It’s that time again when geeks, humans and hybrids (aka journalists covering tech news) make the latest predictions on Apple’s newest gadgets.
Now that the iPhone 4 has proven its worth to the world, the geek-o-sphere is once again in hyper mode speculating about the iPod Touch embracing Face Time.
Major UK retailer, John Lewis, believes that there’ll be a substantial refresh of the iPod Touch this coming September 2010. Speaking at the company’s Christmas look-ahead event in London, Rob Hennessey, buyer audio and telecomms, outlined the major features that the device is likely to carry, based on information given to him from suppliers.
The main new add-ons will be an improved 5-megapixel camera with a flash, that can shoot HD video, the adoption of the same sort of accelerometer and gyroscope found in the iPhone 4, and FaceTime calling over Wi-Fi. (Pocket-lint)
While a 5-megapixel camera is not too surprising (as having a camera has been a huge request amongst many of my iPod lovin’ friends), Apple still has not hinted on whether they will include a front facing camera on the device as well.
Although an iPod Touch plus camera(s) would not be as cool as owning an iPhone 4, it could help Apple combat the rise of Android as the company could pitch the device to those unable to own an iPhone (due to being on a CDMA carrier) or unwilling to sign up with a wireless provider.
It could also help Apple expand its gaming market even further, as Cupertino could market the could market the camera loving iPod Touch as a “poor man’s iPad” (plus the camera of course).
Apple may exclude the front facing camera in order to differentiate the iPod Touch from its iPhone 4 cousin (as they seem to hate their products cannibalizing each other), although equipping the iPod Touch with a HD camera could make the device appeal to the “carrier hating” masses.
(via CrunchGear, Image Credit: techAU)
Originally posted on July 8, 2010 @ 3:26 pm