Alleged next-gen iPod touch part has forward facing camera space
New photos claimed to be of a front panel for Apple's forthcoming iPod touch upgrade show a spot for a forward-facing camera, providing more evidence that the next-generation media player will support the FaceTime open standard for video chat.
The pictures were sent Thursday to MacRumors, and show a single, centered hole above the screen's display, likely to be used for a camera. The photos allegedly came from an iPhone parts supplier, and are claimed to be of parts from Apple's forthcoming fourth-generation iPod touch.
The part says "Apple (c) 2010," and also has a production date of April 29, 2010, stamped on the inside.
The photos come a day after illustrations from a case manufacturer showed a camera and flash on the back side of the anticipated iPod touch update. If both of these reports prove accurate, it would mean that the next update to the iPod touch would include two cameras, like the iPhone 4.
Apple planned to build a camera into last year's iPod touch upgrade, but technical issues with bad camera module parts led to the feature being scrapped. It is believed the camera was removed late in the development of the device, as multiple third-party cases were made with camera holes, and space for a camera was discovered inside the final 2009 model after it was disassembled.
The inclusion of a forward-facing camera on the iPod touch would come as no surprise, as Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said his company will ship millions of devices compatible with FaceTime this year alone. Currently, only the iPhone 4 is capable of making FaceTime video chat calls over Wi-Fi.
Apple is expected to introduce its new line of iPods, including an updated iPod touch, at an event in September, as the company does every year.
The pictures were sent Thursday to MacRumors, and show a single, centered hole above the screen's display, likely to be used for a camera. The photos allegedly came from an iPhone parts supplier, and are claimed to be of parts from Apple's forthcoming fourth-generation iPod touch.
The part says "Apple (c) 2010," and also has a production date of April 29, 2010, stamped on the inside.
The photos come a day after illustrations from a case manufacturer showed a camera and flash on the back side of the anticipated iPod touch update. If both of these reports prove accurate, it would mean that the next update to the iPod touch would include two cameras, like the iPhone 4.
Apple planned to build a camera into last year's iPod touch upgrade, but technical issues with bad camera module parts led to the feature being scrapped. It is believed the camera was removed late in the development of the device, as multiple third-party cases were made with camera holes, and space for a camera was discovered inside the final 2009 model after it was disassembled.
The inclusion of a forward-facing camera on the iPod touch would come as no surprise, as Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said his company will ship millions of devices compatible with FaceTime this year alone. Currently, only the iPhone 4 is capable of making FaceTime video chat calls over Wi-Fi.
Apple is expected to introduce its new line of iPods, including an updated iPod touch, at an event in September, as the company does every year.
Comments
I'm betting on the latter.
New photos claimed to be of a front panel for Apple's forthcoming iPod touch upgrade show a spot for a forward-facing camera, providing more evidence that the next-generation media player will support the FaceTime open standard for video chat.
To me, this is a no-brainer. The next iPod Touch will include a forward-facing camera and FaceTime. And the next iPad the same.
Does anyone besides me recognize that this is going to revolutionize mobile communications? Does anyone besides me recognize how this is going to hugely add to the value of Apple over the next few years? Apparently not many others, since the price of Apple seems stuck at about $262/share.
Wow. Just wow.
If it's true, then it will also have a built-in mic. That will make VoIP so much more useful! Of course, all calls would be on "speakerphone"...
You could plug in headphones.
This will cut the knees out from under the Cell phone companies.
This might be a harbinger of a new long term strategy for Apple. Phoneless communications for the masses.
If it's true, then it will also have a built-in mic. That will make VoIP so much more useful! Of course, all calls would be on "speakerphone"...
I wonder how many parents will realise that their kids will now have essentially a free videophone in their bedrooms.
I bet we will hear at least on scary story about Internet predators and young kids after the release and someone, somewhere, is sure to blame it all on Apple.
Man... Who needs an iPhone at that point? Sure, not as slick, but you pay *FAR* less than an iPhone for both hardware and service, you can pick whichever carrier you wish, including Verizon, and with a Google Voice number, simply connect it with any free SIP service out there and enjoy free voice calls, free voicemail and sms, and, of course, free FaceTime with any other iDevice user!
I haven't upgraded to the iPhone 4 yet for this exact reason. I'd hate to lose my AT&T unlimited plan, but I could simply move to Sprint's Overdrive 4G, pay $15 per month less, and enjoy the WiMax speed when it comes to Los Angeles. Holy crap, my friends, that is awesome!
You could plug in headphones.
yea... i guess i didn't make my first post clear. that is what i do now. that is what i am hoping to avoid.
yea... i guess i didn't make my first post clear. that is what i do now. that is what i am hoping to avoid.
Why don't you just buy and iPhone then?
Q3 2010 - New Ipod Touch featuring a 3.2mp rear-facing still/video camera, in 32/64/128gb capacities.
Q3 2010 - New 1.7 inch touch-screen iPod Shuffle in 2/4/8gb capacities.
Q3 2010 - Revised iPod Nano essentially the same as today's but in 8/16/32gb capacities.
Q1 2011 - Revised iPhone with a new antenna system and composite back instead of glass.
Q2 2011 - Revised iPad featuring front-facing web camera, available 128gb capacity (only on 9'7inch), new 7 inch version, and all with 3g.
We'll See Soon Enough...
Why don't you just buy and iPhone then?
because the iPhone requires a expensive 2 year contract. VoIP on my iPod touch is free. :rollseyes:
Why don't you just buy and iPhone then?
Apple sells the iPod touch and continues to update it with features such as a camera and mic for a reason. Obviously there's millions of people out there who can't or won't buy an iPhone.
because the iPhone requires a expensive 2 year contract. VoIP on my iPod touch is free. :rollseyes:
Which is exactly why neither Apple nor AT&T are going to allow a front-facing camera on the next generation iPod Touch.
Check back next month...
Next killer app - forward facing camera on ipod.
This will cut the knees out from under the Cell phone companies.
This might be a harbinger of a new long term strategy for Apple. Phoneless communications for the masses.
So let me add some fuel to this....
At&t offered "cheap" 3g plans for the iPad.
If they can offer the same plans for a 3g-enabled ipod touch, there would be zero need for an actual cell phone and an expensive plan.
To me, this is a no-brainer. The next iPod Touch will include a forward-facing camera and FaceTime. And the next iPad the same.
Does anyone besides me recognize that this is going to revolutionize mobile communications? Does anyone besides me recognize how this is going to hugely add to the value of Apple over the next few years? Apparently not many others, since the price of Apple seems stuck at about $262/share.
Wow. Just wow.
Spoke like a true fanboy!
Spoke like a true fanboy!
I agree with him and I'm no fanboy. What is the difference now between an iPhone and iPod touch other than a 3G chip?
Sprint is said to be developing a case with EVDO for the iPod touch. All you need is Facetime 3G Skype, Fring or the new Vonage/Facebook app and you have an iPhone.
Why don't you just buy and iPhone then?
Skype VOIP plans are much cheaper
Sacto Joe: i wouldn't say it revolutionizes MOBILE communications, since you'll have to be in range of WiFi to use it.
one comment above guessed at an 128gb touch - not going to happen in september. the iphone and the touch will probably be bumped to a max of 64gb this year.
Apple sells the iPod touch and continues to update it with features such as a camera and mic for a reason. Obviously there's millions of people out there who can't or won't buy an iPhone.
I'm one of those millions, I refuse to pay the outrageous monthly fees ATT charges for the use of a smart phone. I'm actually waiting for the new touch to buy one regardless of whether it has a front camera or not, something I wont use anyways.