2 posts tagged “ipod touch”

I'm not looking forward to the 3G iPhone, seriously. Everyone knows it's coming one day since SJ announced the original iPhone back in January 2007. However, these three devices ((or rather new device categories)) could be interesting...

1) iPad ((aka Newton 2.0 / Palmtop, the current iPod touch is getting into that device category))

2) Apple Ultraportable ((the MacBook Air is getting there, but still too large in my view))

3) iBook 2.0 ((Apple's answer to the Amazon Kindle, a simple eBook reader, unrelated to the original iBook laptops))

Some people might argue that category 1) and 3) could be merged into one device over time, but low-voltage display technologies ((EInk etc.)) aren't ready yet for moving content or colour output, at least not at an affordable price.

Apple might bring out either 1) and/or 3) at WWDC 20008 in June. I guess it's rather device 1), but that's just a guess. However, recent rumors make this more likely. See eg. ...

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/14/intel-confirms-atom-based-larger-iphone-mini-tablet/

and before...

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/11/3g-iphone-in-may-another-device-at-wwdc/

Another take on a potential eBook from Apple can be found here...

http://blogd.com/wp/index.php/archives/3667

The Apple ((multitouch)) pad rumors have obviously been around for some time as well...

http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/26/is-apple-working-on-a-multi-touch-based-newton-successor/

PS: Note I didn't use the word "tablet" for devices 1) ir 3) because I think this name is linked to the rather unsuccessful MS tablet PC product category. Also, Apple's devices, especially device 1) will most likely have a smaller form factor than MS tablet PCs.

Which iPod are you ? The iPod nano fatty or the new iPod Touch ((I blogged about this before in Gadget Fetish)) ?

A few days ago, I wasn't sure whether the upcoming iPod Touch included WiFi...it does, so I chose the iPod Touch ((and not the new Nano)) to be included into the Gadget fetish top three...

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/

But the iPod Touch is missing one more last thing ((because of those damned telco contracts)): A microphone. A Wifi-enabled iPhone Touch with Skype and/or iChat ((and in a few years WiMAX enabled)). In short, a VOIP iPod.
Once the evil telco contracts expire in 23 5 years ((Apple has probably signed these in blood with AT&T)), a microphone and WiFi/WiMax telephony will be a match in heaven...*plop*.

Stop dreaming :)

PS: For a more complete review of subtle and not so subtle differences between the iPod Touch and the original iPhone, go here: http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2007/09/05/differences-between-the-iphone-and-ipod-touch/

For interesting implications for Podcasters and indy musicians, go here:
http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/09/05/the-ipod-nano-and-ipod-touch-implications-for-podcasting-and-podsafe-music/

((iSquint and Handbrake support video encoding in the new iPod Touch format 480-by-320-pixel since it's the same as on the iPhone. Remember that this is higher than Sonys' full PSP resolution at 480-by272-pixel...))

PPS: Oh, iPhone sales numbers dropped off in the last few weeks, so Apple lowered the price. But Steve Jobs is a master of PR disguise, few journalists will mention this in today's reports, but Wall Street noticed...the new price looks more acceptable and will help the iPhone through the end of 2007. Others think this is business as usual in the phone business and sales are doing great...

"Investors think something is wrong with demand, but we felt even before the price cut that Apple was going to make or even exceed its targets," said Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray. "In the short term, it will cost them some profits, but there's an even better tradeoff."

Price cuts for cellphones - even high-end ones - aren't unusual. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s (005930.SE) popular Blackjack smartphone and Motorola Inc.'s (MOT) Razr both saw rapid cuts, and Razr now is essentially given away with a new contract.

Nokia Corp.'s (NOK) high-end N95 has been able to maintain its high price because of its strong brand and presence in Europe, illustrating the challenges Apple faces when it enters that market. But a price cut now will help the company as it pushes the iPhone overseas. Baker said it will be interesting to see how the other handset makers react to the price change.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200709051654DOWJONESDJONLINE000989_FORTUNE5.htm