So it seems like Apple is getting ready to unveil some new things tomorrow, probably based on their entertainment products line up based on the image of the invite sent to people (it’s pictured on the right). This would most certainly include iPods, as they have been “refreshed” every September. I’m hoping there is also a new service built in to iTunes which is based loosely on the Zune Pass music service.
What the meat of this post is about though is the “expected features” list on the new iPod Touch that’s due to come out tomorrow posted here. Here is the list reposted for the convenience factor:
- FaceTime
- Rear Camera
- Form factor similar to the iPhone 4
- 3G Enabled models
- Retina display support
All of those things would make a stellar iPod Touch. However, the things italicized are the things that are almost a certainty in this newer model. We can count on one thing; at least one of those listed italicized items will make it to the new model to make people want to upgrade. Let me break my logic down.
FaceTime is a bit of a throw-up. There has been FaceTime email invitation support in the latest beta, but remember; it’s a beta. Some say the very presence of FaceTime would ensure that a front camera is thrown into the mix. Don’t be so sure. While it would be counter-intuitive to mix FaceTime conferencing with a rear-facing camera only, it has the possibility of happening. Anyone remember the lack of physical volume controls on the first-gen iPod Touch? Expect no FaceTime if no cameras are on the new one (obviously).
The rear camera seems like a gimme at this point. The fifth-gen iPod Nano has one, the iOS has baked-in support for cameras, and it was certain that the third-gen would get one. But, it never happened. Maybe in this release. There’s no excuse now. A mic built-in to the unit would be more welcome in my eye.
Retina Display support (inclusion) seems to be the safest bet (for me at least) for a one-spec upgrade between generations. This screen is beautiful, and needs to be brought across to the iPod Touch. It would make the most sense too, since the Touch is all about media and gaming. Of course, to draw all those pixels; the internals would need to be updated as well. I’m expecting the iPod to be updated with the same internals as the new iPhone 4; sans the signal-shorting-happy phone antenna.
On the not-italicized front; I’ll begin with the 3G data. People seem to easily forget about different product “classes” in computing. You got the computer, and the portable device, and the tablet. These “classes” distinctly describe why the iPod Touch should not get 3G data; as the iPod Touch would cannibalize into iPhone territory. While VoIP providers are realizing this and charging for it, cell companies in the US would be less-than-enthused because iPod Touch customers would eat up bandwidth on the data channel while paying less than iPhone users. Not to mention, the functions of texting and calling are easily duplicated over the internet; giving iPod Touch users a “free ride”, not something communications companies are keen on doing. Its portability also ensures that more people will buy it, compounding the issue. People are less likely to bust out an iPad while walking down the street, so the amount of data transmitted is less compared to what the iPod would be.
This is just a personal opinion, but I don’t think the new iPhone looks all that great. Sure, after the treatment in Aperture it does, but in the “real world” or “in the wild”, it really doesn’t. I would almost venture to put the new internals inside a 3GS case. If the new design of the iPod resembles the new iPhone; I seriously hope they make material changes. Instead of sticking to the iconic chrome backing, Apple should make the backplate out of brushed aluminum; and make it bevelled just a little around the edges, like the MacBook. Stick the logo and text on the back in black, and it would be awesome! Not to mention scratches wouldn’t show as easily. The front should remain the same.
Brandon Backlin
