Apple launches new 5th-gen iPod touch with 4-inch Retina display, 6mm frame, and Siri support

Apple has introduced two updates for their iPod line, headlined by the 5th-generation iPod touch. Like the previous generations of the iPod touch, Apple matched their latest media player’s spec closely with the just-launched iPhone 5 with a similar 4-inch Retina display with an 1136 x 640 resolution. Unlike previous generations, the design moved a little bit away from the iPhone line and closer to the rest of the iPod family with the introduction of five new colors to make it… funner.

Past the new colored backs, the 5th generation iPod touch got a design overhaul with a slim 6mm-thick body. Machined from a single block of aluminum (same as the material on their MacBooks), the new devices are built to be strong, but kept light at 88 grams. Like the iPhone 5, it’s also going to use the new 8-pin Lightning connector, so again, if you own a number of docks or speakers and want to pick this one up, you’re going to need to spring for the $29 dock adapter that Apple also unveiled.

Under the shell, the new iPod touch will come powered by Apple’s A5 processor, the same chip that powers the iPad 2 and iPhone 4. While it’s not exactly new, the dual-core A5 is still a step faster than the A4 chip on the previous model, which should be good enough for gaming and media playback performance.

The camera also got a nice upgrade, now packing a 5MP snapper with LED flash and autofocus, as well as support for 1080p HD video recording and the panorama mode that was demonstrated during the iPhone 5 launch. Like the latest iPhone, the front-facing cam is also capable of shooting 720p video, and comes with support for Apple’s FaceTime feature.

It’s going to arrive running on iOS 6 and comes with the Siri voice recognition feature – the first time it’s made available on an iPod. The new iPod touch will also come bundled with Apple’s new EarPod earbuds, as well as a wriststrap (called the ‘loop’) that hooks up to a button at the back for safety.

Available in 5 colors (yellow, pink, blue, black and white), the 5th-gen iPod touch starts at $299 for the 32GB model, while the 64GB model tops out at $399. It starts a bit higher than its predecessor, but if you’re looking for a cheaper option, Apple will still be selling the 4th-gen player starting at $199 for the 16GB model (they’re going to phase out the 8GB version).

It’s due out in October, but pre-orders will start this week.