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Apple intros iPod touch without built-in camera

updated 02:30 pm EDT, Wed September 9, 2009

3rd-generation iPod touch

Apple today at its "Rock & Roll" music event launched the third-generation iPod touch. The media player now has the same processing power as the iPhone 3GS and is up to about 50 percent faster than the older model and supports the same OpenGL ES 2.0 visual effects. No mention has been made of cameras on the devices, which run iPhone OS 3.1 and still have the familiar tapered chrome back.

It also gives most models Apple's earbuds with mic and remote, and on those models or any equipped with a compatible third party remote lets them use Voice Control to navigate tracks.

The company stresses price drops as a key factor in the design and is selling the new iPod touch at just $199 for an 8GB version without the mic-equipped remote; the 16GB model has been dropped but is being replaced with a $299 32GB version with the advanced remote, and a new record-level 64GB model will sell for $399. These should be available today through the online Apple Store.

by MacNN Staff

(26)

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iPod, iPod touch, audio, Apple, iPhone 3GS

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testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

-1

09/09, 02:07pm | report spam | close Reply |
Yep

No camera on the 'computer in your pocket'. But they stick one on the useless iPod nano? What? Like people are buying that to take pictures?

It would be like bringing back your previous iPod and calling it new! Oh, wait, they did that too, didn't they.

boris_cleto
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2002

+9

09/09, 02:16pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
No camera = no sale

Once again Apple cripples the touch so that it doesn't compete with the iPhone.

boris_cleto
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2002

0

09/09, 02:18pm | report spam | close Reply |
8GB

The 8GB is just a second gen with a lower price.

bluejammm
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2006

+1

09/09, 02:18pm | report spam | close Reply |
I agree

It looks as though that is what they did. That blows. Camera on a silly nano for the kids.
Well, at least they added 64gb.

ScottG
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2005

-2

09/09, 02:21pm | report spam | close Reply |
BARF!!!! WHAT?!?! BARF!!!

Excuse Me! They added all the stuff that should have been in the iPod Touch, into a NANO!!!

Let me just say NA to the NANO, and NO way will I ever buy that thing as a big step backwards from the iPod Touch Gen2. I can't believe this at all, and the touch users get a 64Gb upgrade with open GL...BARF!!! Excuse Me... I love Steve, but someone needs to have a little sit down and cover what is really needed for the iPod Touch at this Point! Makes me now want to get a 3GS Phone and just not activate it as a Phone if that can be done at all?

Very Very Disappointed over all this lack of announcements.

JTh
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2007

+3

09/09, 02:27pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
Gotta agree, Testudo

My opinion is the new lineup of iPods leave a lot to be desired.

They say Touch is fastest-growing, but the camera goes on the nano. Sure I can upload to Youtube, but I assume I still have to plug it into my Mac - as opposed to using wi-fi while I am out and about ... taking ... video. Regardless, I'm hardly interested in watching any of my friends/relatives videos anyway.

Still no device between a Macbook and a touch/iPhone. Sorry, but my great "pocket computer" iPhone is bearable, but I've gotten to only using the web browser in a pinch.

Haroscarfel
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 2007

+5

09/09, 02:35pm | report spam | close Reply |
reverse cannibalization?

maybe choosing the nano for the upgrades is a way to level the field for all the ipods. each has a strength. i admit i was disapointed at first but will also admit i want one of the nanos. i dont need a touch since i have an iphone. and my flip is aging. the nano seems perfect for all the times im just out with the kidos and they do something silly i want to share.

side note. the live pause feature for fm radio seems a test for a larger version maybe live pause tv. just a thought. still a bit disappointed in the overall news but apple is good at leaving you wanting.

nthep
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2009

0

09/09, 02:37pm | report spam | close Reply |
whoops - no camera???

i don't know what kind of games apple is playing - but this is stupid and frustrating.

i was ready to march down and get my ipod touch with video (and stills by the way) today and now I guess I will just have to wait for them to give us what we have been asking for.

jdonahoe
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2006

+1

09/09, 02:56pm | report spam | close Reply |
Great non-event

What the h***! Microsoft is putting out a 16GB OLED display with FM ZuneHD for $229 and Apple's answer is to drop the 16GB model. Why didn't Apple at least drop the 8GB model and make the 16GB $199? That would have taken a lot out of Microsoft's sales(sails). Why was this an event at all. I like the new nano, but why not update all ipods? Sheesh, time to go hide under my rock till the next "event" in January.

Feathers
Grizzled Veteran

Joined: Oct 1999

-4

09/09, 02:56pm | report spam | close Reply |
allegedly...

I find it interesting that Apple are allowed to claim higher speeds and performance without providing any supporting data. The tech specs on the Applestore cleverly ignore any such honest disclosure. Do we just take Steve and Apple's word for it? Like all the third-party accessory manufacturers took their word for the redesigned Touch. [Rant] Personally, Apple just lost a sale... I was waiting to see what the new Touch would provide but underwhelming disappointment wasn't what I expected. It seems that aside from Apple no longer being a computer company, they're no longer an music player company either. They're a phone company... all hail the iPhone and protect it's margins at all costs even it that means savaging other products that might dare to encroach on it's greedy share. The old adage about the Apple logo is truer than ever... there's always a bite missing. You NEVER get everything you want from an Apple product. [/Rant]

lamewing
Forum Regular

Joined: Aug 2004

+5

09/09, 03:05pm | report spam | close Reply |
So very sad

I have an iPhone I use for phone calls, messaging, and aps. BUT I was excited to finally be getting a dedicated music player ( all baterry life for music playback) but after seeing the new lineup I think I will look at a new Sony x-1050/1060 or a Zune HD.

What is going on with Apple fracturing the iPod line? FM only on the Nano? Cameras only on the Nano? Same with voice-over...only on the Nano?!!! This intentional crippling of the iPod touch is too much. Some folk do NOT want an iPhone and should be able to get the same capabilities as the iPhone, sans the phone. This would not canabalize sales. In my case it is sending me to buy an alternative product.

Apple, I don't get you at all...

For the record, it will be hilarious to see some fanboy claiming the FM is a godsend after Apple did a 180. I still recall so many folks claiming FM was worthless...heh.

Inkling
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2006

+5

09/09, 03:14pm | report spam | close Reply |
Ticked off and suspicious

Apple has got me so ticked off, I'll probably put my energy into getting a 1-G iPhone cheap and forget buying these ho-hum iPod touches. That way, Apple won't get a penny and I'll probably save money.

I need a camera, and I need a mike and I don't want to pay AT&T fees. I also need them soon. I thought I would get that in the new touches. Instead, Apple is giving the tiny Nano more features but not the iPod touch. Why? With that tiny 2.2-inch Nano screen you can't see much of what you've taken and the equally tiny battery isn't likely to last long in video mode.

What's going on? If Apple has production problems with camera-equipped touches, they should say so, give us the details of new touch, and a release date. This cult of secrecy is such a pain. You'd think they were the Kremlin circa 1935. Both have a cult-like obsession with not admitting mistakes.

Still worse is the possibility that Apple wants to build high walls between its products, doling out features in odd ways to fit a marketing straight-jacket. The iPhone would be for work and business for those with the money. The touch is for games but not recreation, hence the lack of a camera and the boring length of game promotion today. Color touch users fat and flabby couch potatoes. The Nano is for mostly outdoor recreation (camera and Nike added), but has nothing that lets you get work done. If so, it's stupid move.

To add insult to injury, I just checked the specs on the new touches. The 8 gig model ships with the old-style earphones not the remote earphones and without a plastic dock adapter. Total saving for Apple? Probably about 25 to 50 cents. Cost to customers who don't want to pull their touch out of their pocket every time they pause music: $30 That stinks. Heck, even the cheap little $59 Shuttle ships with remote earphones. While Jobs was gone, the niggling little bean counters seem to have been running Apple. This is the unfortunate result.

[B]I hate companies that treat their customers as if they were stupid, and that's precisely how I feel Apple is treating its customers now.[/B]

ggirton
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 1999

-5

09/09, 03:33pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
What if...

What if you need to take your iPod touch into places where no cameras are allowed? The lack of a camera doesn't look so bad, then, does it now?

luckyday
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2008

-5

09/09, 03:37pm | report spam | close Reply |
Nat

Hey natty. I guess I was right after all. Looks like you'll need to go out and buy a cell phone if you want a camera. Haha. I love being right.

watchall
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Oct 2004

+1

09/09, 04:15pm | report spam | close Reply |
bluetooth!!!!

HEY DID ANYONE ELSE NOTICE IPOD TOUCH finally has Bluetooth enabled!!!!

nat
Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2002

+5

09/09, 04:32pm | report spam | close Reply |
oh luck

it is such a rare occasion that i can well imagine your pleasure when you think you are right.
of course, no one here knows what the hail you're talking about.

as i've told you and told you (you never listen... sigh), i don't have a cell phone and won't be getting one anytime soon. but thanks for thinking of me. you're number 1 in my book.

testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

+4

09/09, 04:46pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
Re: bluetooth

Bluetooth was enabled in the iPod Touch with the v3.0 OS, so it isn't 'new' per se, though it is new in the sense that it will actually come to you enabled, you don't have to fork over another $10 to get it.

Feathers
Grizzled Veteran

Joined: Oct 1999

+1

09/09, 05:26pm | report spam | close Reply |
voting down

It is pretty obvious that now, as always, there are Apple fanbois voting down any comments that are remotely negative (or should I say accurate) and yet they are not posting any comments themselves. That is, (for the hard of thinking), that there are significantly more votes than comments. It seems that some people have so little strength in their fingers that they can only manage to click down comments rather than indulge the clearly more taxing pursuit of composing a comment of their own.

ilovestevejobs
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2007

0

09/09, 08:54pm | report spam | close Reply |
Har har

Just reading some comment from the "Zune HD leak shows $220 price, Sept. 8 date" article

Moonmonkey - "with a built in camera in the new Touch, zune will be finally toast."

Inkling - " This is good news for those of us who've been thinking about getting one of the new iPod touches. Apple will be under pressure to match or beat Zume's prices. In a tight economy, it's not a good idea to be priced higher.
And in my case, if Apple prices drop a bit, I may actually spend more money to get more storage. Apple wins and I win. That's nice.

Paul Huang - "Just wait and see how iPod 16GB $199 kills the Zune for good."

HAHAHA...owned!

ilovestevejobs
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2007

0

09/09, 08:55pm | report spam | close Reply |
Har har

Just reading some comment from the "Zune HD leak shows $220 price, Sept. 8 date" article

Moonmonkey - "with a built in camera in the new Touch, zune will be finally toast."

Inkling - " This is good news for those of us who've been thinking about getting one of the new iPod touches. Apple will be under pressure to match or beat Zume's prices. In a tight economy, it's not a good idea to be priced higher.
And in my case, if Apple prices drop a bit, I may actually spend more money to get more storage. Apple wins and I win. That's nice.

Paul Huang - "Just wait and see how iPod 16GB $199 kills the Zune for good."

HAHAHA...owned!

TiberiusMonkey
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2008

+2

09/09, 10:45pm | report spam | close Reply |
Camera.

You'd have to be an idiot to not see why a camera in the Nano makes sense and is an amazing idea for the youngsters it's being aimed at. That said, the only real reason they wouldn't put one in the touch is because of it taking sales away from the iPhone, which is a shame because the touch really needs one.

iphonerulez
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 2008

-1

09/10, 10:48am | report spam | close Reply |
I believe Steve already explained that...

they wanted to keep the iPod Touch "CHEAP" enough for the gamers and that's why the camera was supposedly omitted from the Touch. And besides, gamers don't need cameras. Now is everyone clear on the point? (sarcasm)

And the Zune HD is still a non-issue to iPod Touch sales. Nothing is going to jumpstart Zune HD sales and apart from a few Engadget nerds most people won't even know or care it exists.

Nano sales will take off like crazy for the holidays due to the cost/feature sweet spot. iPod Touch sales will remain about the same (good). Apple is only going to be able to dip into so many pockets at once, so they're trying to balance the sales over the whole iPod lineup. I guarantee the Nano will be the hottest gift this season and I'm sure Foxconn will barely be able to keep up with demand.

Apple is far more concerned with margins than adding features for users and they probably have it down to a science.

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10 Most Discussed

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Apple intros iPod touch without built-in camera

updated 02:30 pm EDT, Wed September 9, 2009

3rd-generation iPod touch

Yep

No camera = no sale

8GB

I agree

BARF!!!! WHAT?!?! BARF!!!

Gotta agree, Testudo

reverse cannibalization?

whoops - no camera???

Great non-event

allegedly...

So very sad

Ticked off and suspicious

What if...

Nat

bluetooth!!!!

oh luck

Re: bluetooth

voting down

Har har

Har har

Camera.

I believe Steve already explained that...

Login Here

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Apple intros iPod touch without built-in camera

updated 02:30 pm EDT, Wed September 9, 2009

3rd-generation iPod touch

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Yep

No camera = no sale

8GB

I agree

BARF!!!! WHAT?!?! BARF!!!

Gotta agree, Testudo

reverse cannibalization?

whoops - no camera???

Great non-event

allegedly...

So very sad

Ticked off and suspicious

What if...

Nat

bluetooth!!!!

oh luck

Re: bluetooth

voting down

Har har

Har har

Camera.

I believe Steve already explained that...

Login Here

10 Most Read

10 Most Discussed

MacNN Marketplace