After almost a year of speculation and rumors, Apple finally unveiled the new slimmer 5th generation of the iPod, and it does indeed include the ability to play video. A little over a month ago, Apple released the "thin-as-a-pencil" iPod Nano and people have been going crazy over it. Now with the ability to play videos the iPod is now trying to become the complete multimedia player. Apple has also struck a deal with ABC to provide downloads of the networks popular television shows via the iTunes music store. "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" will be available for download the day after they appear on the network. The cost per show is $1.99. This feature is available in version 6 of iTunes. You can download it here.
The new iPod has also been redesigned...it is much smaller and sleeker now, taking a note from the iPod Nano. It comes in two different capacities; 30 GB for $299 and 60 GB for $399. This will allow you to hold about 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 150 hours of video. The screen on the device is 2.5 inches; but if you want to watch video content on your television, you will be able to by using the included dock. But, you will need to purchase the AV cable to take advantage of this. The battery life has somewhat improved too. It now has 20 hours of battery time. But as with ALL battery powered products, it depends on how you use it. Playing music will give you around 14 hours of battery time. But when playing videos, you will get about 3 hours of battery time. That is really no good if you are flying coast to coast. But remember, this is not supposed to be a "movie iPod" or "TV iPod", it is strictly designed for video. And why strain your eyes and watch a 2 hour movie on a 2.5 inch screen. That would murder the eyes. And as with music that you purchase from iTunes, the video content will be copy-protected, meaning you cannot share it with others or transfer it between multiple devices. Also, you can now get the iPod in all black. But if you have been following the "easy scratch" issue with the iPod Nano, it will make you skeptical to purchase an all black iPod. Let's hope Apple has improved on this aspect of its design.
Will Apple have a hit with the release of a video based iPod? Some people don't feel there is a need for a device with a 2.5 inch screen that can play video. Personally watching video on the PSP would be more pleasurable. And putting the video content from your iPod on your television will not look that great because of the compression of the files. But people will be looking at replacing earlier generations of the iPod for this one, because it has less of a "brick" feel to it. The 30 GB version measures 4.1 x 2.4 inches. And with Christmas coming soon, believe this will be number one on most people's list.
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