iPod play. The title offers hints and help menus and has unlockable levels.

Apple today also reintroduced Fresh Games’ Cubis 2. Both cost £3.99

IPod owners will be able to legally download shows like Life on Mars and Doctor Who and watch them on the move, following a deal between Apple and the BBC. A range of BBC shows including The Mighty Boosh, Ashes to Ashes and Spooks will be available to download from iTunes for £1.89 each.

Ashley Highfield, BBC director of future media and technology, also revealed that owners of the latest iPod Touch and the iPhone would be able to access the iPlayer via wi-fi within weeks.

Based on Disney’s popular movie trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir’s Fire puts you in pursuit of Aegir’s Fire — a mythical flame that drags ships to the ocean floor. You captain the Black Pearl as you search the world for treasure, sink your enemies, battle sea monsters and outwit the Royal Navy.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir’s Fire works with iPod nano 3g, iPod classic and ipod video.

Amazon.com are offering a free iPod Shuffle 2G when you purchase an iPod Touch.

At the moment this deal is only available in the US, but it would definitely be an incentive for more people to purchase the ipod Touch 32GB. It could also mean Apple are withdrawing the 1GB Shuffle to be replaced with the new 2GB Shuffle.

The Ad reads “Get a 1 GB shuffle for Free with This Purchase! You qualify for a free 1 GB iPod shuffle with the purchase of this 32 GB iPod touch from Amazon.com. Eligible 1 GB shuffles include the blue, green, silver, and purple. Just add both items to your cart and you will not be charged for the shuffle“.