Apple is introducing a new iPod nano version, with a new aluminum body, 24 hours of battery life and more than twice the music capacity for the same price as the previous generation.

The new iPod nano features Apple’s Click Wheel and an even smaller, thinner and lighter design available in silver, pink, green, blue and black.

The second generation iPod nano is more compact than the original and has a brighter display perfect for viewing album art and up to 25,000 photos. Some new features are the Search and Quick Scroll, making it easier for users to find exactly what they are looking for.

The new iPod nano supports gapless playback, and includes Apple’s Auto-Sync technology that automatically downloads a user’s digital music collection, photos or podcasts onto iPod nano and keeps it up-to-date whenever iPod nano is plugged into a Mac or Windows computer using USB 2.0.

Apple is also unveiling new accessories designed for the second generation iPod nano, including lanyard headphones, an armband, a dock, and a new incredibly compact USB power adapter which at almost half the size of the previous USB power adapter is perfect for charging your iPod while traveling.

The second generation iPod nano features the 30-pin iPod dock connector allowing it to work with a range of third-party products, from home stereo speakers to cars featuring iPod integration. The company says there are now more than 3,000 accessories available for the iPod.

The new models are now available on-line through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The new 2GB iPod nano model in silver is available for US$149, the new 4GB models in silver, pink, green and blue are available for US$199, and the new 8GB model in black is available for $249 (US). All iPod nano models include redesigned earbud headphones providing superior comfort, fit and sound quality, and a USB 2.0 cable.