Rumor Has It: New iPod Touch With Camera/Mic Already in Production
By now, we’re no stranger to rumors of a new iPod touch model complete with a built-in camera and microphone. Even without sources backing up these claims, it just seems like the logical next step for Apple to take with the device if it wants to keep providing consumers with an incentive to upgrade. The latest word is not only that these rumors are accurate, but that the device in question is already on the assembly line in China.
The source, a “well-connected” one talking to Wired.com, claims that circulating rumors about the camera and microphone are both spot on. They even confirm that the camera included in the new iPod touch (which was last updated at the beginning of September in 2008, making this the longest interval between model changes) will indeed be able to capture both images and video. And it will include an external mic, in addition to the external speaker and headset support included in the current iteration.
As Wired points out, this will make it an ideal device for use with existing Skype applications already available in the App Store. The combination of the two could make the iPod touch a viable home phone replacement for those who already only use their landlines for long distance anyways. They also note that combined with a Verizon MiFi, it basically becomes an iPhone without the cruddy AT&T network and attendant charges.
I’d long suspected that Apple was holding off on including these phone-like features in the iPod touch to differentiate between it and the iPhone in order to avoid cannibalizing sales, but my own experience has been that touch owners are much more inclined toward an iPhone purchase than not. I think Apple has realized this “gateway drug” phenomenon has little to do with hardware features and a lot to do with a constant data connection and cell phone features.
Which leads me to believe that they only reason they’re pacing the release of the rest of the iPhone’s extra bells and whistles to their portable media player platform is for differentiation between models, not across product lines. That means there’s hope for GPS integration in future versions, which I think we’ll see if turn-by-turn apps on the iPhone become a significant success. Also don’t forget that the iPod touch was actually the first to get built-in Nike+ support, so expect to see at least one surprise when this device does launch, which should be in two to three months, if Wired’s source is accurate.
Tweet This (30)
Eric on July 22nd, 2009 at 8:41 am
Wut next?! Is apple gonna launch a private satelite? So that we can have wi-fi everywhere?!
Courtney on July 22nd, 2009 at 10:05 am
I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
Someone... on July 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Its pretty logical, but instead of Wi-Fi Everywere, its more accurate to use the satelite for the mobileme syncing through the air..-
Zara on July 30th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Wouldn’t that be nice.
ahah, a private satelite. Then I would be able to use the texting feature outside also! Cross your fingers man, and hope it comes true.
Steven on September 1st, 2009 at 3:15 am
Wow – great concept man!
megan on November 5th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
a wifi connection has to be wired at some point (router) technology has to advance much farther for that to even think about and a HUGE device to repeat the signal to reach everywhere not likely gl with that one lol
Gabe Clemons on July 22nd, 2009 at 9:12 am
I like this my only concern is when is it going to come down to there not being a difference between the ipod and the iphone. It is crazy to think about.
Khürt Williams on July 23rd, 2009 at 6:10 am
Why is this a concern?
Someone on July 30th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Yea, honestly, why is that a concern?
MEESHA on November 17th, 2009 at 3:28 am
Yeah It would be cool to have all the features the phone has with out having the phone. That way we can switch up phone as often as we want.
Matthew L. on July 22nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
as long as the pricing doesn’t change, I’m fine. I’m saving up for one at christmas.
Lee on July 22nd, 2009 at 9:36 am
I’m sure glad to see these rumors solidifying, but like everyone else I have been expecting this for awhile now. In fact, call me a dreamer, but I’ve moved on to hoping (still) for GPS/Compass in the next iteration as well. Ok, or at least how about wireless n support too?
geoff on July 22nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
I hope the camera has higher resolution than the iPhone one – just so that both devices have they’re selling point. I don’t have much use for an iPhone but an iPod with a (video) camera would be great. Plus it’d be nice to have speakers as the my current G1 does not.
Twist on July 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I would love to have an iPod Touch, but basically what I want is an iPhone without the phone. I want GPS, I want Bluetooth, I want the earpiece and microphone just like the iPhone has so it can be used as a VoIP phone.
Zack on July 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Go buy an iPhone from Apple then! You dont need a contract to buy one!
Khürt Williams on July 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 am
So basically you want an iPod Touch with GPS.
Khürt Williams on July 23rd, 2009 at 6:01 am
I have the 2nd generation iPod Touch and the only thing I would like to see added is a camera. I have no pressing need (there is a want) for constant connectivity. My office, home, and local café have Wi-Fi and that works well enough for me. With the addition of a camera I would be able to take those “around town” photos without the need to carry around my Nikon.
Nancy Commington on July 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
when does it come out?
Someone on July 30th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Their guessing that its going to be like the date the last Ipod Touch. I hear its going to be early September, like September 9th ish.
WindU100 on July 24th, 2009 at 1:58 am
What is the capacity likely to be for the ipod touch 3rd generation? are we going to see 64 GB? Maybe more? Does anyone have any idea or speculation about pricing?! More expensive or less? US dollars or AUD estimates please.
Any change to the OS maybe?
Frank Aguilar on July 26th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Wow, the only thing missing is 3G and there will be no distinction from the iPhone and the iPod.
LJ on August 26th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I honestly can’t wait will this comes out, I wanted to buy an iPod touch but you know how apple works. As soon as you buy their product they come out with an improved version. So i’ve been waiting for this one to come out for a while now :)
HC on August 29th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I also cant wait for this to come out. Ive been waiting to get a touch but as soon as i heard about this I think im gonna wait until it comes out.
So is this definitly true about the camera and everything, because i dont want to have to end up waiting 4 months or something before it comes out. Also will we be able to text on this new ipod touch?
thanks!
Ipod Mic on September 4th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
To be fair, you can use a 2nd gen ipod touch as a phone now. Just plug in a normal headset with mic. I use my blackberry’s headset with skype all the time on it. Works great.
saurabh on September 6th, 2009 at 6:06 am
even if they launch the new ipod touch with camera and all , till when will they be available for the customers to buy ???
zacg on September 13th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
awesome
shmaaa on September 18th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Wow im so excited :] i have been begging my mom for one FOREVER and thank goodness she made me wait for this :]
KerrisDickson on September 27th, 2009 at 3:59 am
how cn i buy the ipod touch with camera
Rodrigo on October 8th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Does This Mean that The ipod Touch ((NOT THE IPHONE)) Is Going To Have Now A Camera?
Billy on October 21st, 2009 at 6:37 am
The review said that it would come out in September or October, but it’s already October 21st. If it comes out soon, do you think that it will be right before Christmas or right after Christmas?
lol on October 23rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I hope it’ll come out before christmas
helloiwantacameranow!!!!!!!!!!! on October 25th, 2009 at 8:51 am
here in holland we got “Sinterklaas” it is the 5th of december, hope it comes before that :P
helloiwantacameranow!!!!!!!!!!! on October 25th, 2009 at 8:52 am
here in holland we got “Sinterklaas” it is the 5th of december, hope it comes before that :P.
john on November 1st, 2009 at 9:13 am
i recently asked my mom for a regualar itouch for christmas but i definatley want this apple continues to come out with bigger and better things
Rey on November 10th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Wow that would be awesome!(I too would like it to come out before Christmas)
Alexi on November 15th, 2009 at 3:48 am
i hope to god it comes out at christmas otherwise im going to have to get the ipod touch 32gb
helloiwantacameranow!!!!!!!!!! on November 15th, 2009 at 4:34 am
me to
Stephanie on November 17th, 2009 at 4:09 am
so, is there an ipod touch out now with a camera and mic cuz i’m getting 1 and i want 1 just want one like that. Plzz tell me guys if there’s 1 that just came out with a camera and mic.