By AppleInsider Staff

Published: 02:05 PM EST

At its "Let's Rock" even on Tuesday, Apple introduced the second generation iPod touch featuring a thin contoured metal design, integrated volume control buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, and more.

The new iPod touch is smaller and lighter than the original, with a new tapered design that features a contoured metal enclosure with integrated volume control buttons and a 3.5-inch widescreen glass display. With its rounded edges, flush display and curved, more compact design, the new iPod touch was designed to be more comfortable to hold and more portable.

"iPod touch is the funnest iPod we’ve ever created," said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. "Users can listen to millions of songs, watch thousands of Hollywood movies and now, thanks to the App Store, download and play hundreds of great games on their iPod touch."

The new iPod touch includes iPod software v2.1 that enables it to work with the new iTunes 8 Genius feature, which allows customers to automatically create playlists while on the go. Users can preview the playlist Genius creates, refresh the list to choose different songs and save Genius playlists to enjoy again later.

Built-in Nike + iPod support

Each new iPod touch also features built-in Nike + iPod support making it an ideal workout companion. Users simply place the optional Nike + iPod sensor ($19 US) in their Nike + shoe to seamlessly connect with the new iPod touch to track miles run or sync with the latest generation gym equipment.

Battery Life

Users can expect up to 36 hours of music playback or six hours of video playback on a single charge. The 32GB model holds up to 7,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 40 hours of video; the 16GB model holds up to 3,500 songs, 20,000 photos or 20 hours of video, and the 8GB model holds up to 1,750 songs, 10,000 photos and 10 hours of video.



Battery Life

iPod touch users can also connect to the App Store over Wi-Fi to browse, purchase and wirelessly download applications directly onto their players, including over 700 game titles such as "Spore Origins" and "Scrabble" from Electronic Arts, and "Real Football 2009" from Gameloft.

Pricing

The new iPod touch is available immediately for a suggested price of $229 (US) for the 8GB model, $299 (US) for the 16GB and $399 (US) for the 32 GB model. Existing iPod touch users can update to the latest 2.1 software for just $9.95 to add the new Genius feature. iPod touch owners who already have the 2.0 software get the 2.1 software update for free. iTunes 8.0, released today, is also required.