Apple Computer Inc. introduced an iPod capable of playing videos on Wednesday, evolving the portable music player of choice into a multimedia platform for everything from TV shows to music videos.

Videos will be sold online alongside songs on Apple’s iTunes store.

Citing a groundbreaking deal with ABC Television Group, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said video offerings via iTunes would include episodes of hit shows “Desperate Housewives” and “Lost,” available the day after they air on television.

The purchased video could be watched on a computer or taken on the road for viewing on the new iPod’s 2.5-inch color screen.