Apple Event: New Nano, Now with Video

Yep, here it is, just as we expected: a shorter, squatter iPod Nano, with a bigger screen, Cover Flow functionality, a new UI, and video playback.

Gizmodo's liveblog shows picture of the new Nano that look pretty much like the spy shots we've been seeing for weeks now (that is, until Apple's lawyers got involved). The latest Nano looks about as thin as the old one, but it's considerably wider, all the better for its new 2-inch, 320x240 display. In additon to videos, you'll be able to play all your standard tunes and podcasts, along with a photo album. However, you'll also be getting a new interface, with the main menu on the right of the screen, and cover art and/or sample clips from videos on the right. CoverFlow is also present and accounted for, although Engadget is reporting that it looks slower and choppier than on the iPhone.

The new Nanos (available in black, silver, greed, red, and blue) are shipping now: $149 for the 4GB version, and $199 for an 8GB model (sorry, no 16GB Nano).

Update: Also announced was an updated version of the hard drive-based iPod, now called the "iPod Classic"; you get the same new interface as on the updated Nano, although I'm sure the Classic will be bigger and heavier. The 80GB model will retails for $249, with a 160GB version (whoa) going for $349.

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