Apple today announced the fifth-generation iPod nano, a radical revision of its compact media player. The device now has a built-in video camera, validating earlier rumors. Owners can record clips and sync them with iTunes, and then optionally upload them to YouTube. Video is rendered in 640x480 resolution at up to 30fps, with 15 real-time processing effects such as motion blur, film grain or a simulated x-ray look.

Also new is an FM radio receiver, the first such on any iPod; Apple has resisted adding FM for years, preferring to direct people to Internet streams or the iTunes Store. Matching firmware features include a Live Pause command, which can rewind as much as 15 minutes, and iTunes Tagging. While listening to a supporting US station, some tracks can be tagged with the clickwheel to later identify details through iTunes 9, or buy from the iTunes Store.

The player has additionally been given a pedometer, microphone and a speaker, along with support for the VoiceOver technology first introduced on the third-generation iPod shuffle. The updated Nano is going on sale today, in red, blue, pink, orange, purple, green and yellow colors. An 8GB model costs $149, while a 16GB player is priced at $179.