In expected Apple fashion, its iPod line received an upgrade this month, most notably for the iPod Touch and Nano.

The old Nano was short, wide, and well, kind of ugly looking. With the new Nano the hardware has reverted back to the first and second generation’s candy bar look. Taking the wide screen and flipping it vertically, making the sides curved (making the only edges on the top and bottom or the player), and somehow managing to make it even skinnier, the new Nano simply looks better.

It has also left the pastel colors and now literally has a rainbow of colors to choose from, all of which are pretty vibrant.

The software of it has changed considerably as well. The new user interface of the Nano has a bit of the feel of the iPhone and iPod Touch. With the built-in accelerometer, the Nano now flips into Cover Flow when on its side and can be shaken to shuffle.

Other things of note are flipping on its side for videos and integrating Apple’s new Genius Playlist into it, which takes into account your entire library and listening habits when creating a playlist around a song of your choice. A handy thing when you’re on-the-fly.

The iPod Touch has also undergone some slight changes. Its new looks and hardware include a curved backing (which is still instantly smudgeable metal), a new volume button on the side, and some speakers. With the new backing making it technically a little thicker, it feels more comfortable in the hand, thanks to the curvy backing. The new volume control is also a welcome addition: speakers.

The software updates for the Touch is also the Genius Playlist maker (which is also available on the new Firmware for first generation Touches), and the integrated Nike+ for all the walkers and runners out there.

The iPod Classic and Shuffle also received (relatively minor) updates. The Classic is now just available in a one-size-fits-all 120 gigabyte model, and the shuffle simply gained new colors.