When the new generation of video iPods was rolled out, older fifth-generation (5G) iPods got some lovin' when software updates brought some new functionality to the aging version of the handheld music device. Of course, the update didn't include the new Google search feature, but 5G iPod owners are still thankful for the new software features, which include higher-resolution video support as well as the ability to play iPod games.

But the best thing that came out of the software update is the much improved battery life. It turns out, longer battery life is achieved through optimizations in software.

Jason Snell of Playlist Mag puts the "updated" iPod to the test. His pre-update iPod gave up after four hours and fifteen minutes of "Desperate Housewives" and Who Wants to be a Superhero". After the update, his iPod was able to play for four hours and 53 minutes (at maximum brightness to boot). That's 39 minutes more of viewing time. Not bad at all. That's already one episode more than the pre-update iPod. But wonders never ceased. The iPod kept running until late at night. It ran out of gas after nine hours and 10 minutes of video playback.

That goes to show that the iPod software update not only brought nifty features to older 5G iPods, but it also gave battery life a big big boost.