iPhone Savior: Apple Reimagines iPod Nano With Video Camera

SAN FRANCISCO - Steve Jobs made a highly anticipated return to Apple's main stage on Wednesday morning to lead the company's annual media only iPod extravaganza. Jobs closed the big damn deal event with his infamous "one more thing", but rather than unveiling a new Apple tablet device, Jobs announced a reimagined iPod nano with built-in video camera met by wild cheers from every shaved ape in attendance.

Our old friend Nano will gain a built in camera that shoots video (H.264 VGA video, 640 by 480 pixels, up to 30 fps). Plus a larger 2.2-inch display, voice over capabilities, built in pedometer that syncs to Nike+ software, an FM radio, and a nifty microphone and speaker.

The new polished anodized aluminum iPod nano comes in two sexy models that start shipping today. Lust after the 8GB model for $149 holding 2,000 songs with 2 hours of video or the 16GB version for $179 holding 4,000 songs with 16 hours of video. Videos can be synced to a computer then uploaded directly to YouTube with just one click. Shoot videos in either portrait or landscape mode.

The epic built-in Nano-cam also includes the kind of on-board cheesy video effects that YouTube nightmares are made of. The 15 real-time special effects include: Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Dent, Stretch, and Twirl.

Apple has created a luscious temptation for flesh eating Nano zombies by pricing their 16GB iPod at $179, realizing that $30 is a cheap way to double device capacity. Jobs also introduced a feature rich iTunes 9, plus a cheaper, faster and higher capacity iPod touch. Also of note was the announcement of iPhone OS 3.1 software (available for download now) and a Special Edition, 4GB polished stainless steel iPod shuffle for $99.

[Download iTunes 9 now]