Introduction
The Touch is the first iPod which contains wireless networking
capabilities, and access to the World Wide Web and emailing via
Apple's Safari web browser. The Touch is pretty much a clone of
the iPhone, but lacks the ability to make phone calls. Instead it
contains more memory, which makes it more useful as a multimedia
device.
It's the first iPod to use the iPhone's multi-touch graphical user
interface. You can also play video's and downloaded video games
on it's 3.5 inch screen. Out of all the current iPod's, the Touch
is by far the most versatile and provides the largest amount of
features and applications. However it's not cheap, and is more expensive
than the iPod Classic.
There are two generations of iPod Touch's. The Touch was first
launched with 8GB and 16GB versions in 2007, costing $299 and $399.
A 32GB model was added at the start of 2008. The second generation
was released in September 2008 with three models, containing either
8GB, 16GB or 32GB of memory. The release prices in the UK for these
models was in the region of £168.97, £219.00 and £288.97.
News
Touch is proof positive that Apple's iPod is evolving?
The iPod is without doubt the cash cow of Apple, responsible for
over 40% of Apple's total revenue stream. Therefore it must come
as a concern to the company when their own cofounder and analysts
are predicting the doom of the device.
It appear Apple have accepted and taken on board concerns that
the iPod could be left behind by general advances in global communications
devices like mobile phones. The iPhone and Touch are proof positive
that Apple have noted that a stand alone mp3 player is not enough.
The Classic and Nano have expanded their capabilities in recent
years, with video playback. But the iPhone and Touch have pushed
the bar to new heights, highlighting that the iPod is indeed evolving
with the times. The Touch is an obvious attempt to aim a device
at users no longer content with a sole portable audio player.
Apple's market share has remained steady, showing that their huge
marketing machine and subtle technological improvement have prevented
a dip in sales revenue. In fact iPods are selling at an all time
high during 2007 and 2008. But, it does appear sales have leveled
off, with the huge boom no longer to be expected.
Steve Jobs has declared that the iPhone and Touch are essential
components in the evolution of the iPod brand. Whether the iPhone
will exclusively replace the iPod is unlikely. Apple tend to prefer
an integrated range of products, each offering a specific advantage
to users.
With mobile phones sales reaching four billion worldwide, in comparison
to total iPod sales of 160 million. It's obvious that morphing the
iPod into a total entertainment and communications device could
be very profitable. Likewise the handset manufacturers are trying
to morph their communications devices into the entertainment sector.
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