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iPod Touch

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by ASA-IRULE (talk | contribs) at 05:45, 6 March 2010 (Comparisons to the iPhone and model comparisons: allegedly differential treatment -> differential treatment. The treatment is clearly different, only the justification has been under question.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

iPod Touch

File:IPod Touch Late 2009.png
2nd generation iPod Touch, OS version 3.1
ManufacturerApple Inc.
TypePortable media player/PDA
Lifespan1st generation: September 13, 2007
2nd generation: September 9, 2008
Late 2009: September 9, 2009 - present
MediaFlash memory
1st/2nd generation: 8, 16 and 32 GB
Late 2009: 8, 32 or 64 GB
Operating systemiPhone OS
1st generation: 1.1 originally, 3.1.3 (build 7E18) with Software Update
2nd generation: 2.1.1 originally, 3.1.3 (build 7E18) with Software Update
Late 2009: 3.1.1 originally, 3.1.3 (build 7E18) with Software Update
CPU1st generation: ARM11 620 MHz (underclocked to 400 MHz, then 412 MHz)
2nd generation: ARM11 620 MHz (underclocked to 533 MHz),[1] with internal ARM7 core for Jazelle acceleration
3rd generation: ARM Cortex-A8 833 MHz (underclocked to 600 MHz)
Memory1st/2nd generation: 128 MB DRAM
3rd generation: 256 MB DRAM
Display320 × 480 px, 3.5 in (89 mm), 2:3 aspect ratio, 262,144-color LCD at 163 pixels per inch (ppi)
Graphics1st/2nd generation: PowerVR MBX Lite[2]
3rd generation: PowerVR SGX
InputMulti-touch touchscreen display, ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, volume buttons on 2nd generation, voice control
ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11b/g)
USB 2.0/Dock connector
Bluetooth
1st generation: unavailable
2nd generation: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; requires iPod Touch OS 3.0 Update[3]
PowerLithium-ion battery
1st generation: Audio - 22 hours, Video - 5 hours
2nd generation: Audio - 36 hours, Video - 6 hours
Late 2009: Audio - 30 hours, Video - 6 hours
Dimensions1st generation:
4.3 in (110 mm) (h)
2.4 in (61 mm) (w)
0.31 in (7.9 mm) (d)
2nd generation:
4.3 in (110 mm) (h)
2.4 in (61 mm) (w)
0.33 in (8.4 mm) (d)
Mass1st generation: 120 grams (4.2 oz)
2nd generation: 115 grams (4.1 oz)
RelatediPhone, iPad (Comparison of iPhone OS devices)

The iPod Touch (trademarked, marketed and stylized as iPod touch) is a portable media player, personal digital assistant, and Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The product was launched on September 5, 2007, at an event called The Beat Goes On.[4] The iPod Touch adds the multi-touch graphical user interface to the iPod line. It is the first iPod with wireless access to the iTunes Store, and also has access to Apple's App Store, enabling content to be purchased and downloaded directly on the device. Apple Inc. has sold 20 million iPod Touch units as of September 2009.[5]

The 2nd generation iPod Touch, featuring external volume controls, a built-in speaker, a contoured back, built-in Nike+, Bluetooth support, and the ability to connect a microphone, was unveiled on September 9, 2008, at the "Let's Rock" keynote presentation.

The late 2009 iPod Touch with the new iPhone OS 3.1 was announced and subsequently released on September 9, 2009.[6] The late 2009 model is available with 8, 32, or 64 GB of flash memory. The 8 GB version has identical hardware as the 2nd generation model.[7] The 32 and 64 GB versions of the late 2009 model, popularly referred to as the 3rd generation,[8] include faster hardware (the same microprocessors, graphics engine, and RAM as the iPhone 3GS), a slightly lower battery life, voice control, light sensor, and bundled earphones with a remote and microphone.

Hardware

The iPod Touch has a slim rectangular shape with rounded edges, with a glass touchscreen display covering most of the top surface and a physical home button off the touchscreen. The display functions similarly to the multi-touch trackpad as implemented in Apple's current line of laptop computers. The touch and gesture features of the iPod Touch are based on technology originally developed by FingerWorks.[9] On February 5, 2008, a 32 GB version was added in addition to the 8 and 16 GB versions. On September 9, 2009, a 64 GB version was added and the 16 GB version was removed from the line-up.

Software

The home screen has a list of icons for the available applications. All iPod Touch models include such applications as Music, Videos, and Photos (collectively duplicating the standard functions of the iPod Classic), iTunes (providing access to the Wi-Fi 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, which could also be added to the earlier models with the purchase of a software upgrade. The user can add direct links to Web sites, called "Web Clips", to the home screen. All iPod Touch models are equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g.

On July 11, 2008, the iPhone 2.0 Software Update was released for purchase for the iPod Touch. The update allowed 1st generation iPod Touch devices access to the App Store to download third-party applications, in addition to a host of minor bug fixes. On June 17, 2009, the iPhone 3.0 Software Update was released for purchase for the iPod Touch. The update allowed the devices to use new apps, and unlocked the Bluetooth functionality of the 2nd generation iPod Touch, enabling A2DP and P2P apps, as well as file transfer to other (non Apple) devices such as bluetooth-enabled mobile phones or jailbroken iPods using software such as iBlueNova.

Comparisons to the iPhone and model comparisons

The iPod Touch and the iPhone, a smartphone by Apple, share the same hardware platform and run the same iPhone OS operating system. The iPod Touch lacks some of the iPhone's features such as access to cellular networks and a built-in camera (and microphone on older models); as a result, the iPod Touch is slimmer and lighter than the iPhone. Steve Jobs once referred to the iPod Touch as "training wheels for the iPhone".[10]

The 2nd generation iPod Touch has an external volume switch and a built-in speaker like the iPhone. The 2nd generation also comes with the chrome frame seen on the iPhone 3G, making the two almost identical when viewed from the front. However, there are some notable differences, as there is no speaker above the screen, no silent/ringer switch, the back is metal, and the sleep/wake button is on the other side. The 2nd generation also supports audio input when a headphone or earphone with microphone capabilities is plugged into the audio output (headphone) jack. The iPod Touch 2.0 Software Update supports WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1X authentication.[11] The iPhone OS 3.0 update unlocked Bluetooth capability on the 2nd generation iPod Touch, as the included Wi-Fi chip (Broadcom BCM4325) has Bluetooth support.[12][13]

The 2nd generation iPod Touch is said to have a yellower cast/tint to the display, as compared to the iPhone or the original iPod Touch.[14] The applications processor inside the 2nd generation iPod Touch runs slightly faster than the processor inside the iPhone 3G, but slower than the iPhone 3GS.[15][16] The first generation iPod Touch works with all "Made for iPod" peripherals, but certain changes that Apple made to the 2nd generation iPod Touch prevent some existing peripherals from recharging the updated player.[17] The Google Street View feature added on iPhone firmware version 2.2 is absent from the same version of firmware released on the iPod Touch [18] but is found in the 3.0 update.

Apple has received criticism for its differential treatment of iPhone and iPod Touch owners. Such criticism is primarily targeted towards Apple charging iPod Touch owners for major software updates of the iPhone OS that iPhone owners can obtain at no charge as well as excluding certain features from the iPod Touch software that are included in the iPhone.[19][20] Apple has been reported as saying that they can add features for free to the iPhone because the revenue from it is accounted for on a subscription basis under accounting rules, rather than as a one time payment.[21]

Models

Model Image Capacity Connection Original release date Minimum OS to sync Rated battery life (hours)
1st generation File:Ipod Touch 1st Generation.JPG 8 GB
 16 GB
USB via Dock connector (FireWire for charging only)[22] September 5, 2007 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 22
video: 5
32 GB February 5, 2008
First iPod with Wi-Fi and a Multi-Touch interface. Features Safari web browser and wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. 32 GB version later added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access requires an upgrade fee.
2nd generation File:IPod Touch 2.0.png 8 GB
16 GB
32 GB
USB via Dock connector September 9, 2008 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 36
video: 6
New tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access standard. Bluetooth support added but not made active until iPhone OS 3.0, which requires an upgrade fee. Support for external microphone added. Discontinued in September 2009.
Late 2009 File:IPod Touch Late 2009.png 8 GB USB via Dock connector September 9, 2009 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 30
video: 6
The 8 GB version is a reissue of the 2nd generation iPod touch hardware, includes OS version 3.x, but does not include support for Voice Control or the remote earphones with microphone.[7]
32 GB
64 GB
USB via Dock connector September 9, 2009 Mac: 10.4
Win: XP
audio: 30
video: 6
Updated to include the upgraded RAM, CPU and GPU internals from the iPhone 3GS; includes Voice Control support, VoiceOver, included OS version 3.x, and bundled remote earphones with microphone. The 32 GB and 64 GB versions of the late 2009 iPod touch are commonly referred outside of Apple as the "3rd generation" iPod touch or the "iPod Touch 3G".[8]

Requirements

As supplied new, the iPod Touch needs a connection to a computer for initial configuration,[23] for syncing media and installing system software updates. 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 port.[24] The 2nd generation (and onward) iPod Touch will not connect nor charge using older iPod Firewire cables.

Starting with the 2nd generation iPod Touch only can be charged from the 5V pin of the dock connector, while most previous iPod models and the original iPod Touch could also be charged from the 12V pin for firewire power,[22] resulting in the newer iPod Touch not charging in vehicles equipped with an firewire-based iPod connection. Most aftermarket manufacturers[who?] of such equipment however are producing new cables and/or adapters, that essentially just kick down the voltage from 12 to 5.[citation needed]

The first time the iPod Touch is turned on, a "connect cable to iTunes" graphic will be displayed continuously until the iPod Touch is connected to a computer running iTunes.[25]

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

Apple states that the following is required for the iPod Touch:[26]

  • A computer running either:
    • Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later
    • Microsoft Windows XP with SP2 or later, or Microsoft Windows Vista (32 or 64-bit versions)
  • iTunes 8.2 for iPhone OS 3.0.x or later, iTunes 8.0 for iPhone OS 2.1.x, iTunes 7.6 for iPhone OS 2.0.x or earlier
  • Available USB 2.0 port

Third-party applications

File:App Store 2.2.png
App Store on iPod Touch

The only official way to obtain third-party applications for the iPod Touch is Apple's App Store, which is a branch of iTunes Store. The App Store application, available in all versions of the iPhone OS from iPhone OS 2.0 onwards, allows users to browse and download applications from a single online repository (hosted by Apple) with the iTunes Store. To develop such software, a software development kit (SDK) was officially announced on March 6, 2008, at an Apple Town Hall meeting.[27] The iPhone SDK allows developers to make applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch after paying a fee to join the development team. The developer can then set the price for the applications they develop and will receive 70% of money earned. The developer can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any additional costs.

Shortly after the iPod Touch was released, hackers were able to "jailbreak" the device through a TIFF exploit. The resulting application 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, and also make it possible to install Linux operating systems on the device. All officially released versions of the iPhone OS through 3.0 can be jailbroken,[28][29] but version 3.1 could not at the time it was released.[30] Servicing an iPod Touch after jailbreaking or other modifications made by unofficial means is not covered by Apple's warranty.[31]

Specifications

File:Wi-Fi Mobile Platform Menu.png
Wi-Fi Menu on iPod Touch
The 2G Touch has an external microphone and controller wired to its earphones

The specifications as listed on Apple's website for the late 2009 iPod Touch are:[24][32]

  • Screen material: glass (arsenic free)
  • Screen size: 3.5 in
  • Screen resolution: 320x480 px at 163 ppi, with 3:2 aspect ratio
  • Input method: Multi-touch screen interface, Sleep/Wake button, Accelerometer, Home button, Volume Rocker buttons (2nd generation and late 2009 only), voice control (32 and 64 GB late 2009)
  • Operating system: iPhone OS (current version 3.1.2, build 7D11)
  • Storage: 8, 32 and 64 GB flash memory
  • CPU: Initially ARM 400 MHz, but now 412 MHz for 1st generation, 533 MHz[1] for 2nd generation and ARM Cortex-A8 833 MHz underclocked to 600 MHz for 32 and 64 GB version of the late 2009 model
  • GPU: PowerVR MBX Lite in 2nd generation[33] and PowerVR SGX GPU for 32 and 64 GB versions of the late 2009 model
  • RAM: 128 MB DRAM in 1st & 2nd generation and 256 MB DRAM in 32 and 64 GB versions of the late 2009 model
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
  • Built-in rechargeable, non-removable lithium battery with up to 6 hours of video playback, and up to 36 (30 in late 2009) hours of audio playback, times vary.
  • Built-in audio speaker (except in 1st generation)[34]
  • 3.5 mm audio output jack
  • Size: 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.33 in)
  • Weight: 115 grams (4.1 oz)
  • Direct iTunes Store access
  • Widescreen video
  • Included applications: Safari web browser, YouTube client, Mail email client, Google Maps
  • Access to App Store (requires iPhone OS 2.0 or later)
  • Widgets: Stocks, Weather, Notes
  • Access to Starbucks music (available only in selected cities across the United States)[35][36]

Template:Timeline of full-size iPod models

Jailbroken First Generation iPod Touch on Firmware Version 1.1.1

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "That IPod Touch Runs at 533 MHz". PC World. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  2. ^ "Intel ups stake in iPhone GPU maker". Electronista.com. 2008-12-23. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  3. ^ "iPod touch gets Bluetooth after OS upgrade". CNET Networks. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
  4. ^ Steve Jobs live — Apple's "The beats goes on" special eventTemplate:Accessdate
  5. ^ Steve Jobs rocks San Francisco with iTunes 9, tgdaily.com, retrieved on 2009-09-09
  6. ^ "Apple Introduces New iPod touch Lineup". Apple Inc. September 9, 2009. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
  7. ^ a b "iPod touch 8 GB (Late 2009) - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. September 14, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  8. ^ a b "Apple Inc. iPod touch (Third-Generation)". iLounge. September 13, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  9. ^ Fingerworks, Inc. (2003), iGesture Game Mode Guide, www.fingerworks.com, retrieved 2009-04-30
  10. ^ Fildes, Nic (September 19, 2007). "iPhone finally arrives but it's neither cheap nor G3". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
  11. ^ Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software BetaTemplate:Accessdate
  12. ^ "Broadcom page on wireless chip included in the 2nd generation iPod Touch". Broadcom.
  13. ^ "iPod Touch gets Bluetooth after OS upgrade". Cnet.com. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ Breen, Christopher. "First Look: iPod touch | iPod". Macworld. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  15. ^ New iPod Touch faster than iPhone 3G - CNET News
  16. ^ "2nd Generation iPod Touch Faster than iPhone". Touch Arcade. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  17. ^ iPod touch 2G Won't Support Some iPod Peripherals - MP3 Newswire
  18. ^ "iPod Touch Denied Street View, Other Google Maps Upgrades in Firmware 2.2 - iPhone". Gizmodo. 2008-11-21. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  19. ^ "iPod touch users: if you bought after Jan 1 the new apps are free - maybe". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  20. ^ Arya, Aayush (2008-01-24). "Early Adopter Tax Resurfaces with the iPod Touch January Software Upgrade". AppleMatters. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  21. ^ Dalrymple, Jim. "Accounting rules behind iPod touch update charge | iPod". Macworld. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  22. ^ a b "iPhone and iPod touch: Charging the battery". Apple. October 15, 2009. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  23. ^ Apple iPod touch First Impressions ReviewTemplate:Accessdate
  24. ^ a b Apple - iPod Touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.Template:Accessdate
  25. ^ iPod touch unpacking tour and first look (photos), AppleInsiderTemplate:Accessdate
  26. ^ Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.Template:Accessdate
  27. ^ "Live from Apple's iPhone SDK press conference". Engadget. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  28. ^ "WinPwn official site". 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  29. ^ "Dev-Team Blog, Red Snow". 2009-06-30. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  30. ^ "Everything You Wanted to Know About iPhone 3.1 But Were Afraid to Ask". Wired.com. 2009-09-11. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  31. ^ iPod and iSight Warranty (PDF), Apple Inc., page 1. Retrieved on 2008-12-24.
  32. ^ Apple - iPod touch - Features, Apple Inc.Template:Accessdate
  33. ^ "Intel ups stake in iPhone GPU maker". Electronista. 2008-12-23. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  34. ^ iPod touch: What's New, Apple Inc.Template:Accessdate
  35. ^ Apple and Starbucks Announce Music Partnership, Apple Inc.Template:Accessdate
  36. ^ Apple - iTunes - Starbucks, Apple Inc.Template:Accessdate