iPod Touch
 4th generation iPod Touch, with iOS 4.1 |
|
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable media player/PDA/Handheld game console/Mobile Internet device |
| Retail availability |
1st generation: September 13, 2007 |
| Media |
1st/2nd generation: 8, 16 and 32 GiB Flash memory |
| Operating system |
iOS |
| Power |
3.7 V rechargeable Lithium-ion battery |
| CPU |
1st generation: |
| Memory |
1st/2nd generation: 128 MB DRAM |
| Display |
1st-3rd generations: 3.5 in (89 mm), 2:3 aspect ratio, 262,144-color LCD, 320×480 px at 163 ppi |
| Graphics |
1st/2nd generation: PowerVR MBX Lite[5] |
| Input |
|
| Connectivity |
|
| Dimensions |
1st generation: |
| Weight |
1st generation: 120 g (4.2 oz) |
| Related articles | iPhone, iPad (List of iOS devices) |
The iPod Touch (stylized, trademarked, and marketed as iPod touch) is a portable media player, personal digital assistant, and Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The product was launched on September 5, 2007, at an event called The Beat Goes On.[7] The iPod Touch adds the multi-touch graphical user interface to the iPod line. It is the first iPod with wireless access to the iTunes Store, and also has access to Apple's App Store, enabling content to be purchased and downloaded directly on the device. Apple Inc. has sold over 32 million iPod Touch units as of the end of 2009.[8]
The second generation iPod Touch features external volume controls, a built-in speaker, a contoured back, built-in Nike+, Bluetooth support, and the ability to connect a microphone. It was unveiled on September 9, 2008, at the "Let's Rock" keynote presentation.
The 3rd generation iPod Touch with iPhone OS 3.1 was announced and subsequently released on September 9, 2009.[9] It is available with 32GB or 64GB of flash memory. Apple also continued offering the 2nd generation 8 GB version.[10] The new 3rd generation iPod Touch[11] includes faster hardware (the same microprocessors, graphics engine, and RAM as the iPhone 3GS), a slightly lower battery life, voice control, light sensor, and bundled earphones with a remote and microphone. The 2nd and 3rd generation iPod Touch can now be updated to iOS 4.x for free, but can not take advantage of features using the iPhone's camera or GPS receiver.
Apple unveiled the 4th generation iPod Touch on September 1, 2010. It features Apple's Retina display and two cameras; one for FaceTime and the other for photos and HD video recording. It also contains Apple's A4 chip for faster processing, a microphone for communication and voice memos and a three-axis gyroscopic sensor which enables the device to recognize approximately how far, fast, and in which direction it has moved in space. The device ships with iOS 4.1, which adds Game Center to iOS along with the ability to use FaceTime through WiFi. It is sold at the starting price of $229.[12]
Contents |
Hardware
The iPod Touch has a slim rectangular shape with rounded edges, with a glass multi-touch display covering most of the top surface and a physical home button off the touchscreen. The display functions similarly to the multi-touch trackpad as implemented in Apple's current line of laptop computers. The touch and gesture features of the iPod Touch are based on technology originally developed by FingerWorks.[13]
Software
The home screen, called SpringBoard, has a list of icons for the available applications. All iPod Touch models include applications such as Music, Videos, and Photos (collectively duplicating the standard functions of the iPod Classic), iTunes (providing access to the iTunes Music Store), Safari, YouTube, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Later models added Mail (accessing POP/IMAP/SMTP e-mail), Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather, which could also be added to the earlier models with the purchase of a software upgrade. The user can add direct links to Web sites, called "Web Clips", to the home screen. All iPod Touch models are equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g.
On July 11, 2008, the iPhone OS 2.0 Software Update was released for purchase for the iPod Touch. The update allowed 1st generation iPod Touch devices access to the App Store to download third-party applications, in addition to a host of minor bug fixes.
On June 17, 2009, the iPhone OS 3.0 Software Update was released for purchase for the iPod Touch. The update allowed the devices to use new apps, and unlocked the Bluetooth functionality of the 2nd generation iPod Touch, enabling A2DP and P2P apps, as well as file transfer to other (non Apple) devices such as bluetooth-enabled mobile phones or jailbroken iPods using software such as iBlueNova.
On June 21, 2010, the new iOS 4.0 software update was released to second and third generation iPod Touch users for free.[14][15] It includes multitasking, app folders, backgrounds, iAd, and much more. However, second generation iPod touch devices did not receive multitasking, backgrounds, and Bluetooth keyboard support. iOS 4 is not supported on the first-generation iPod touch, and further software update support has been discontinued.
Comparisons to the iPhone and model comparisons
The iPod Touch and the iPhone, a smartphone by Apple Inc., share the same hardware platform and run the same iOS operating system. The iPod Touch lacks some of the iPhone's features and associated apps, such as access to cellular networks (and speaker on older models). As a result, the iPod Touch is slimmer and lighter than the iPhone. Multimedia, which is available as a single "iPod" app on the iPhone, is split into music and movies on the iPod Touch. Steve Jobs once referred to the iPod Touch as "training wheels for the iPhone".[16]
The 2nd generation iPod Touch has an external volume switch and a built-in speaker like the iPhone. The 2nd generation also comes with the chrome frame seen on the iPhone 3G, making the two almost identical when viewed from the front. However, there are some notable differences, as there is no speaker above the screen, no silent/ringer switch, the back is metal, and the sleep/wake button is on the other side. The 2nd generation also supports audio input when a headphone or earphone with microphone capabilities is plugged into the audio output (headphone) jack. The iPod Touch 2.0 Software Update supports WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1X authentication.[17] The iPhone OS 3.0 update unlocked Bluetooth capability on the 2nd generation iPod Touch, as the included Wi-Fi chip (Broadcom BCM4325) has Bluetooth support.[18][19]
The 2nd generation iPod Touch is said to have a yellower cast/tint to the display, as compared to the iPhone or the original iPod Touch.[20] The applications processor inside the 2nd generation iPod Touch runs slightly faster than the processor inside the iPhone 3G, but slower than the iPhone 3GS.[21][22] The first generation iPod Touch works with all "Made for iPod" peripherals, but certain changes that Apple made to the 2nd generation iPod Touch prevent some existing peripherals from recharging the updated player.[23] The Google Street View feature added on iPhone firmware version 2.2 is absent from the same version of firmware released on the iPod Touch [24] but is found in the 3.0 update.
Apple has received criticism for charging iPod Touch owners for major updates of iOS that iPhone owners can obtain at no charge, as well as excluding certain features from the iPod Touch software that are included in the iPhone.[25][26] Apple has said that they can add features for free to the iPhone because the revenue from it is accounted for on a subscription basis under accounting rules, rather than as a one time payment.[27] At WWDC in June 2010 Jobs announced that Apple had "found a way" to make subsequent OS upgrades available free to iPod Touch owners - though it isn't available for the original iPod touch and some features are only available for the 32 and 64 GB iPod touches released in September and the fourth generation iPod touches.
Models
| Model | Picture | Capacity | RAM[28] | Connection | Original release date | Minimum OS to sync | Rated battery life (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation |  |
8 GB 16 GB |
128 MB | USB via Dock connector (FireWire for charging only)[29] | September 5, 2007 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP |
audio: 22 video: 5 |
| 32 GB | 128 MB | February 5, 2008 | |||||
| First iPod with Wi-Fi and a Multi-Touch interface. Features Safari web browser and wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. 32 GB version later added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access requires an upgrade fee. iOS software updates no longer supported. | |||||||
| 2nd generation |  |
8 GB 16 GB 32 GB |
128 MB | USB via Dock connector | September 9, 2008 September 9, 2009 (for 8GB released with iPhone OS 3.1) |
Mac: 10.4 Win: XP |
audio: 36 video: 6 |
| New tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access standard. Bluetooth support added but not made active until iPhone OS 3.0, which requires an upgrade fee. Support for external microphone and remote added. The 8 GB model was re-introduced alongside the 3rd generation iPod touch in September 2009, and included the newer iPhone OS 3.1. iOS 4 was released for free for second generation iPod touch models June 21, 2010, but included a limited selection of features. | |||||||
| 3rd generation | |
32 GB 64 GB |
256 MB | USB via Dock connector | September 9, 2009 | Mac: 10.4 Win: XP |
audio: 30 video: 6 |
| Updated to include the upgraded RAM, CPU and GPU internals from the iPhone 3GS; the 32GB and 64GB models include Voice Control support, VoiceOver, included OS version 3.x, and bundled remote earphones with microphone. iOS 4 was released for free for third generation iPod touch models June 21, 2010 and included Multitasking and homescreen wallpapers. | |||||||
| 4th generation | 8 GB 32 GB 64 GB |
256 MB | USB via Dock connector | September 8, 2010 | Mac: 10.5.8 Win: XP SP3 |
audio: 40 video: 7 |
|
| Front-facing camera for FaceTime, the iPhone's retina display without an IPS screen[30], has support for recording 720p video and 960 x 720 still photos via a back camera, Apple's A4 chip, a built-in microphone and a 3-axis gyroscope. Includes iOS 4.1. | |||||||
Requirements
As supplied new, the iPod Touch. On either operating system, the iPod Touch must be connected through a USB port.[31] The 2nd generation (and onward) iPod Touch will neither connect nor charge using older iPod FireWire cables.
Starting with the 2nd generation iPod Touch can only be charged from the 5V pin of the dock connector, while most previous iPod models and the original iPod Touch could also be charged from the 12V pin for FireWire power,[29] resulting in the newer iPod Touch not charging in vehicles equipped with a FireWire-based iPod connection. At the time of the switch, most aftermarket manufacturers of such equipment however are producing new cables and/or adapters, which convert the vehicle's 12 V to 5 V.
The first time the iPod Touch is turned on, a "connect cable to iTunes" graphic will be displayed continuously until the iPod Touch is connected to a computer running iTunes.[32]
To use the iPod Touch for buying products at the iTunes Music Store via Wi-Fi, an iTunes Music Store account must be created and the account details then entered into the iPod.
Apple states that the following is required for the iPod Touch:[33]
- iTunes 10 for iOS 4.1 or later, iTunes 9.2.0.61 for iOS 4.0.x or later, iTunes 8.2 for iPhone OS 3.0.x or later, iTunes 8.0 for iPhone OS 2.1.x, iTunes 7.6 for iPhone OS 2.0.x or earlier
- An available USB 2.0 port
Third-party applications
The only official way to obtain third-party applications for the iPod Touch is Apple's App Store, which is a branch of iTunes Store. The App Store application, available in all versions of iOS from 2.0 onwards, allows users to browse and download applications from a single online repository (hosted by Apple) with the iTunes Store. To develop such software, a software development kit (SDK) was officially announced on March 6, 2008, at an Apple Town Hall meeting.[34] The iPhone SDK allows developers to make applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch after paying a fee to join the development team. The developer can then set the price for the applications they develop and will receive 70% of money earned. The developer can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any additional costs.
Shortly after the iPod Touch was released, hackers were able to "jailbreak" the device through a TIFF exploit. The application installed by this exploit enabled the user to download a selection of unofficial third-party programs. Jailbreaking the iPod Touch was the only way to get third-party programs when running 1.1.x OSes. These third-party programs could use additional functionality not supported by Apple (such as enabling multitasking or applying themes to the home screen. All officially released versions of iOS through 3.1.2, and 4.0 can be jailbroken,[35][36] but version 3.1 could not at the time it was released.[37] Servicing an iPod Touch after jailbreaking or other modifications made by unofficial means is not covered by Apple's warranty (however, the jailbreaking process is easily undone by performing a restore through iTunes).[38]
Specifications
The specifications as listed on Apple's website for the iPod Touch are:[31][39]
- Screen material: glass (arsenic free)
- Screen size: 3.5 in
- Screen resolution: 320x480 px at 163 ppi (1st, 2nd & 3rd gen) or 960x640 at 326ppi (4th gen), with 3:2 aspect ratio
- Input method: Multi-touch screen interface, Sleep/Wake button, Accelerometer, Home button, Volume Rocker buttons (2nd/3rd/4th generation), voice control (3rd/4th generation), gyroscope (4th generation)
- Operating system: current iOS version: 4.1, build 8B117; original: iPhone OS version 3.1.1, build 7C145
- Storage: 8, 32 and 64 GB flash memory
- CPU: Initially ARM 400 MHz, but now 412 MHz for 1st generation, 532 MHz[4] for 2nd generation and ARM Cortex-A8 833 MHz underclocked to 600 MHz for 3rd generation. Apple A4 powers the 4th generation, CPU speed unknown, should be around 800 MHz.
- GPU: PowerVR MBX Lite @ 50 MHz (Pushes 1 million polys/second at peak) in 2nd generation[40] and PowerVR SGX GPU 535 @ 200 MHz for 3rd generation (Pushes 28 million polys/sec at peak)
- RAM: 128 MB DRAM in 1st & 2nd generation (100 MHz in 1st generation, 133 MHz in 2nd gen) and 256 MB DRAM in 3rd generation clocked at 200 MHz
- Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n (2.4 Ghz only) for iPod Touch 4th generation, 802.11 b/g for all previous generations)
- Bluetooth:BT2.0 in 2nd generation only and BT2.1+EDR in 3rd generation
- Built-in rechargeable, non-removable lithium battery with up to 6 hours of video playback, and up to 36 (30 in 3rd generation) hours of audio playback, times vary.
- Built-in audio speaker (except in 1st generation)[41]
- 3.5 mm audio output jack
- Size: 110×61.8×8.8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.33 in)
- Weight: 115 grams (4.1 oz)
- Direct iTunes Store access
- Widescreen video
- Included applications: Safari web browser, YouTube client, Mail email client, Google Maps
- Access to App Store (requires iOS 2.0 or later)
- Widgets: Stocks, Weather, Notes
- Access to Starbucks music (available only in selected cities across the United States)[42][43]
Timeline of full-size iPod models
See also
- Comparison of iPod managers
- Comparison of portable media players
- List of handhelds with Wi-Fi connectivity
- List of portable media players with Wi-Fi connectivity
- List of iOS devices
References
- ↑ http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPod-touch-3rd-Generation/1158/2
- ↑ https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=338019&fcc_id=%27BCG-E2407
- ↑ http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/ipod-touch-4gs-battery-is-bigger-but-is-it-better/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "That IPod Touch Runs at 533 MHz". PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/article/154518/.html?tk=rss_news. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ "Intel ups stake in iPhone GPU maker". Electronista.com. 2008-12-23. http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/12/23/intel.stake.in.imagination/. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ "iPod touch gets Bluetooth after OS upgrade". CNET Networks. http://news.cnet.com/ipod-touch-gets-bluetooth-after-os-upgrade/. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
- ↑ Steve Jobs live — Apple's "The beats goes on" special event. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
- ↑ [1], theappleblog.com, retrieved on 14 July 2010
- ↑ "Apple Introduces New iPod touch Lineup". Apple Inc.. September 9, 2009. http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/09/09touch.html. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
- ↑ "iPod touch 8 GB (Late 2009) - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc.. September 14, 2009. http://support.apple.com/kb/SP571. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
- ↑ "Apple Inc. iPod touch (Third-Generation)". iLounge. September 13, 2009. http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/apple-inc.-ipod-touch-third-generation. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
- ↑ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100901/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_apple
- ↑ Fingerworks, Inc. (2003). "iGesture Game Mode Guide". www.fingerworks.com. http://rwservices.no-ip.info:81/pens/biblio05.html#Fingerworks03. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ↑ Rose, Michael. "WWDC 2010: Second, third generation iPod touch gets free update to iOS4", TUAW, June 7, 2010.
- ↑ Apple Inc. "Apple WWDC Keynote Address"
- ↑ Fildes, Nic (September 19, 2007). "iPhone finally arrives but it's neither cheap nor G3.". The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/iphone-finally-arrives-but-its-neither-cheap-nor-g3-402835.html. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
- ↑ Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
- ↑ "Broadcom page on wireless chip included in the 2nd generation iPod Touch". Broadcom. http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM4325.
- ↑ "iPod Touch gets Bluetooth after OS upgrade". CNET.com. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10198524-1.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0.
- ↑ Breen, Christopher. "First Look: iPod touch | iPod". Macworld. http://www.macworld.com/article/135484/2008/09/ipodtouchfirstlook.html?lsrc=rss_main. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ New iPod Touch faster than iPhone 3G - CNET News
- ↑ "2nd Generation iPod Touch Faster than iPhone". Touch Arcade. http://toucharcade.com/2008/11/23/2nd-generation-ipod-touch-faster-than-iphone/. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ iPod touch 2G Won't Support Some iPod Peripherals - MP3 Newswire
- ↑ "iPod Touch Denied Street View, Other Google Maps Upgrades in Firmware 2.2 - iPhone". Gizmodo. 2008-11-21. http://gizmodo.com/5095448/ipod-touch-denied-street-view-other-google-maps-upgrades-in-firmware-22. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ "iPod touch users: if you bought after Jan 1 the new apps are free - maybe". Engadget.com. http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/17/ipod-touch-users-if-you-bought-after-jan-1-the-new-apps-are-fre/. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ Arya, Aayush (2008-01-24). "Early Adopter Tax Resurfaces with the iPod Touch January Software Upgrade". AppleMatters. http://www.applematters.com/article/early-adopter-tax-resurfaces-with-the-ipod-touch-january-software-upgrade/. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ Dalrymple, Jim. "Accounting rules behind iPod touch update charge | iPod". Macworld. http://www.macworld.com/article/131991/2008/02/ipodtouch.html. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ http://gizmodo.com/5512656/how-multitasking-works-in-the-new-iphone-os
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 "iPhone and iPod touch: Charging the battery". Apple. October 15, 2009. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1476. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
- ↑ http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/ipod-touch-review-2010/
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Apple - iPod Touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
- ↑ iPod touch unpacking tour and first look (photos), AppleInsider. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
- ↑ Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
- ↑ "Live from Apple's iPhone SDK press conference". Engadget. http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/live-from-apples-iphone-press-conference/. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ "WinPwn official site". 2008-07-25. http://winpwn.com/index.php/Main_Page. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
- ↑ "Dev-Team Blog, Red Snow". 2009-06-30. http://blog.iphone-dev.org/post/126908912/redsn0w-in-june. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
- ↑ "Everything You Wanted to Know About iPhone OS 3.1 But Were Afraid to Ask". Wired.com. 2009-09-11. http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/09/iphone31/. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ iPod and iSight Warranty (PDF), Apple Inc., page 1. Retrieved on 2008-12-24.
- ↑ Apple - iPod touch - Features, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
- ↑ "Intel ups stake in iPhone GPU maker". Electronista. 2008-12-23. http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/12/23/intel.stake.in.imagination/. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- ↑ iPod touch: What's New, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2008-09-23.
- ↑ Apple and Starbucks Announce Music Partnership, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
- ↑ Apple - iTunes - Starbucks, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
- ↑ Apple Inc., Apple press release library, Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ↑ Mactracker (mactracker.ca), Apple Inc. model database, version as of 26 July 2007.
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