iPod touch

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iPod touch

iPod touch version 1.1.4 with January Software Upgrade.
Manufacturer Apple Inc.
Type Portable Media Player / PDA
Connectivity USB 2.0
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
Retail availability September 13, 2007-present
Media Flash Memory
8, 16 & 32 GB
Operating system iPhone OS (1.1.4)
Input Multi-touch touchscreen
Power Lithium-ion battery
Audio - 22 hours
Video - 5 hours
CPU Underclocked 620 to 412 MHz ARM
Memory 128 MB
Display 480 x 320 3.5" color LCD
Dimensions 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.31 in)
Weight 120 grams (4.2 ounces)

The iPod touch is a portable media player and Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The product was launched on September 5, 2007 through an event called The Beat Goes On.[1] The iPod touch adds the graphical user interfaces Cover Flow and Multi-Touch to the iPod line and is available with 8, 16 or 32 GB of flash memory. It includes Apple's Safari web browser and is the first iPod enabling wireless access to the iTunes Store.[2] Beginning in June 2008, the iPod touch will also have access to the App Store.[3]

The iPod touch has the iPhone's multi-touch interface, with a physical home button off the touch screen. The home screen has a list of buttons for the available applications. All iPod touch models have included the applications Music, Videos, and Photos (collectively duplicating the standard functions of the iPod classic), iTunes (providing access to the iTunes Music Store), Safari, YouTube, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Later models added Mail (accessing POP/IMAP/SMTP e-mail), Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather,[4] which could also be added to the earlier models with the purchase of a software upgrade. Direct links to web sites can be added to the home screen by the user.

Contents

[edit] Requirements

As supplied new, the iPod touch needs a connection to a computer for initial configuration.[5] Officially, Apple requires iTunes to be installed on either a Mac OS X or Windows operating system based computer for configuring the iPod touch. On either operating system, the iPod touch must be connected through a USB 2.0 port on the computer.[6] The first time the iPod touch is turned on, a "cable to iTunes" graphic will be displayed continuously until the iPod touch is connected to a computer running iTunes.[7]

To use the iPod touch for buying products at the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store via Wi-Fi, an iTunes Store account must be created in iTunes and the account details then entered into the iPod.[8]

Apple states that the following is required for the iPod touch:[6]

  • A computer running either:
    • Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later
    • Microsoft Windows XP with SP2 or later, or Vista (32 or 64-bit versions)[9][8]
  • iTunes 7.6 or later (7.4 and 7.5 support only 32-bit XP/Vista)
  • Available USB 2.0 port

[edit] Models

Generation Image Capacity Color Connection (for syncing) Original release date Minimum OS to sync Rated battery life (hours)
First 8 GB black USB 2.0 (FireWire for charging only) 5 September 2007 Mac: 10.4.10
Win: XP SP2/SP3
Win: Vista RTM/SP1		 audio: 22
video: 5
16 GB
32 GB 5 February 2008

The iPod touch is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, and, like the iPhone, includes the Safari browser and a viewing client for YouTube. The device's Wi-Fi capabilities can also be used to buy music from the iTunes Music Store. Like the iPhone, the iPod touch currently does not support the 802.1X authentication method, making connectivity to certain private networks impossible, even when authorized. The iPod touch 2.0 Software Update will support WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1X authentication. [10]

[edit] Third-party applications

Jailbroken ipod touch firmware 1.1.1.
Jailbroken ipod touch firmware 1.1.1.

Shortly after the iPod touch was released (firmware release 1.1.1), hackers were able to "jailbreak" the device through a TIFF exploit. The resulting application, "installer.app," enabled the user to download a selection of unofficial third-party programs. Some of these give the user more control over the iPod touch than is officially available. Servicing an iPod touch after jailbreaking or other modifications made by unofficial means is not covered by Apple's warranty.

On October 17, 2007, in an open letter posted on Apple's webpage, Steve Jobs announced that a software development kit (SDK) for the iPhone would be made available to third-party developers in February 2008. Due to security concerns and Jobs' praise of Nokia's digital signature system, it is also suggested that Apple will adopt a similar method. The SDK will also apply to the iPod touch.[11] It was officially announced on March 6, 2008, at an Apple Town Hall meeting.[12] The SDK will allow developers to make applications for the iPhone and iPod touch after paying a $99 (USD) fee to join the development team. The developer can then set the price for the applications he develops and will receive 70% of the sale price after each one is sold in the exclusive Apple App Store. The developer can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any costs to release the application except for the $99 joining fee. The SDK is available immediately, while the launch of applications will require waiting until a firmware update in June 2008, around the iPhone's first birthday. This update will be free for iPhone users, while users of the iPod touch will be charged a nominal fee of $9.95 Dollars.[13] There is also an "Enterprise" division of the Developer program, which costs a $299 (USD) fee to join. This is for developers creating proprietary applications for bigger corporate businesses rather than the average consumer. [14]

[edit] Software upgrades

 This article or section may contain an excessive amount of information with limited interest or intricate details.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.

At the time of the launch of the iPod touch, reviews noted some differences when compared to Apple's similar iPhone, particularly its lack of the iPhone's email, mapping, and stock tracking applications. On January 15, 2008, Steve Jobs announced at his Macworld 2008 keynote that a January Software Upgrade for the iPod touch consisted of five new programs: Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather. The new Maps is similar to that of the iPhone, with new software from Skyhook Wireless that attempts to identify the user's location using Wi-Fi. The software upgrade is available via iTunes for those who already owned an iPod touch, for US$20, but for US$25 for those requiring the 1.1.4 update,[15] 17€ in Europe, £12.99 in the UK or AU$25 in Australia. New iPod touch units with 1.1.3 installed (MA623LL/B or MA627LL/B) will also have the software upgrade pre-installed.[16] People with an iPod touch with part number MA623LL/A or MA627LL/A must pay the upgrade fee to receive the new software. If they bought their iPod touch through the Apple Store between December 27, 2007 and January 15, 2008, the price of the software upgrade will be reimbursed. More recently, the program "iJailBreak" alternatively allows users to receive the software update for free. Apple has yet to respond.

Because the new software is considered an upgrade and subsequently included at no additional charge on new iPod touch units, many owners of the "A" model felt it should have been provided more cheaply or free of charge. Immediately after Steve Jobs announced the charge for it on stage, there were "some slight boos coming from the audience".[17] Within days of the announcement, several movements within the iPod touch community developed, including the use of Apple's feedback page, open letters to Jobs and an on-line petition form.[18] Various unofficial explanations have surfaced, such as the GAAP explanation that was used by Apple when it charged a US $1.99 fee to enable IEEE 802.11n on some of its computers, which was questioned by customers and the financial community.[19]

On March 6, 2008, Steve Jobs announced that in June 2008, there would be an update for the iPhone and iPod touch, which would again have an unspecified "nominal cost" for the iPod, due to the different way that Apple accounts for it compared to the iPhone. The update will include an application called the App Store which will enable iPod touch owners to download additional "apps" for the device. These applications can be developed using the iPhone SDK (Software Development Kit) and distributed by Apple, with the revenue from the sale being split between Apple (30%) and the developer (70%). App prices will be set by the developer, and Apple will distribute free-of-charge apps as well as commercial ones.[20] At the WWDC 2008 event, Apple announced the cost of the 2.0 software upgrade would be US $9.99.

[edit] Comparisons to the iPhone

The iPod touch is slimmer and lighter than the iPhone. It lacks some of the iPhone's features: access to any phone network, an internal speaker, a microphone, a camera, physical buttons for volume control, and Bluetooth capability. The iPod touch uses software-based volume controls which require users to double-tap the home button, bringing up an on-screen slider. They both have the same screen size (3.5 inches) and have the same processor and graphics chipset.

[edit] Early screen problems

A number of early adopters complained that the screen could not properly display shades of black. The problem has been attributed to poor quality control and the misapplication of the reflective coating on the LCD.[21] The defect caused the screen to have a very narrow optimal viewing angle and also resulted in "shimmering" blacks. This screen problem was later addressed with the firmware update 1.1.1, with mixed results[22].

[edit] Specifications

The specifications as listed on Apple's website are:[6][23]

  • Screen material: Glass
  • Screen size: 8.9 cm (3.5 in)
  • Screen resolution: 480×320 pixels at 163 ppi
  • Input method: Multi-touch screen interface, Sleep/Wake button, Home button
  • Operating system: iPhone OS
  • Storage: 8GB, 16 or 32 GB flash memory
    • 8GB: up to 1,750 songs, 10,000 photos, or 10 hours of video
    • 16GB: up to 3,500 songs, 20,000 photos, or 20 hours of video
    • 32GB: up to 7,000 songs, 40,000 photos, or 40 hours of video
  • CPU: Underclocked 620 to 412 MHz ARM
  • RAM: 128 MB
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
  • Built-in rechargeable, non-removable lithium battery with up to 5 hours of video playback, and up to 22 hours of audio playback, times vary.
  • Size: 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.31 in)
  • Weight: 120 grams (4.2 ounces)
  • Direct iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store access
  • Wide screen video
  • Applications: Safari web browser, YouTube client, Mobile e-mail client, Google Maps
  • Widgets: Stocks, Weather, Notes
  • Access to Starbucks music (available only in selected cities across the United States)[24][25]

Timeline of full-size iPod models

See also: Template:Timeline of iPod models and Template:Timeline of compact iPod models

Sources: Apple press release library,[26] Mactracker Apple Inc. model database[27]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Steve Jobs live — Apple's "The beats goes on" special event. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  2. ^ iPod touch - Features - Music, Movies, and More. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  3. ^ Apple announces App Store for iPhone, iPod touch. Retrieved on 2008-03-06.
  4. ^ Apple iPod touch - Features. Retrieved on 2008-01-15.
  5. ^ Apple iPod touch First Impressions Review. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
  6. ^ a b c Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  7. ^ iPod Touch unpacking tour and first look (photos), AppleInsider. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
  8. ^ a b RETRACTION: iPod touch: iTunes account optional, Deep Thought. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
  9. ^ iPod: Minimum System Requirements, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
  10. ^ Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  11. ^ Steve Jobs Announces 3rd Party SDK for iPhone for February 2008. Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
  12. ^ Live from Apple's iPhone SDK press conference - Engadget
  13. ^ FAQ: What does the iPhone SDK mean?. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
  14. ^ [1]. Retrieved on 2008-04-27.
  15. ^ Apple - iPod touch - What's New
  16. ^ Got iPod Touch yesterday, didn't come with Jan Software. Retrieved on 2008-01-17.
  17. ^ Tell Apple "iPod Touch users should get iPhone apps for free". Retrieved on 2008-01-28.
  18. ^ Open Letter to Steve Jobs - AppleDifferent community. Retrieved on 2008-01-21.
  19. ^ Accountants call out Apple on $1.99 fee. Retrieved on 2008-01-21.
  20. ^ Engadget coverage of March 6, 2008 press conference. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
  21. ^ Probable explanation for iPod Touch LCD deficiencies. Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
  22. ^ iPod touch and iPhone: Black or dark spots when viewing video. Retrieved on 2007-12-21.
  23. ^ Apple - iPod touch - Features, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  24. ^ Apple and Starbucks Announce Music Partnership, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  25. ^ Apple - iTunes - Starbucks, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  26. ^ Apple press release library, Retrieved September 19, 2007.
  27. ^ Mactracker (mactracker.ca), Apple Inc. model database, version as of July 26, 2007.

[edit] External links

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