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Wednesday, September 07, 2011, 02:19 pm
Apple rumored to unveil 3G-capable iPod touch this month
Apple as soon as this month could introduce a new iPod touch model with an integrated 3G radio for connectivity on the go, according to a new rumor.Citing an anonymous source, AppleNApps reported on Wednesday that Apple's new iPod touch will be like a "mini-iPad" carrying the same integrated access to high-speed 3G data networks as Apple's touchscreen tablet. The report said that Apple and its carrier partners have allegedly worked out non-contract plans similar to ones available for the iPad.
A reason for this alleged push is iCloud, Apple's seamless syncing and sharing service set to arrive this fall. By adding a 3G radio to the iPod touch, users could stay connected on the go, just like those with an iPhone or 3G iPad.
The new iPod touch will reportedly look "very similar" to the current fourth-generation model, released last September. The device will not feature voice capabilities, remaining data-only, the report said.
The source reportedly cautioned that there is "no guarantee" that Apple's new iPod touch will have 3G connectivity built in, but said that the changes "should make it."
Rumors of a 3G-capable iPod touch are not new, but so far Apple has only included Wi-Fi connectivity, along with Bluetooth, in its iOS-powered device. iPad models with a 3G radio carry a $130 premium over their Wi-Fi-only counterparts in the U.S.
There was evidence earlier this year that Apple could add integrated 3G to its MacBook Air lineup. In addition, a pre-production prototype of a 2007 MacBook Pro with a 3G radio surfaced last month, revealing Apple's internal work on bringing 3G to devices beyond the iPhone and iPad.
Apple is expected to hold an event in the coming weeks to introduce its next-generation iPhone, along with an updated iPod touch. A handful of leaked parts have suggested that Apple plans to release a white variant of the iPod touch, much like the company did with the iPhone 4.
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Previous Comments View All
I think this makes mucho sense on many levels and would even consider this option over an iPhone if it had the same quality display as the iPhone.
Will this add a gps function too?
This would make the best Skype phone ever!
I believe that Apple would like to ultimately undermine the phone industry. This would be the device to drive the wedge to do so. Besides, there must be some greater plan for the new Clouds they are building, beyond sync data, sell apps and run the voice command functions. These functions seem to overlap the very function of a phone company. Steve works slowly, but insidiously, in his plans. The only thing missing is the cell towers. And that might be only a matter of money.
Just a thought.
So instead of 3 model (16, 32, 64 GB.) we will have 12 (black one, white one, 3G black, 3G white)? Insane.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 801 
I believe that Apple would like to ultimately undermine the phone industry. This would be the device to drive the wedge to do so.
I believe that Apple would like to ultimately undermine the phone industry. This would be the device to drive the wedge to do so.
No, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE of undermining the telecoms to include telephony hardware in your product
If Apple wanted to "undermine" them, they'd back a nationwide 802.22 network and rely on VoIP instead of adding a 3G chip to a product that doesn't need it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by a-maze
Will this add a gps function too?
This would make the best Skype phone ever!
Will this add a gps function too?
This would make the best Skype phone ever!
The only problem with it will be a battery life while 3g is on. No way it's going to last for more than a few hours, thus you would not be able to use it as a skype/facetime "phone" available to receive calls round-the-clock.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 801
I believe that Apple would like to ultimately undermine the phone industry. This would be the device to drive the wedge to do so. Besides, there must be some greater plan for the new Clouds they are building, beyond sync data, sell apps and run the voice command functions. These functions seem to overlap the very function of a phone company. Steve works slowly, but insidiously, in his plans. The only thing missing is the cell towers. And that might be only a matter of money.
I believe that Apple would like to ultimately undermine the phone industry. This would be the device to drive the wedge to do so. Besides, there must be some greater plan for the new Clouds they are building, beyond sync data, sell apps and run the voice command functions. These functions seem to overlap the very function of a phone company. Steve works slowly, but insidiously, in his plans. The only thing missing is the cell towers. And that might be only a matter of money.
Actually, there are lots of cell towers. The biggest problem is that they are mostly in Southeast Asia and Western Europe.
Apple isn't paying for cell towers. Apple considers mobile operators to be dumb pipes, a utility like the garbage company.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matrix07
So instead of 3 model (16, 32, 64 GB.) we will have 12 (black one, white one, 3G black, 3G white)? Insane.
So instead of 3 model (16, 32, 64 GB.) we will have 12 (black one, white one, 3G black, 3G white)? Insane.
Offering cellular tech might be away to hide the fact that you can't feasibly double the NAND capacity again this year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
No, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE of undermining the telecoms to include telephony hardware in your product
If Apple wanted to "undermine" them, they'd back a nationwide 802.22 network and rely on VoIP instead of adding a 3G chip to a product that doesn't need it.
No, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE of undermining the telecoms to include telephony hardware in your product
If Apple wanted to "undermine" them, they'd back a nationwide 802.22 network and rely on VoIP instead of adding a 3G chip to a product that doesn't need it.
I think he has a point. The cellular companies want more than to simply sell you data, they want to force on you voice and SMS plans. At least in the US, I don't think there is a phone plan that will give you data without forcing you to take talk time. I know AT&T makes me take 450 minutes per month, of which I'm lucky to use 50 for peak times.
With a data-only device and they foray into messaging with iMessages all they can sell the customer is data packages. Unfortunately for us they are likely to charge what they charge a USB '3G' card for data so the rates per GB will likely be higher than what comes with a smartphone. Hopefully we'll see some competition on that front to bring down the costs, but I doubt it.
This will increase the number of stores selling iPTs (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Vodafone, etc.), and add a pricier iPT option. Clever of Apple, if true.
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| Model | White | Black | |
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| iPad mini (WiFi only) | |||
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| 64GB WiFi | |
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| iPad mini (WiFi + 4G) | |||
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|
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| 16GB 4G Black | $459.00 | $459.00 | $459.00 |
| 32GB 4G Black | $559.00 | $539.99 | $539.99 |
| 64GB 4G Black | $659.00 | $659.00 | $629.99 |
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I'm guessing that the recent leaks for a bigger and thinner case is most likely for a 4.3" iPod touch 3G. I just found those leaked cases too wide to be able to hold it in hands properly when you put it next to your ear.
As for people who said iPods don't have mute switch that's true, but why wouldn't Apple add it in the 5th gen iPod ? iPad has a mute/rotation switch.