Apple Unveils New iPod

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The iPod is morphing once again. Today, Apple representatives announced a new version of iPod, the popular multimedia device made by Apple. It will ship today with features that enhance video and allow users creativity in making ring tones.

The newest version of the iPod Shuffle called iPod Touch will have a touch screen, much like the iPhone. Also, Apple increases the video display size to 3.5 inches, giving users a larger screen to watch their favorite videos, movies, and clips from sources like Youtube. There will also be a wireless network connectivity feature built-in. The Shuffle battery is expected to have 22 hours of audio playback and 5 hours of video playback

The new iPod Nanos will also come with the popular numbers game Sudoku. Also, users will be able to download and edit songs from the iTunes media store to be used as ring tones.

Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was excited about this latest innovation in iPod and hoped that the latest line would spur sales for the upcoming holidays.

"The iPod touch is a landmark iPod, ushering in a whole new generationof features based on its revolutionary multi-touch interface and built-in Wi-Fi wireless networking," he said in a press statement. "People are going to be amazed at how thin it is and how much it does."

Coffee drinkers may benefit the most from Wi-Fi iTunes access. Jobs announced that in a mutual agreement with Starbucks, iPod Touch users will be able to access the network for free to people who visit their shops.

Jobs also released the new prices for the additions to the iPod line up. The 8GB iPod Touch model is $299 (US) and the 16GB iPod model is $399 (US). The Touch model is also amazingly thin, standing only at 8 millimeters wide.

This version comes in a long line of iPods that have been released since the first one was launched in 2001. The touchwheel feature was added in the second generation of iPods launched in 2003. Dock connectors were added in 2004, and mini versions without screens or touch wheels were for sale in 2005. Signature celebrity designs have also been made available. Madonna, Tony Hawk, Beck, Gwen Stefani, and U2 are some of the artists that have contributed their music or personal style to iPod as limited editions.

According to Apple, Inc, over 100 million iPods have been sold since its initial release.