Slimmer iPod touch, new look iPod nano round-off Apple's big day

The announcement of the iPhone 5 might have been the focus of attention in Cupertino this morning, but Apple has also shown some love to the line that set it on the path to becoming the most valuable company in history – the iPod. Like the iPhone 5, the new iPod touch boasts a slimmed-down profile and 4-inch Retina display, while the new iPod nano sports a new form factor with a 2.5-inch Multi-Touch display.

The new fifth-generation iPod touch shares a lot in common with the new iPhone 5. There’s the same 4-inch 16:9 display packing 1136 x 640 pixels, a front-facing FaceTime HD camera capable of shooting 1.2 MP stills and 720 p video at up to 30 fps, and the inclusion of Apple’s homegrown Maps app. It also features the new Lightning connector that means that physically connecting the new iPod touch to an existing dock will require the additional purchase of a Lightning-to-30-pin adapter.
However, the touch’s 5 MP iSight camera, which can capture 1080p video at up to 30 fps, is a step down from the iPhone 5’s 8 MP offering. The device itself is also smaller and lighter, measuring 4.86 x 2.31 x 0.24 inches (123.4 x 58.6 x 6.1 mm) and weighing 3.1 oz (88 g). Powered by Apple’s A5 chip, the iPod touch now boasts Siri support and will come running iOS6. The device’s battery should provide up to 40 hours of music playback or up to eight hours of video playback. It is available in 32 GB and 64 GB capacities and for the first time will be offered in a choice of five colors.

iPod nano

 

The seventh-generation iPod nano ushers in yet another new form factor for the device. It now features a 2.5-inch Multi-Touch display – the biggest yet for a nano – along with a home button, and is the thinnest iPod ever, measuring 0.21 in (5.4 mm) thick. In keeping with the iPhone 5 and new iPod touch, the nano’s display is in 16:9 aspect ratio, but at 240 x 432 pixel resolution and 202 ppi.
The new nano also sports Apple’s new Lightning connector, but adds Bluetooth connectivity. The FM radio remains, as does a pedometer and support for Nike+. Apple claims the new unit offers the longest music playback of any nano, clocking up 30 hours on a full charge. Ever the fashion accessory, the new nano will be offered in a choice of seven new colors that can be matched to wallpapers. The new nano will be available with 16 GB of storage.

Both the new iPod touch and iPod nano will also come with new Apple EarPods that Apple will no doubt hope addresses one of the biggest criticisms of its iPod line. Apple say the new EarPods up the acoustic quality and are more durable and comfortable.

Pricing and availability

The iPod touch will be released in October priced at US$299 for the 32 GB model and $399 for the 64 GB model, while the new iPod nano, also available in October, will retail at $149.