Apple Keynote: bigger, cheaper iPod touch & updated OS

New features, size and pricing for the iPod touch

An update on the Apple iPod touch was rolled out at Apple’s “It’s Only Rock & Roll” event.

“iPod touch: A great iPod. A great pocket computer. A great portable game player.”

Apple has sold over 20M iPod touch so far. They attribute this to it being “absolutely great”, it’s a good way to listen to music – and discover new music with WiFi iTunes, multi touch display, videos and podcasts, pocket computer with browsing and email.

The “most affordable access to the iTunes store” (just meaning it’s more affordable than the iPhone).  You buy it outright, or gift it, and it costs nothing further for subscriptions and monthly fees etc.

So, what is Apple doing to land more iPod touch customers?  They have reduced the price for the 8Gb (AU$268).  They’ve also increased the flash memory – new lineup is 8Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb (previously 8, 16, 32Gb).

US pricing below:

So $AU268, $399 and $549 for the 8Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb respectively.

It’s also now has better graphics power (for gaming, videos etc) and the 32Gb and 64Gb are reportedly up to 50% faster.

Other iPod touch news

Other releases relevant to the iPod touch were:

• iTunes 9 (already covered); and
• OS 3.1

OS3.1

• An updated version of the OS is available for download via iTunes. Free for those running the 3.0 firmware or for $5.99 to iPod touch owners with older firmware.
• OS 3.1 also comes free with any iPod touch purchased after the 09/09  event.
• Make sure you have the most current iTunes downloaded before updating the OS

Features of the OS 3.1

• Genius recommendations now also on apps
• Peer-to-peer gaming
• Wireless download of ringtones – 30,000 available for purchase
• Movies, TV, podcasts for download via Wi-Fi
• Stereo bluetooth
• Cut, copy & paste
• Shake to Shuffle
• and more

What was missed?

One rumour that didn’t come true for the touch – there will continue to be no camera on the iPod touch.