Text Size

Fifth-gen iPod nano adopts camera, FM radio

updated 02:35 pm EDT, Wed September 9, 2009

Apple caves on key demand

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.

 
Previous Comments

nice

09/09, 03:16pm reply

even with an iPhone, I think I might pick up a nano.

simdude

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2004

+3

yawn

09/09, 03:30pm (2 replies) reply

Wow, they added an FM radio. It only took them, what, 7 years or so?

And with adding a camera and the FM, does this mean we have to start talking about how Apple is just throwing random features onto the device, like other companies do?

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

ridiculous

09/09, 03:37pm reply

annoying that the nano gets a camera..while the Touch (which could make use of many more apps from the store if it had a camera and/or GPS) does not. A Touch with a camera would result in more cash for Apple thru app sales....but apparently they don't care...

doctorwinters

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2008

+6

Popular News