80GB video iPod debuts

Apple today introduced the new iPod video, which features a 60 percent brighter and more vibrant 2.5-inch color display for watching TV shows and now Hollywood movies. The new iPod integrates with iTunes 7 and the iTunes Store, which now includes over 75 Hollywood movies, 220 television shows and popular video games designed specifically for the fifth generation iPod. Apple said that the 30GB model features up to 14 hours of battery life for music playback and up to three and a half hours of video playback, and the 80GB model features up to 20 hours of battery life for music playback and six and a half hours of video playback. The new iPod is available in a 30GB model at the new lower price of $249 and an 80GB model, which holds up to 20,000 songs or 100 hours of video, for $349.

"The world's best digital music player has evolved into the world's most popular portable video player too," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The new iPod's brighter and more vibrant display and longer battery life make it perfect for watching Hollywood movies and TV shows right in the palm of your hand."

The iPod's new Search and Quick Scroll feature allows users to find exactly what they are looking for, while Apple's "patent pending Auto-Sync technology" automatically downloads digital music, podcasts, photos, audiobooks, movies, music videos and popular TV shows onto the iPod.

Using the new high-resolution color display, iPod can view album art and photo slideshows while playing music, or watch video and play games in full color. Popular video games designed specifically for the fifth generation iPod include: "Bejeweled," "Cubis 2," "Mahjong," "Mini Golf," "Pac-Man," "Tetris," "Texas Hold'em," "Vortex" and "Zuma,"--all of which are available for purchase on the iTunes Store.

by MacNN Staff