Apple today announced their 5th version of their most popular iPod; the Nano. Although the exterior dimensions remain virtually the same to the 4G Nano, the insides have been drastically overhauled. Memory options are now limited to 8GB and 16GB.
Video Camera
Apple have decided that the YouTube and Facebook generation should be bestowed with another miniature camera to carry around and record their chums capers. The camera is rather awkwardly placed on the bottom corner of the device and will only take video - no stills. This is most likely due to the fact it is only a VGA camera (640x480). However, it will records at 30 fps and records audio in AAC. Apple have implemented it with typical panache, allowing painless uploads to Facebook/YouTube and allows squeezing in some basic video editing/effects software.
Pedometer
Apple have also included a pedometer into the Nano, probably to try and encourage a new batch of people to start using their Nike+ service, which previously required the use of a sensor attached to your shoe.
FM Radio...and LIVE PAUSE!
Apple has finally succumbed to the demand for an FM radio to be bundled with the iPod, a feature which is present on nearly every other MP3 player. Their patience would appear to have paid off though; if you like the song you're listening to, hit tag and your iPod will tell you what you're listening to and save if for your to purchase later when you're in iTunes. You can also 'pause' the radio, in the same way that Sky+ works. Once you've tuned in, it will also allow you to rewind up the previous 15 minutes that you have listened to. It's pretty cool, but it's unclear why it's not available on the iPhone/iPod Touch.
Apple also updated their iPod Touch, Classic and Shuffle today as well as releasing iTunes 9 and iPhone software 3.1. However, I have yet to start packing for Bestival and I leave TOMORROW. So TTFN.
UPDATE:
Following the recent merger in the UK of T-Mobile and Orange, it was announced last week that the new mobile behemoth would be stocking the iPhone by Christmas. Today, it has also unofficially emerged that Vodafone will be joining in on the Apple bobbing. This is obviously great news for the UK consumer; prices will inevitably decrease as a price war between the operators develops. Although Vodafone in the UK is famed for it's excellent network, T-Mobile/Orange actually have better coverage. Although you would assume that, from a business perspective, Vodafone and Orange would be jumping for joy at their distribution deals, it would appear that Apple comes out on top. By keeping the iPhone exclusively on O2, it has benefited from a huge marketing drive on behalf of O2, who have been keen to 'tout their wares'. Following the new deals, there is no denying that both Orange and Vodafone will follow suit, pouring millions into advertising their boxfresh iPhones. However, a recent report has set out to bust many myths surrounding Apples golden handset, contesting the idea that it is the Holy Grail of the mobile world. It concluded;
I've got to buy this 'trash can'. Not much explaining needed here...it's a remarkably similar replica of everyones favourite robot which holds an indiscriminate amount of rubbish. Unfortunately it's Japan only...and out of stock.
This map is the brainchild of Stephen Von Worley. It sets out to show the prolific influence of McDonalds in it's mother country by illustrating the volume of outlets in the U.S. in a similar form to that of a satellite image. 
Floating Logos is a project by Matt Siber which you can't help but find striking. The motivations behind the photographs are made clear in his accompanying statement;
Pretty incredible really. It also houses a projector. Apparently the rather obsessive fan took apart each games console so as to strip them down to their basic wiring so he could fit them all into the diminutive robot. 
The BBC has decided to unleash through its iPlayer a select archive of clips from their now discontinued programme, Tomorrow's World. Axed in 2003 after running for nearly 40 years, the library of clips are both intriguing and hilarious. Check them out here.
I'd still have a go at reading it. Head to Creative Cloud for more images like this one.
A Korean designer called Jinsu Park has come up with an innovative pen concept. You simply scan the colour you wish to use and can then instantly use that colour as the pen replicates it using three internal ink cartridges.
This awesome piece of kit was created by the guys at Casper Electronics. It's soon bound to be in the hands of Four Tet, DeadMau5, Hot Chip and the like...check out the video below to hear the electronic craziness it produces.
To celebrate the launch of Sydney's International Food Festival in June, chefs were commissioned to make national flags out of staple ingredients related to each different country. The results are amazing.
Vietnam
South Korea
Switzerland
