Apple shuffles iPod features

What's new is actually old. Or perhaps "rearranged" is a better word. You could say Apple has shuffled its iPods, moving features from model to model, resulting in a collection of players that people will probably want.

Here's the breakdown of the new iPods:

iPod Shuffle
This is the bottom of the line for the Apple music players, with a price of just $49. The newest model looks suspiciously like a previous version. Also returning is the square shape, which was the style a couple of generations ago. It also has control buttons, which seem to have migrated from the now-buttonless iPod Nano.

The new Shuffle carries over the voice control feature of its predecessor, which lacked control buttons and resembled the center section of a ballpoint pen. Those looking for a simple music player with a bit of pizzazz will like the new (old) Shuffle, which holds 2 gigabytes of music.

iPod Nano
This is the sixth-generation Nano, with an 8 GB model selling for $149 and a 16 GB model selling for $179. The shape is very similar to the Shuffle — almost square. Gone is the video camera and button control wheel. The screen has also shrunk, but it's taken on the multitouch screen characteristics of its big brother — the iPod Touch.

The new Nano is 46 percent smaller and 47 percent lighter. Like the Shuffle, it includes the VoiceOver feature as an option for controlling what's playing. A new clip makes the Nano wearable, a nice feature if someone wants it for workouts.

iPod Touch
The top-line iPod got the biggest makeover; the Touch is now very similar to its big brother, the iPhone 4.

The Touch is available in three storage sizes — 8 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, priced at $229, $299 and $399, respectively. I find it odd there is no 16 GB option. The new models include the high-definition Retina Display and front- and rear-facing cameras, making it possible to record high-definition video. There is no still camera option.

The front-facing camera means the Touch can now use the FaceTime calling feature, just like the iPhone. Users must be in a Wi-Fi hot spot to use FaceTime.

The Touch runs the iOS 4.1 operating system and also has the same three-axis gyro feature, making game playing possible. It's pretty much an iPhone 4 without the telephone, sort of. Look for people to use Internet-based calling over Wi-Fi hot spots, saving the monthly AT&T fees for voice and data.

All three models of the updated iPods can be preordered today at Apple.com. They’re expected to start shipping next week.

Read more about the new iPods and other Apple products at the Cult of Mac site:

Daily Deals: New Nano, Touch and Apple TV:
http://bit.ly/cultipod

These new models are surely cool. But for now, I'll stick with my iPhone and iPod Nano, and occasionally my iPod Classic when traveling.