Apple Refreshes Entire iPod Lineup

At a special event in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Performing Arts, Apple on Tuesday introduced two new iPods, which sport a 60% brighter screen, as well as a refreshed iPod nano and iPod shuffle.

Available in 30GB and 80GB models, the new iPod features increase battery life that ups video playback from 2 hours to 3.5 hours. The 80GB iPod can play video for 6.5 hours, Apple says. Other new features include gapless playback and instant searching by letter.

Apple has additionally added game support to the iPod. Users can purchase games from the iTunes Store for $4.99 USD each, and play them using the device's scroll wheel. The company has partnered with EA and others to make available titles such as Mahjong, Pac Man, Tetris, and Texas Hold 'Em.

New headphones, which Apple has been developing for 18 months, will come standard with the new iPod. The 30GB iPod is priced at $249 USD, with the 80GB version running $349 USD.

The diminutive iPod nano, meanwhile, has received a makeover that includes an aluminum body like the older iPod mini, as well as a range of colors including green, silver, blue, black and pink. Battery life on the nano has been increased to 24 hours, and the device will receive the same new software features as the larger iPod.

The new iPod nano is available now in three models: 2GB silver for $149, 4GB in any color except black for $199, and a 8GB black model for $249 USD.

Apple's screen-less iPod shuffle also was refreshed Tuesday. The second generation version is now the size of the iPod radio remote and includes a full metal body with white click wheel. The player comes with a USB 2.0 dock and features a 12 hour battery life.

The iPod shuffle will be available only in a 1GB model, which Apple says is the world's smallest MP3 player, for $79 USD. It includes headphones and will begin shipping in October.