Apple takes a giant leap; adds digital camera to iPod nano

In one of my previous article, Is Microsoft’s new Zune, ready to fight iPod? , I discussed about preparations in the house of Microsoft to take on its natural rival Apple in iPod market… isn’t it foolish to assume, Apple will let Microsoft eat away with its profits and market position, without any resistance...
In its fifth generation, iPod nano is equipped with a camera, speaker and microphone to record live video, really a big addition.

Its not just the camera, it has 15 real-time special effects: Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Dent, Stretch, and Twirl built with in, to add glamour to your videos.
Additionally you will find a built in FM tuner with Live Pause and a large display in this little gadget that weighs just 36.4 grams.

New iPod nano at a glance…

• New iPod nano measures 38.7 X 90.7 X 6.2 mm
• Available with 8 GB and 16 GB flash drive, capacity to hold upto 8 hours or 16 hours video.
• Spoken menus allow listeners to hear many of the names of menus, song titles, and artists without viewing the screen.

Display

• 2.2-inch (diagonal) TFT display
• 240-by-376-pixel resolution at 204 pixels per inch
• A high-resolution LCD display with adjustable contrast and backlight settings makes it easier to read in low light.

Battery

• Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Playback time

- Music playback time: Up to 24 hours when fully charged
- Video playback time: Up to 5 hours when fully charged

• Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter

Availability

This new iPod nano is already available in stores beginning at $149 for 8 GB edition in rainbow colors (nine colors), though red and yellow are Macintosh Store exclusive.

What’s next in the series… with this development, I can comfortably assume iPhone to be equipped with Live video recorder… very soon! What do you think?