Apple Intros New iPod Classic, Nano, and Touch

Even with all of the software announcements, like iTunes 8, everyone had hardware on their minds today, as Steve Jobs took the stage in San Francisco to issue a glut of new music-centric products.

Apple’s head didn’t fail to deliver on his annual promise of new iPods, either, with updates to the Nano, Touch, and Classic lines.

Apple phased out the thicker version of the iPod Classic, jamming the player’s largest capacity–120GB–into a more svelte package. The company also dropped the price on the player to $249.

The real star of the show, however, was the new iPod Nano. The device’s fourth generation bears a strong resemblance to those pictures that have leaked out across gadget blogs over the past few days, with a longer body and larger display. The screen’s orientation shifts when the player is turned sideways, making it possible to watch video.

The Genius feature, introduced in iTunes 8, is now incorporated into the device. Pressing down on the center of the Clickwheel brings up a new pop-up menu that lets users make playlists on the fly. The Nano also now features a built-in voice recorder.

The new Nano boasts 24 hours of music playback and four hours of video on a single charge, according to Jobs. It’s available in a rainbow of new colors. The Nano is available in 8- and 16GB capacities, for $149 and $199, respectively. The 8GB is available today, with the 16GB following early next week, at the latest.

Apple also introduced updates to the iPod Touch line. The new rev of the device features integrated volume controls on its side, a built-in speaker, Genius playlist integration, and built-in apps, including Nike Plus for workouts.

Jobs also touched on a number of games for the iPod Touch, including Spore Origins, Real Soccer 2009, a Need for Speed Undercover.

The Touch is also in line with the company’s new environmental focus, with arsenic-free glass and materials that are BFR, Mecury, and PVC-free.

The Touch is available in 8-, 16-, and 32GB capacities, for $229, $299, and $399, respectively.

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