Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPod Family, SDK
My ideal iPod touch
Don't get me wrong, I love my iPod touch. As a matter of fact, I'm writing this post with it on the beach as my girlfriend goes surfing. But with Apple's new product announcement on Tuesday, it makes me wonder what changes could be in store for our favorite supercharged music player.
I think the single greatest thing Apple could do for the iPod touch is take a page from the Amazon Kindle and offer free "Whispernet" service for every iPod touch sold. (Or, say, roll it in with a Mobile Me subscription.) Amazon bought access to a chunk of Sprint's EVDO network, which means every Kindle has network access wherever it goes.
Apple could make such a deal with AT&T -- and its various partners worldwide -- to provide the necessary bandwidth. Who knows -- perhaps they have already. Allow tethering with software like NetShare, and you've got Internet access for your Mac, too. Instant-on, and always there. Brilliant.
Another simple addition would be GPS functionality, bringing the iPod touch in line with its newer sibling. Suddenly, the need for both a GPS and an iPod in your car is obviated, and it opens up interesting opportunities with the car manufacturers who already offer iPod integration in their vehicles.
Third, and this could apply to new iPhones too, would be to allow access to the dock connector for Apps. This opens up all kinds of options for iPhone and iPod touch owners to use voice recorders and cameras, as well as potentially control a wide range of equipment from industrial automation tools to backyard telescopes.
Who knows what Apple has up their sleeve? Certainly not me. But with this wish list fulfilled, you can be sure a new iPod touch is in my immediate future.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Chris said 11:08AM on 9-08-2008
So... you basically want an iPhone with tethering without having to pay much for it, right? Dream on bro.
I'd like it to come with a microwave and an unlimited supply of burritos. That would eliminate the necessity of carrying an ice-box and hot plate in my car.
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d said 3:55PM on 9-08-2008
same exact thoughts. They would never do that, it would cut way to much into iPhone 3G sales.
I do agree that they should provide a tethering solution for iPhone, perhaps as an upgrade on the contract (from ATT's end)
bob said 11:09AM on 9-08-2008
Yes, yes, and yes! That would make it a must-have item, especially for us Verizon devotees who don't have iPhones.
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Will said 11:11AM on 9-08-2008
I really doubt we'll see any "whispernet" functionality. It might be economical for an e-book reader, but for a mobile internet device with tethering support? That's a bit higher bandwidth than downloading a text file every week or two.
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Shunnabunich said 11:14AM on 9-08-2008
I'd like to see them add some sort of haptic feedback to the screen to shut up all those people complaining about the keyboard being virtual. :)
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Charles Martin said 11:22AM on 9-08-2008
Bluetooth would be nice for headphones.
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Joel Purvis said 11:47AM on 9-08-2008
I completely agree. For a music player, the lack of stereo bluetooth support is utterly ridiculous. I hate having to use a BT dongle to get the same functionality that's been built into virtually every Windows Mobile phone since 2005.
Randy said 12:08PM on 9-08-2008
I second this vote. It's borderline criminal that a device this advanced doesn't have stereo Bluetooth.
james said 2:23PM on 9-08-2008
Bluetooth will decrease battery life. Hands up all who want less battery!!!
Not I.
D. Burbank said 11:22AM on 9-08-2008
How about an iPod Touch that can tell the difference between "its" and "it's"? It will revolutionize the blogging world - imagine! Writers who can write!
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Robert Palmer said 11:32AM on 9-08-2008
Thanks for finding that typo, and thanks for being so nice about it, too.
Johnny said 12:09PM on 9-08-2008
LOL, Robert Palmer. You kill me.
kem said 11:26AM on 9-08-2008
The best addition (that's never going to happen) would be a built-in microphone and skype!
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mingistech said 11:31AM on 9-08-2008
I could see a 3G data only plan for people that don't want to give up their current phones.
Also.. from the leaked info on the iPod touch that came out on it's physical dimensions. If it in indeed slightly thicker like the new iPhone that would make room for a GPS receiver and antenna and possibly this 3G data dream.
I'm sure if Touch owners could get 3G data on their device for $20/month they'd jump on it.
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Kev Orng said 12:27PM on 9-08-2008
You're right, I'd take it.
radpanic said 11:33AM on 9-08-2008
a free "whispernet" functionality would be "the bee's knees"(yeah, I said it). I would also LOVE to see GPS and the rumored volume button. Also, I may be the only person but I would like a smaller size. Not much, just about .5 inch all around.
Dustin
http://techsifter.com
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SC in DC said 11:34AM on 9-08-2008
The only feature necessary to get me to purchase an iPod Touch is more memory. I want it to be able to hold all of my music (~40 gig) and enough video to get me through a week on the road. These other features would be nice bonuses, but the current features plus more memory would get me in an Apple store tomorrow.
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mare said 11:34AM on 9-08-2008
An iPod with built-in office furniture! Golden!
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dave said 12:35PM on 9-08-2008
dude give me a break here you just described the iPhone!!!!! Really 3G an all.
As to Kindle, nothing about whispernet is free the cost is built into the materials you buy with it. Since the device is basically tied to one service there are no risks and it is not likely to be used for general surfing even if it could be.
Any device that Apple makes will be more general purpose. At least in the realm of Touch based machines. Apple might have a shot at something like this for a Nano like device with the browser tied directly to the iTunes store. Given Apples current pricing structure they would likely have to charge more.
In any event the big question becomes where would all the bandwidth come from? This is a serious question when people start to think they will have free Internet access. Especially with iPods that sell in the tens of millions every year.
The reality is that there are few things in life that are of value and are free. In the case of bandwidth some body has to pay. The nice thing about Touch is that via WiFi you can get your access via public connections. Still somebody is paying for those open WIFi networks. IPod Touch allows the user great control over when and how much a connection will cost. Most Touch users don't want to give up that control.
Dave
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xxscully484xx said 11:39AM on 9-08-2008
I as a verizon coustomer would definately get rid of Vcast on my phone and sign up for 3G on the Ipod touch if that option became available.
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