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iPod touch with two cameras, Retina Display said to arrive soon

A new rumor claims that Apple plans to release a new iPod touch with a high-resolution Retina Display and two cameras — much like the iPhone 4 — in "a few weeks."

The well-sourced John Gruber of Daring Fireball noted Tuesday that the forthcoming Dell Streak would cost $300 with a two-year contract from AT&T, and $550 without a contract. He then said that Apple's anticipated iPod touch refresh will add features that the Streak does not have.

"That's almost twice as much as a good iPod touch, and if you wait a few weeks to buy the Touch, you'll get one with a Retina Display and dual cameras," Gruber wrote. "If Dell can't make an iPod touch competitor, who can?"

He declined to elaborate whether the statement about a new iPod touch was a result of inside information, or just reiteration of recent rumors and speculation regarding Apple's anticipated update.

Recently there has been a great deal of evidence to suggest that the new iPod touch will feature a forward facing camera for FaceTime video chat. The latest beta of iOS 4.1 supports Apple's open standard video chat format by inputting a user's e-mail address, a method that would work for a device like the iPod touch that does not have a phone number. And recent purported parts from overseas suppliers showed a space for a forward facing camera.

In addition, Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said earlier this summer that 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.

While Apple is expected to hold an event in September to introduce its new iPod lineup, as it has done for the past few years, one recent rumor suggested that Apple could hold an event in August instead. If Gruber's comment of a new iPod touch arriving in "a few weeks" were taken literally, it could lend support to that rumor.