Apple launches new iPod Shuffle, Nano and Touch

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Posted on 2 Sep 2010 at 12:21

At yesterday’s Apple music event, Steve Jobs introduced several expected updates as well as some new surprises to the iPod range. The Touch, Nano and Shuffle have all received upgrades, some more radical than others.

As expected, the iPod touch received many of the improvements introduced with the iPhone 4 earlier this year. Now powered by Apple’s A4 processor and using the same incredible 960x640 Retina display, the new iPod touch is now on a par with the iPhone 4’s performance. Both forward- and rear-facing cameras have been added, paving the way for Facetime calling between both iPod touches and iPhones. By slimming the device down to just 7.2mm, there isn’t room for the iPhone 4’s 5-megapixel rear camera. Instead, there's a 1-megapixel camera, but it's still capable of recording 720p HD video (albeit in 4:3 and using non-square pixels for playback).

The three-axis gyroscope from the iPhone 4 also makes the jump, helping make games and apps even more reactive to your movements. The touch will launch with iOS 4.1, bringing new features such as the multiplayer Game Centre hub, TV and film rental from your iPod and compatibility with the refreshed Apple TV. Curiously absent from the launch line-up is a 16GB model, with only 8GB, 32GB and 64GB options available.

A new design for the Shuffle brings back physical buttons to Apple’s smallest iPod. Retaining the 'Voiceover' features from the last generation lets athletes and anyone on the move change tracks without reaching for the buttons, but many people will be happy to be able to manually change tracks again, rather than being restricted to using voice commands. The clip that attaches the Shuffle to your clothes also makes a welcome return. The Shuffle is available only in a 2GB model, but will launch with five colour options later this week.