At it's annual Fall product launch yesterday, Apple introduced two revamped iPod models; the iPod Nano and a new iPod Touch.
The new iPod Touch has four primary new features: Face Time, Retina Display, DV Video Recording, and Improved Gaming. Retina Display is the improved screen resolution that is a dramatic improvement on the appearance of photos, games, etc. "Apple engineers were able to pack four times the number of pixels into the same size screen found on earlier iPod touch models" HD VIdeo Recording (and editing!) is now availabe on the iPod Touch -- delivering HD 720p from the rear camera. The demo video on the Apple website shows a stunning piece of video that was reportedly shot on the new iPod Touch. I plan to get out to the Apple Store next week (when these units hit the shelves) myself and see firsthand the quality. But it appears to be quite phenomenal. Coupled with the opportunity to add the iMovie App ($4.99) - you can shoot and edit on your iPod Touch, and then upload directly to Facebook or other social network (and you can sync the video with your desktop computer (both Mac or WIndows) if you prefer other editing/sharing. The Apple A4 chip is behind, or rather underneath, all the fun you can have on iPod touch. Apple engineers designed the A4 chip to be a remarkably powerful yet remarkably power-efficient mobile processor. With it, iPod touch can easily perform complex jobs such as multitasking, editing video, and placing FaceTime calls. All while maximizing battery life. And fun. Improved Gaming on the new iPod Touch is achieved by the addition of the built-in three-axis gyroscope and the accelerometer. These hardware enhancements allow more accurate movement sensing and what Apple says is greater accuracy for a much improved gaming experience. What's new with the iPod Nano ? For starters the design is totally revamped, with a Nano that is just less than 1/2 smaller than it's previous models, and it utilizes Multi-Touch — "the same technology that makes iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch so amazing." You can read more about the new iPod Nano on the Apple website . To read more about these new iPod models, see the WIRED Magazine - Gadget Labs review of the new models: Hands-On With New Apple iPods Face Time brings a new camera on the front of the unit which allows you to hold a video-call with a friend (who would also have to have a new iPod Touch, or new iPhone 4 using Wi-Fi for the connection).