In a recent media event held in San Francisco, California earlier this month, Apple unveiled exciting new modifications to their iPod range. As suspected by a number of industry insiders and reporters, the iPod Touch was a focal point of the announcements, but Steve Jobs, the managing director of the American multi-media giants, also announced innovative applications on the iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano.
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As the global market gradually recovers from the recession, Cheapest-iPod.com explores the iPod upgrades and asks whether the new personal media players are likely to be a hit with consumers or whether Apple have dropped a timing clanger.
What’s New with the iPod Touch
The iPod Touch is undoubtedly Apple’s all-time best selling multi-media device. With upgrades that include a high-definition Retina Display, wi-fi connectivity to allow FaceTime video calls and an improved gaming centre, it’s popularity is not likely to wane in the near future. Yet other than it being slimmer and sleeker the 4th generation Touch is no more advanced than the iPhone4 released earlier this year. And the iPhone4 has the advantage of phone and text capabilities.
New 4th Generation iPod Touch 2010
Having said that, the Touch is still king of the iPods and the latest advances are sure to attract inquisitive fans of portable media players to convert to Apple whilst existing Touch owners may well be more than tempted to upgrade their devices. So exactly how have Apple improved the iPod Touch.
Get Connected with FaceTime – The most likely feature to attract buyers to opt for the 4th generation iPod Touch is FaceTime, a function which allows users to catch up with family and friends using video call-up whenever they are in signal distance of a wi-fi connection. The device is mounted with dual cameras, one on the front and one on the back allowing users to relay whatever is in front of them and at the same time record themselves to appear in a smaller box on the same display screen.
There is also the option to switch the focus of the display so the user appears on the receivers screen in full. For example, if you want a second opinion on a bag or jacket, you can show your friend the item through the front loaded viewfinder and at the same time they will be able to see your face in a small screen in the corner of their display. When they have given you their verdict flick back to face-to-face so they can see how happy you are with their decision.
To connect to the FaceTime function all you need to do is register the phone with Apple, obtain a secure ID code and register your email account. You can opt for an existing email address or set up a completely new account especially for FaceTime. The functionality of the new feature is as simple as you would expect from Apple’s Touch range, simply tap and swipe the screen to select your options. To connect invite the receiver to video call and when they accept, FaceTime begins.
New iPod Touch FaceTime
The downside to this function is it is only available to other Touch or iPhone4 users and as the function is accessed through wi-fi, unless you and the receiver are both connected to your home wi-fi or in a wi-fi hotspot with good connectivity, the application is no use. Expect to be frustrated on occasion.
That said, the wi-fi availability is likely to be a welcome addition to your portable media player. Even if you are in a reliable hotspot, but unable to reach anybody, the latest Touch allows you to access iTunes and download music directly to your iPod, so if you’re recommended a song or an artist by anybody whilst you’re out and about, you can download it immediately. You can’t get much more convenient than that!
Pin-Sharp iPod Visuals with HD Retina Display – Another impressive improvement is the High-Definition Retina Display. Using advanced technology, Apple’s developers have packed in an additional 326 pixels per inch making images and graphics even smoother. The increased pixel density delivers a 960 by 640 resolution and makes films, games, text and photos practically blossom with colour.
The Retina display uses a LED backlighting and a light sensor that can adjust the brightness of the screen automatically. Not only does this improve your viewing pleasure, when the backlighting is on a low resolution, it will also reserve power and prolong battery life.
HD Recording on New iPod Touch – Owners of earlier versions of the iPod Touch will be familiar with the built-in video camera allowing users to record magical moments or unexpected moments whilst on the move. The new high-definition resolution shares the same LED backlighting functionality described for the Retina display to deliver pin-sharp focus when recording videos regardless of the lighting conditions.
The other plus with this latest model is the built-in editing capability which allows you to edit the videos immediately. Within a few taps of the screen you can access the recorded footage in the iMovie application, edit the clips, add music and download it directly to Youtube to share your experience with your friends even before you get home.
Expand Your Online Social Network in iPod Touch Game Centre – Interactive gaming fans of PS2 and Xbox don’t have to wait until their home to do battle. The new iPod Touch is fitted with a Game Centre application that allows you to send out invitations and expand your social network wherever you are – and wherever your soon to be opponent is.
New iPod Touch Game Center
You may enjoy playing games one on one with your friends, but with the Touch you can only enjoy interactive gaming if your opponent also has an iPod Touch or iPhone that runs off an iOS 4.1 platform. The beauty of the latest Touch technology however, is the auto-match function will prioritise your friends if they are also looking for an auto-match. Alternatively, it will pitch you against a new friend anywhere in the world.
The Games Centre has a leader board displaying the scores of every player for any game you wish to get involved in. This gives you the option – and the right – to challenge any player you see fit by simply sending them an invite to join you to compete for top spot.
iPod Touch Battery Life - The entry level for the new iPod Touch is again 8GB with a 32GB and 64GB also available. In comparison to earlier models the price is significantly more expensive though considering the quality of upgrades and an additional 10 hours of battery life, giving you a total of 40 hours audio playback (7 hours video) some consumers will be prepared to fork out that little bit extra.
Cheapest-iPod.com Verdict
Whereas the new iPod Touch is a significant improvement on earlier models and can rightly stake a valid claim as the best iPod ever to grace the market, it’s doesn’t give you anything more than an iPhone4. In fact it gives you less. However, in a price comparison test, given that the 32GB iPhone4 is £141 more expensive, plus monthly contract charges, you are arguably better off with the Touch and a less flashy phone. The 4th addition Touch also gets the thumbs up if your principle interest in for owning an advanced portable media player is to watch TV and films, though if you’re more into your music, the iPod Classic gives you a far greater song capacity for your money.
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