New retina display, dual cameras

Although rumors surrounding a camera-equipped iPod touch had circulated for years without coming to fruition, Apple has finally launched a major update to its flagship iPod. The fourth-generation catches up with the iPhone 4's robust set of features, as both devices now offer dual cameras, an A4 processor, 960x640 display, and a gyroscope.

The 960x640 display is one of the most important new features, allowing users to take advantage of apps designed specifically for the higher resolution. The LCD panel is almost as great as the iPhone 4, with vibrant colors and bright presentation, however the Touch appears to lack the in-plane switching (IPS) technology that makes the iPhone superior when viewing from extreme angles.

The dual cameras are also a tradeoff when compared to the Touch's cellphone counterpart. While both devices can record video in 720p resolution, the Touch lacks autofocus and limits still pictures to 720x960 pixels. In comparison, the iPhone 4 can capture 5-megapixel (1936x2592) stills. Both devices share the same VGA-quality front-facing sensor for FaceTime video calls.

The new A4 processor makes the Touch noticeably faster, bringing overall performance up to match the iPhone 4. The new processor, combined with the gyroscope sensor, make sure the Touch stays compatible and usable with any of the latest games or apps.

Overall, we welcomed the changes and refinements Apple has brought to the new touch. We would have liked to see a matte or brushed finish on the stainless housing, rather than the scratch-prone polished finish, or the entry-level model outfitted with 16GB of storage. Nonetheless, the fourth-generation Touch still provides a variety of reasons to upgrade from the earlier models.

by MacNN Staff