As previously reported, Apple has finally launched a new revamped version of iPod Touch (which isn’t the iPod anymore). The new iPod now comes with a faster processor, better camera and also fitness tracking capabilities, making it unarguably the biggest change in the rather dormant iPod line-up since 2012.
The new iPod Touch is now powered by Apple’s A8 chip, same as found in iPhone 6. The new chip provides 10 times faster graphics performance for a more immersive gaming experience. Yes, to your surprise, gaming is quite possibly a big up in the new iPod.
The new iPod also has fitness tracking capabilities, for which it comes with the M8 motion co-processor just like the iPhone. The performance of the new devices is probably the biggest bump over the previous iPod touch which featured an A5 SoC.
Both the front and back cameras have also been improved. At the back, there is an 8-megapixel shooter with a refreshed image processing chip. While it isn’t clear whether ISP is similar to that of the iphone, but it seems immensely upgraded. It also gets new pipeline processing, helping the iPod touch easily borrow features from the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models.
There’s support for burst shot for the rear camera at 10fps. You can shoot video with 120fps slo-mo. The front camera now too supports burst mode for quick selfie shots.
The new iPod touch also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 ac connectivity through which users can access features such as Apple’s new Apple Music streaming service. It comes with iOS 8 with a bunch of built-in apps.
Apple has also introduced a new line-up of colors as well, for all the iPod models. The newly introduced colors are – space gray, silver, gold, pink and blue. The new iPod Touch comes in four variants based on storage option – 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB for a price of $199, $249, $299 and $399 respectively.
Commenting about the launch of new iPod Touch, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone, iPod and iOS Product Marketing, said,
iPod touch gives customers around the world access to Apple Music, the App Store and iOS, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, starting at just $199. With big advancements like the A8 chip and the 8 megapixel iSight camera, customers can experience next-level gameplay, take even more beautiful photos and enjoy their favorite music, TV shows and movies.
So is the iPod back from the grave ?
Well, the essence surely is dead. And not because it hasn’t evolved, but because its own siblings within the Apple family took centre stage, while the humble music player continued to remain what it was, a music player.
And even though its great to see Apple’s sheer love and support for everyone’s favourite music player, iPod, despite gaming bump, camera bump and all other bumps, doesn’t really fit in, at least in the current context.
