From iPodNN: Apple’s music business posted another quarter of strong results, representing 45 percent of total company revenue. It increased 45 percent year-over-year, with iPod shipments

increasing 32 percent to just over 8.1 million. Though consistent with the company’s expectations, the numbers exceeded many estimates by analysts who believe that Apple would have a soft iPod quarter. The company said it ended the quarter with 4-6 of iPod channel inventory. Apple told investors that iPods comprise over 75 percent of all sales of MP3 players in the US, according to latest NPD numbers. iPod is also top selling MP3 player in many international markets, such as the Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Japan, according the latest data by NPD, GFK, and BCN.

Other Music Product revenue was $457 million, up 90 percent year-over-year due to continued strong sales from the iTunes Music Store and very solid performance from iPod accessories sales. iTunes accounts for 85 percent marketshare for legally purchased music in the US, according to Neilen Soundscan. iTunes has a catalog of over 3 million songs, 9,000 music videos, and 150 television programs for US market.

Apple will roll out the second generation of its iPod nano music player at its Worldwide Developers Conference, insiders tell iAccessorise. The new nano is said to be very similar to the company’s current offering but will feature increased capacity and be available in multiple colors, some of which will feature a metal alloy enclosure.