Apple Introduces New iPods
New nano, classic, and touch models announced.
by Scott Lowe

September 9, 2008 - After weeks of anticipation, rumors, and general hype, Apple introduced their latest line of iPods for the upcoming holiday season and beyond earlier this afternoon at their exclusive "Let's Rock" event in San Francisco. As history will indicate, September is iPod time for Apple. Every year since 2005, Apple has introduced their latest and greatest iPod products in early September. Last year marked the introduction of the first iPod touch, the sixth generation of the iPod classic, and the third generation of the iPod nano. Not to break tradition, Apple has once again redefined their product lineup with two revised iPod models: the second generation iPod touch, a slimmed down 120GB classic, and the fourth generation iPod nano.


The new iPod nano features a drastic design size in terms of shape and size, while the new touch model features subtler alterations. The new iPod touch will have smaller physical dimensions than its predecessor with a reduced weight. The touch's new casing will feature a contoured metal enclosure with a series of integrated volume controls and an all-new built-in speaker. On the software side, the iPod touch will also include support for Apple's Nike + iPod feature. The new touch will serve as a workout companion with an attachable sensor that is placed within a user's shoe to track the total miles traveled during a period of exercise. The new iPod touch will also feature increased support for the newly announced iTunes 8's games offerings and intuitive "Genius" feature.

Apple will also be cutting down their classic line this fall. At the conference, Jobs announced that the classic line will be reduced to a single 120GB model that will retail for $249.99.


The new iPod nano returns to the vertical style of the first and second-generation nanos with an elongated vertical shape. Apple claims that the fourth nano will be the thinnest nano to-date with an all-new curved aluminum and glass enclosure--a first for the iPod series. But exterior changes aren't all Apple has altered with the new nanos, the user interface has been redesigned to better accentuate its high-resolution portrait display. The fourth generation nano will incorporate a built-in accelerometer, which automatically switches to Apple's Cover Flow album art display system when the player is held horizontally. The accelerometer will also engage the nano's shuffle mode when the player is lightly shaken. Additionally, the new nanos will boast a 24-hour battery life when used for audio playback exclusively, and four hours with video. The new nanos will come in a variety of colors including: silver, purple, blue, geen, orange, yellow, pink, (PRODUCT) RED, and black.


The 8GB nano models will fetch for $149, while the 16GB will cost around $199. The new touch models will cost $229 for the 8GB model, $299 for the 16GB model, and $399 for the 32GB model.