Apple has taken the stage today at today’s "Let’s talk iPhone event" to show off, among other products, an upgrade to the well-known iPod touch, the multi-touch device that shares many attributes of the iPhone except for the ability to make calls or send SMS.
White Color
For the first time, this device will also come in a white version, much like the iPhone, providing new customers with additional choice. Let’s just hope Apple doesn’t have as much of a hard time bringing the white product to market as it did with the white iPhone 4.
Absence of 3G Connectivity
One of the features that was expected by many in this new model was 3G connectivity, but that doesn’t seem to have made its way onto the new iPod touch.
First introduced in 2007, the iPod touch has always been the iPhone smaller brother, incorporating much of its hardware design and features, including identical internal hardware specifications, except for the lack of phone functionality. This device was seen as an alternative to the iPhone for users who might not have wanted, or been able to, be tied up to a contract with a major phone carrier. 3G connectivity would have made it easier for users in underserved areas, without WiFi hotspots, to consume Internet content on the fly, but clearly this wasn’t a priority for Apple. Nonetheless, the iPod touch remains a very attractive portable device that will sure continue to have an incredibly loyal user base.
Availability
The device will be available on October 12th, less than one week away, in 8 ($199), 32 ($299) and 64GB ($399) models, and will likely contribute to a larger slice of Apple’s total revenue going forward. If you’ve been looking into a multi-use portable device but feel that the iPhone isn’t quite for you, now might be a great time to consider an iPod touch.
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