Apple Updates iPod touch, iPod nano Players

Apple yesterday put the kibosh on rumors saying the company was going to axe some of its iPod offerings. Instead, it upgraded two of the existing ones - the iPod touch and the iPod nano, albeit only with minor retouches.

Probably the biggest upgrade is actually a downgrade of the players’ prices.

The touch now starts at $199 / 189€ (which may just make give the Amazon Kindle Fire a run for its money) for 8GB of storage, while the nano starts at $129 / 129 € now (also for 8GB).

But there’s something else that’s special about the two players. Apple is making them even more appealing by selling the touch in two-color variations (now including White), and by enhancing the nano with a cool new interface.

Granted, the nano upgrade is actually just a software update. But, boy does it look great!

The iPod touch is also getting new software. In fact, the fact that it ships with iOS 5 pre installed is considered a selling point, even though the software will be available as a free download to all users come October 12.

“iPod has revolutionized the way we listen to music and with over 320 million sold is the world’s most popular music player,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

“iPod touch, now available in both black and white, is the best selling iPod ever, and with iOS 5 and iCloud it is better than ever,” added Schiller.

iPod nano is available today from Apple’s online store and retail stores worldwide. Nano models are available in silver, graphite, blue, green, orange and pink. 8GB and 16GB iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED players are also available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com) and Apple’s retail stores.

iPod touch with iOS 5 and iCloud will be available October 12 in black and white.