[PeterSimon]

iPod nano gets built-in video camera, FM radio

Apple has unveiled new iPod models with added features and reduced prices. Starting with the iPod touch, the 32GB and 64GB models will now have an improved graphics with the Open GL ES 2.0 platform, which is expected to enhance its performance by up to 50%.

The new iPod touch models feature multi-touch user interface, 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, a built-in accelerometer and speaker.

The iPod classic, which uses the hard drive instead of a flash memory for storing data, will be sold at same $249, but its capacity has been increased to 160GB from 120GB.

There is drop in prices of some models as well, with the 32GB model now priced at $299 and 64GB model priced $399. The price of the 8GB model is reduced from $299 to $199.

Apple has also revamped its iPod nano line-up, with the new models housing a video camera, mic and speaker and available in capacities of up to 160GB. It features an ultra-thin and sleek design with a 2.2-inch color display and a polished aluminum and glass enclosure. It also features a built-in FM radio with live pause and iTunes Tagging, as well as a built-in pedometer.

The new iPod nano, which comes in nine different colors, is available in 8GB model for $149 and in 16GB model for $179.

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, said: “iPod nano is the world’s most popular music player with over 100 million sold. And now we’ve added a video camera to its incredibly thin design, without any additional cost to the user.”

On the other end, the iPod shuffles are now priced at $59 for 2GB model and $79 for 4GB model, and both models come in silver, black, pink, blue and green. A 4GB special edition polished stainless steel model is also available in a 4GB version for $99.

Apple has also unveiled a new version of iTunes sync software on the desktop. It is packed with features such as iTunes LP, Home Sharing and Genius Mixes, as well as a redesigned store and improved syncing. Home Sharing feature allows users to transfer songs, movies and TV shows to computers.

The Genius feature gets even better with Genius Mixes which are created using the results of over 27 million music libraries with over 54 billion songs that have been submitted and analysed by Genius, the company claims.

With improved syncing in iTunes 9 and iPhone OS 3.1, users can organise iPhone apps right in iTunes and they will automatically appear on the iPhone with the same layout.

Steve Jobs added: “iTunes 9 is a great iTunes release, with innovative features that make using iTunes better than ever and iTunes content richer than ever,” iTunes LP, for example, lets artists share more of their creativity with fans and gives music lovers the feeling of being immersed in an entire album with art, lyrics, liner notes, photos and videos.”