Apple releases video version of iPod

Apple Computer Inc CEO Steve Jobs holds up the new iPod showing an episode of the hit television show Desperate Housewives, during the introduction of the new device in San Jose, California, on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP

After a week of intense speculation, Apple Computer Inc on Wednesday launched an iPod portable video player that can screen music videos and hit television shows for fans on the move.

The much-anticipated video-capable iPod was one of three new products unveiled by the US tech giant, which also sealed a content deal with entertainment behemoth Walt Disney Co to allow fans to watch their favorite programs such as Desperate Housewives and Lost while on the go.

Apple and chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled the video iPod, a new iMac G5 computer with a built-in video camera, and an updated version of Apple's iTunes online music store that allows users to download music videos and TV shows as well as songs.

The high-tech update of the company's famed iPod crams more storage and a bigger screen into a thinner package and will hit store shelves in the US next week, Jobs said.

"It's a stunner and yes, it does video," Jobs said at a glittering launch celebration in the California town of San Jose, as the company moved to boost sales and shore up its portable music player marketshare.

The new gadget, which boasts a 6.35cm color screen, is 30 percent thinner and has 50 percent more storage than its predecessor.

It can store up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or over 150 hours of video and is available in a 30 gigabyte model with a 14-hour battery for US$299 and in 60 gigabytes with a 20-hour battery for US$399.

"Because millions of people around the world will buy this new iPod to play music, it will quickly become the most popular portable video player in history," Jobs said.

Apple announced the next generation of its online music store -- iTunes 6 -- that will allow fans to download and buy 2,000 music videos and six short films from Pixar Animation Studios for 1.99 dollars each.

While movies will not be available to download on the new iPods, 2,000 music videos, six Pixar Animation short animated films and five Disney-owned television shows will be.

"We are really excited by the intersection between great content and great technology," Disney chief executive Robert Iger said at a characteristically theatrical event attended by jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

Every episode of ABC television's Desperate House Wives, Lost and Night Stalker will be available online the day after they air in the US under what Jobs called a "landmark deal" with ABC's parent Disney.

Two Disney Channel shows -- That's So Raven and Suite Life of Zack and Cody -- will also be downloadable.

Analyst Stephen Baker of NPD Techworld said the video-capable iPod would jumpstart the portable video player market.

"This will put video capable products in people's hands," he said.

Apple revealed the next generation of its iMac computer, the G5, which has a host of new features, including a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing and its brand new Front Row media system, Jobs said.

Front Row features a six-button remote control that effectively turns a computer into a home entertainment system, allowing a user to activate content from iMacs, including iTunes songs, photo albums, videos, Podcasts and DVDs, from up to 6.6m away.