By CHONG JINN XIUNG

PETALING JAYA: Apple has just announced a lineup of improved iPod music players that includes a new iPod touch and iPod nano.

Much of the anticipation over the Apple’s recent announcement had much to do with rumours of new cameras on the iPod touch and iPod nano.

Information was leaked over the Web in recent months by iPod casing manufacturers showing several new casings that featured small pin shaped holes for the supposed cameras to look through.

Contrary to the rumours, however, the new third-generation iPod touch didn’t receive the much-hyped camera update everyone was expecting.

Most of the features on the new iPod touch are identical to that of its predecessor, which includes WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The sole improvement made to the new model is its enhanced CPU (similar to that of the iPhone 3GS) that is said to be able to run 3D graphics smoother and deliver improved device performance.

The new iPod touch models will come in larger 32GB and 64GB variations on top of the baseline 8GB model.

Video on the nano

Video is the new big thing on Apple’s slim iPod nano, which now comes with a built-in camera that allows users to shoot videos. However the camera on the new iPod nano does not shoot still photos.

Users can record videos with a variety of filters that add real-time effects such as film grain in videos and share them on YouTube, Facebook or via e-mail through their computers.

Other improvements to the new iPod nano include a larger 2.2in colour display as well as built-in FM radio. An interesting feature of the new FM radio is the ability to pause live radio programmes for up to 15 minutes so users can rewind to hear a recording later.

Additionally, the new iPod nano’s microphone allows users to make voice memos. For fitness buffs, the nano also comes with a built-in pedometer to help keep track of your steps taken and calories burned.

The new iPod nano will come in 8GB and 16GB models and come in nine different colours.

Pricing for the new iPod touch starts at RM799 for the 8GB model while the 32GB and 64GB models are priced at RM1,199 amd RM1,599 respectively.

The new iPod nano is available at RM599 and RM719 for the 8GB and 16GB models respectively.

All models will be available locally next week.

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www.apple.com/my