2nd Generation iPod Touch: 2.1 Firmware, Speaker, Thinner

[nvjusme]

Has anyone else got an unknown error message when trying to update their ITOUCH with the 2.1 software update?

[Fablio]

Hmmm....

Should i get the 2nd gen or get a refurbished old one for $60 dollars cheaper...?

[Clayne]

Hmmm....

Should i get the 2nd gen or get a refurbished old one for $60 dollars cheaper...?

+$10 to update the software, if you want it.

[!¡ V ¡!]

If the mic is there, a VOIP app cannot be far behind. That is big news.

That is what I am thinking. People are too impatient for a VoIP app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The speaker and mic were just released, give it some time. :rolleyes:

I would guess not since there are the volume controls on the side.

Yes, it was mentioned in the Keynote that it is compatible. So VoIP should be introduced in the near future. 2.0 bugs did not make it tempting enough for VoIP SW being ported. ;)

Overall I am pleased with the new iPod Touch, I might think of buying one now. :)

[jnc]

Hmmm....

Should i get the 2nd gen or get a refurbished old one for $60 dollars cheaper...?

+$10 to update the software, if you want it.

Yep. Also depends how much you want Nike+, integrated speaker and volume controls. If they're worth $49.99 to you the decision is easier. :)

[jsttesting]

Just wondering, do the new earphones with the mic and volume controls work with the 1G iPod Touch? I mean is it hardware specific as well? Cos if its work with the 1G iPod Touch, it would open up VOIP compatibility for it, and would be awesome!

[!¡ V ¡!]

Just wondering, do the new earphones with the mic and volume controls work with the 1G iPod Touch? I mean is it hardware specific as well? Cos if its work with the 1G iPod Touch, it would open up VOIP compatibility for it, and would be awesome!

Possible a 2.1 compatible only.

So if you update that 1G iPod Touch with the 2.1 update it should work. As you will utilize the headphone mic and headphones rather than the external speakers. :)

[jnc]

Just wondering, do the new earphones with the mic and volume controls work with the 1G iPod Touch? I mean is it hardware specific as well? Cos if its work with the 1G iPod Touch, it would open up VOIP compatibility for it, and would be awesome!

It may be possible with 2.1 (are these headphones even mentioned as compatible with iPhone yet?) but if they are, there's no incentive to buy anew... heh ;D

[Wondercow]

Just wondering, do the new earphones with the mic and volume controls work with the 1G iPod Touch? I mean is it hardware specific as well? Cos if its work with the 1G iPod Touch, it would open up VOIP compatibility for it, and would be awesome!

From the website (http://www.apple.com/ipod/inearheadphones/):

The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models.

[jsttesting]

Possible a 2.1 compatible only.

So if you update that 1G iPod Touch with the 2.1 update it should work. As you will utilize the headphone mic and headphones rather than the external speakers. :)

It may be possible with 2.1 (are these headphones even mentioned as compatible with iPhone yet?) but if they are, there's no incentive to buy anew... heh ;D

From the website (http://www.apple.com/ipod/inearheadphones/):

The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models.

Compatibility Information

The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models.

Looks like the mic and remote features work only with the 2nd Gen iPod Touch :(

[DaveTheGrey]

The mics are in the headphones, along with a simple controller.

I.e. iPhone earbuds.

I also wanted to point that out!
VoIP is now a possibility!

[inkswamp]

The iPhone made an appearance because it one point Steve himself said it was the best iPod ever. Why don't people seem to grasp the phone is an Ipod?

Right, but I have an iPod with a 24" screen sitting on my desk. Now, that's an iPod!

Anyway, thanks for the input. When you get out of Steve's RDF, we'll talk.

[Erasmus]

I wish it had a GPS in it. That would have made it awesome.

I don't understand why people think that Garmin, Navman, etc. GPS systems require any kind of cellphone receiver in them. All it would take is an extra couple of gigs of storage for the maps, plus the GPS receiver, and Apple could make that Maps application so much better.

Oh well, I guess the Wi-Fi system they have now is better than nothing, although I'm not holding out any hope that it would actually work here in Australia... I remember a Stevenote (original iPhone?) where he said it only worked in the US. So unless something's changed, that totally sucks arse.

But I still want one. Seems unlikely that there will be another iPod update for another year now.

[trekkie604]

Compatibility Information

The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models.

Looks like the mic and remote features work only with the 2nd Gen iPod Touch :(

I think the remote uses code contained only in the 2.1 firmware. So the fine print for the earphones will say that until the software update is released for the iPhone as well. Just my theory.

[Wondercow]

Oh well, I guess the Wi-Fi system they have now is better than nothing, although I'm not holding out any hope that it would actually work here in Australia... I remember a Stevenote (original iPhone?) where he said it only worked in the US. So unless something's changed, that totally sucks arse.

I can tell you that it works in Toronto, Canada—and amazingly well too! I'm amazed at how close it comes to my actual location at home (using my home internet connection no less!); for all intents and purposes it's dead on 95% of the time. The other 5% it's within about 50 metres.

[JimNoble]

Legitimate question:

Can anybody confirm or deny the existence of the VPN software on the iPod touch?

I've got a 3G iphone, but i want to make sure the VPN software comes on the touch before i buy one for somebody.

1st Gen touch with 2.0 firmware supports VPN.

Doesn't work with my Draytek Vigor 2600+ ADSL router though :mad: (Draytek's fault - works fine with other endpoints)

Jim

[mackiwi]

to all those moaning about the currency price differential - two reasons: 1 - you have to add the sales tax in your local country. 2 - it leaves a slight buffer for apple (if the value of the american dollar raised by 10%, would you be happy for apple to raise the price of the ipod in your country to compensate?)

To all those asking why the iphone warranted a mention at this event - the iphone runs essentially the same version of mobile OS X as the touch, and so everyone wanted to know if advancements in the 2.1 software would show up on the iphone soon. If they didn't mention the iphone it would be like introducing a new iMac with an update to OS X Leopard - and not mentioning anything about this Leopard update being available for the mac pro, macbooks, or macminis also.

Plus why have new macs at this event? - what a stupid idea from a marketing standpoint - you want all the press focused on the ipod/itunes related announcements - not having any mac distractions. if you have 5 or 6 product releases it make sense to space them out somewhat for maximum media coverage. And of course they have to save something supercool for macworld once all the ipods and macs have been updated (Hello mactablet/iphone pro and apple HDTVs with built in OS X).

relax, new macs soon.

plus the soccer game that phil schiller demoed looked amazing.

[Eauboy]

Not fully submersible!
Won't shoot full-length hi-def movies!
Doesn't come pre-loaded with Jessica Alba's phone number!
No blu-ray player!
No frickin' laser!

Does it at least have an antenna for uploading alien virus?

[Bubba Satori]

The day after the Classic gets reduced fron 160GB to 120GB. Toshiba announce a 240GB drive. Is Apple deliberately trying to *iss us off at every opportunity ? :mad:

Toshiba unveils tiny 240 GB HD

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/09/10/toshiba-unveils-tiny-240-gb-hd

[WorldMage]

URG! I would much rather pay $299 for the same iPod touch if they just put GPS in it!


This is a silly thing to say, of course if they add features you would
rather pay the same amount. The real question is; would you pay $349.99
for the same iPod touch if they put GPS in it?

[Digital Skunk]

The day after the Classic gets reduced fron 160GB to 120GB. Toshiba announce a 240GB drive. Is Apple deliberately trying to *iss us off at every opportunity ? :mad:

Toshiba unveils tiny 240 GB HD

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/09/10/toshiba-unveils-tiny-240-gb-hd

This is what I hope for the next HDD based iPod Classic. Now that we have the ability to download more HD content from iTunes, forget about having only 32GB of space.

[SannaH]

I know! With it not actually being a word, I read it as funniest...

HaHa, me too! And I was thinking "So whats funny about it? Thats a weird choice of word" Anyways, I'm REALLY disappointed that 64 GB hasn't been introduced. But I'm done waiting! I'm really glad I waited for the New Generation (I was going to buy one 2 or 3 weeks back before someone convinced me that waiting would be a better idea) but I'm buying 32 GB NOW!! Although the games seem kinda lame, speaker is an awesome addition! Speakers are pretty much useless as far as listening to songs is concerned but I'd like to have the option! Plus the volume control thing is great. Although, as someone had pointed out earlier, Why the hell haven't they added pause?? I'm still unsure what this nike+ thing is?? I got the basic idea, but is it some built in software/ some chip/ some shoulder pad? :confused: Anyways, the moment anyone on here gets an IPod Touch, please give out an ELABORATE review! :p The new generation is still unavailable here for about a week :(

[chillywilly]

This is what I hope for the next HDD based iPod Classic. Now that we have the ability to download more HD content from iTunes, forget about having only 32GB of space.

So is this 240gb hdd the same size as the 120gb that is now in the iPod classic? If so, I see the next small update as a true double the storage for the classic and leaving it for the long haul.

I much prefer the thinner iPods to the larger sized, even though they are not much thicker. I see Apple's strategy here, even if HD content takes up twice the room... it's making the thinnest iPods possible in each category.

[Digital Skunk]

So is this 240gb hdd the same size as the 120gb that is now in the iPod classic? If so, I see the next small update as a true double the storage for the classic and leaving it for the long haul.

I much prefer the thinner iPods to the larger sized, even though they are not much thicker. I see Apple's strategy here, even if HD content takes up twice the room... it's making the thinnest iPods possible in each category.

Hopefully, I think it's the dual platter one, but by the next update they may move it to one.

I can see why someone would like the thinner Classic, but the Classic isn't about size, it's about space. I'd love it if Apple just kept the thicker iPod and made the price $299, and pushed everyone else to the Nano and iPod Touch.

[Lyra]

This is a silly thing to say, of course if they add features you would
rather pay the same amount. The real question is; would you pay $349.99
for the same iPod touch if they put GPS in it?

Simple answer is... yes...
:)

I'm going to check out these new Nanos.... I'll see if it's tempting enough for me to bring one home with me today. :D

[billysea]

Or does it come with the old firmware 1.0, and need to pay $10 to upgrade to 2.1?

[Clayne]

Or does it come with the old firmware 1.0, and need to pay $10 to upgrade to 2.1?

Comes with it.

[Jglaubman]

Now we know why they were giving away free iPod Touch with the student discount.

[Sussman]

I can't wait to get it.

[HLdan]

I wish it had a GPS in it. That would have made it awesome.

I don't understand why people think that Garmin, Navman, etc. GPS systems require any kind of cellphone receiver in them. All it would take is an extra couple of gigs of storage for the maps, plus the GPS receiver.


I am very happy they did not include GPS or a camera. Some of you don't seem to get it. Having too many features will result in either of these two things, higher price for the consumer or same price but lower quality of the product in order to squeeze in all that nonsense. Please spare me of the "It cost nothing to add these features" because that's not true. You don't know what's involved.

The iPod Touch is a very solid product and I don't want a bunch of bloat that will result in Apple cutting cost and quality in order to satisfy the consumer.

Garmin and TomTom do that crap, they add in bluetooth for your cell and an MP3 player and the quality is very poor on those features in order to keep the cost down.

[chillywilly]

Hopefully, I think it's the dual platter one, but by the next update they may move it to one.

I can see why someone would like the thinner Classic, but the Classic isn't about size, it's about space. I'd love it if Apple just kept the thicker iPod and made the price $299, and pushed everyone else to the Nano and iPod Touch.

You make a good point... it is about space. I'm guessing this dropping the 160gb model will be short lived, replacing the 120gb with the 240gb eventually. I still think Apple likes to claim the smaller sized being more of a draw than storage space, even though they keep adding content that takes up more room.

[Wondercow]

I am very happy they did not include GPS or a camera. Some of you don't seem to get it. Having too many features will result in either of these two things, higher price for the consumer or same price but lower quality of the product in order to squeeze in all that nonsense.

Exactly! That's the very reason I'm glad they didn't increase the battery life, add unneeded buttons, or a speaker. All those things would have either increased the price or lowered the quality.

[VoR]

I am very happy they did not include GPS or a camera. Some of you don't seem to get it. Having too many features will result in either of these two things, higher price for the consumer or same price but lower quality of the product in order to squeeze in all that nonsense. Please spare me of the "It cost nothing to add these features" because that's not true. You don't know what's involved.

The iPod Touch is a very solid product and I don't want a bunch of bloat that will result in Apple cutting cost and quality in order to satisfy the consumer.

Garmin and TomTom do that crap, they add in bluetooth for your cell and an MP3 player and the quality is very poor on those features in order to keep the cost down.

I wanted the touch to have gps to replace my standalone gps.
I've got bluetooth and serial receivers that I can't ever see being used with these products.
You can buy the best bluetooth gps receivers for very little money.
The pda market was/is kept alive by car/air/sea/hand navigation - I would have loved to see a killer apple app to replace all these. They've got tonnes of storage and a distribution network to rinse you for all sorts of maps and charts. With zero research, and knowing how many people already have tomtoms etc. I still think it's a big market to miss out on.
I don't think the ipod is anywhere near great quality or cheap for the features it provides.

[.Chris]

Has anyone bought a touch yet at the apple store and have a blacken screen like last years?

[.Chris]

The day after the Classic gets reduced fron 160GB to 120GB. Toshiba announce a 240GB drive. Is Apple deliberately trying to *iss us off at every opportunity ? :mad:

Toshiba unveils tiny 240 GB HD

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/09/10/toshiba-unveils-tiny-240-gb-hd

What I dont understand is in the past, they upgraded to a higher capacity while keeping the same form factor. Take the old 5th Gen ipod. 30GB and 60GB. 60Gb was upgraded to an 80GB but it kept the 60GB's form factor. They could have done the same with the 160GB. I mean the physical size of the HD cant be any larger then the 120GB.

Also, how come the classics didnt get the nano's new UI. I think the nano's new UI is by far the best to date, even if its just a mod. verson of the classics. Though I'd like to see front row's UI be added to the ipod line up.

[Loge]

Also, how come the classics didnt get the nano's new UI. I think the nano's new UI is by far the best to date, even if its just a mod. verson of the classics. Though I'd like to see front row's UI be added to the ipod line up.

Probably because the new UI is designed to work in portrait mode for navigation/selection and in landscape for other things. The Classic doesn't have portrait mode.

[Digital Skunk]

You make a good point... it is about space. I'm guessing this dropping the 160gb model will be short lived, replacing the 120gb with the 240gb eventually. I still think Apple likes to claim the smaller sized being more of a draw than storage space, even though they keep adding content that takes up more room.

True, which is why I doubt they will ever get rid of the most cost effective iPod ever. I do wish they would get rid of this thin is in mentality as well. I wouldn't mind a thicker 17 Macbook Pro or Supreme with more graphics and a faster chip that cools a lot better. But such is life.

And yes, with iTunes now giving me HD TV shows and movies, forget about it, I am going to need the most space I can find. My current Pod plays compressed SD content over the SD TV just fine, so I know HD stuff will work like a charm on both SD and HD.

Also, how come the classics didnt get the nano's new UI. I think the nano's new UI is by far the best to date, even if its just a mod. verson of the classics. Though I'd like to see front row's UI be added to the ipod line up.

Cuz it's CLASSIC... but I wouldn't mind seeing the UI from Front Row in the iPod too, but the one problem with it is it's depth. Once you go WAY far into the menus it take a while to get back out. When it comes to speed I honestly have to say the Zune or the PSP comes really close, they aren't that simple however.

[Krafty]

- Built-in speaker, volume controlsGreat, gotta shell out more for 2 features I wish they put in the first place.http://i35.tinypic.com/fwbj7.gif

[BillyBobBongo]

Great, gotta shell out more for 2 features I wish they put in the first place.http://i35.tinypic.com/fwbj7.gif

I can live without a speaker...I'll just grab a new set of headphones for the other, it'll be easier than reaching into my bag/pocket to get the iPod out each time anyway! :D

[Pigumon]

Wow, not much different, but they did make it THINNER!!! That's on the top of everyone's list!

For whatever apple did to make it thinner, they should have used the saved space to put in a ton of flash memory.

It could've been the same thin size as before, but with 128GB, finally making it the flagship iPod.

Can't apple take a hint? The majority of iPods sold is STILL the Classic for one reason only, CAPACITY.

As if the initial launch of the Touch wasn't enough of a disappointment, it hasn't gotten much better. In fact, when they went up to 32gb, it didn't get a special event, why does it get one now for nothing?

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[Eric S.]

Wow, not much different, but they did make it THINNER!!! That's on the top of everyone's list!

For whatever apple did to make it thinner, they should have used the saved space to put in a ton of flash memory.

But it's only thinner on the tapered edges. The rest of it is thicker.

It could've been the same thin size as before, but with 128GB, finally making it the flagship iPod.

Maybe, if they had wanted to price it at $700 or so. The last I checked, 64GB SSDs were going for a minimum of $250, street price.

[Wondercow]

It could've been the same thin size as before, but with 128GB, finally making it the flagship iPod.

You know this how, exactly? Could it be that you're just guessing based on what you want to believe and not on facts of any kind? Do you know how large a 16 GB chip is? Do you know the cost of a 64 GB chip? Do you want the iPod Touch to cost $800-$1000?

Can't apple take a hint? The majority of iPods sold is STILL the Classic for one reason only, CAPACITY.

I couldn't find a source, but I believe I've heard (or read) that the Nano is the best-selling.

[chillywilly]

You know this how, exactly? Could it be that you're just guessing based on what you want to believe and not on facts of any kind? Do you know how large a 16 GB chip is? Do you know the cost of a 64 GB chip? Do you want the iPod Touch to cost $800-$1000?



I couldn't find a source, but I believe I've heard (or read) that the Nano is the best-selling.

Good points, wondercow. The nano is the best selling iPod. Personally, I see more nanos on the train, on the street, from friends, myself then any other iPod model.

And you make a good point about the cost. Sure there iPod touch could have a 128gb model, but at $800... unless you are Donald Trump or Jerry Seinfeld, no one is going to justify that cost for a music player without a phone. They would spend $500 on an iPhone before they'd spend that kind of money on something like that, even with that amount of storage.

I personally like a thinner, lighter iPod. I don't care to carry around something heavy, regardless of how much storage it has. Jogging, walking, in my backpack.... it's all about portability. The storage increases will happen as prices drop. We'll see a128gb touch someday, just not now. It's not economically feasible for the mass market today.

[.Chris]

Cuz it's CLASSIC... but I wouldn't mind seeing the UI from Front Row in the iPod too, but the one problem with it is it's depth. Once you go WAY far into the menus it take a while to get back out. When it comes to speed I honestly have to say the Zune or the PSP comes really close, they aren't that simple however.

If that were the case then why did the classic's UI got a fresh look last year? Why the larger screen in 2006? Why color screens? Why not the old black and white/monochrome..:rolleyes:

[poe diddley]

there are two resolutions that appear on this page

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html


one says 480x320 (listed at the top) and the other says 640x480 (listed on the sidebar to the right)

which one is correct? the h264 res can't be 640x480 if the screen can't actually do it, can it?

[lauph]

there are two resolutions that appear on this page

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html


one says 480x320 (listed at the top) and the other says 640x480 (listed on the sidebar to the right)

which one is correct? the h264 res can't be 640x480 if the screen can't actually do it, can it?

erm.. one is the display resolution, and the other is video resolution support. i.e. you cannot dump a 1080p movie and expect it to play. It can only handle up to 640,480, and it will downsize to fit the display's res.

[Krafty]

I can live without a speaker...I'll just grab a new set of headphones for the other, it'll be easier than reaching into my bag/pocket to get the iPod out each time anyway! :D

Not if you need a loud alarm for college. Music wakes me up the best. Although I have it on my cell phone, I have to set it or else I may forget. With the touch, I could just input it in iCal and sync.

[jnc]

I can live without a speaker...I'll just grab a new set of headphones for the other, it'll be easier than reaching into my bag/pocket to get the iPod out each time anyway! :D

Hmm... how does that affect battery? In-line volume controls don't change the on-board volume, simply how loud it is by the time it reaches your ears. So you need to leave your iPod volume on full to get the full range.

I wonder if Apple's new volume control earphones actually change the iPod's on-board volume?

[i.e.Mac]

Did they mean "The funest iPod in the world?"

Hmm... iPod nuclear holocaust. Coooooool.


(If you do not understand the joke, please refer the the dicionary on the word "Funest"

[JLemm]

I bought a ipod touch 3 weeks ago then found out sunday that a new one was releasing and since i was over the two week period of returning the ipod i was like hmm can i still return it? because i really wanted the external speaker because i never use the head phones, so i went to the apple store and they were happy to exchange my 8gig ipod touch for the new 16gig since it was the same price. all i had to pay was repacking fee from my old one! I love the new ipod touch i couldnt be happier... unless it had like a camera or something!

[Eric S.]

I haven't seen it in writing anywhere, but I think you have 30 days to exchange a purchase if it is replaced by a new model. (Provided that you bought it directly from Apple.)

[CedarPoint182]

I purchased my iPod Touch Friday. Thus far i am extremely impressed.

Originally, while it was an attractive device, the price was a bit of a turnoff. $399 seemed like a lot for something that I'd end up replacing in two years or so. That combined with the lack of applications, poor battery life, and the fact that I had a MBP which seemed to do everything it did on a larger scale, made me decide not to buy one. When the app store came out tho, the increased commitment to 3rd party programs, it suddenly got more attractive, and when the new device came out last week it sealed the deal.

The device is great. I love the more contoured and rounded design, its incredibly thin, the screen is large and bright, and the overall interface was excellently done. It seems like a really high quality device, and all of a sudden $299 doesn't feel like that much!

The one concern I do have is the fact that I don't have a case for it. After one day of using it and seeing all the scratches start to form on the back, I knew I had to do something until the new cases came out! I bought a cheap screen protector to put on the back to save it in the meantime (it doesn't really fit or stick very well but at least its covered). I ordered a case-mate clear shield. Anyone have experiences with those?

[chillywilly]

The one concern I do have is the fact that I don't have a case for it. After one day of using it and seeing all the scratches start to form on the back, I knew I had to do something until the new cases came out! I bought a cheap screen protector to put on the back to save it in the meantime (it doesn't really fit or stick very well but at least its covered). I ordered a case-mate clear shield. Anyone have experiences with those?

Invisishield just for the steel back is highly recommended. I use it on all of my iPods.

My wife has a 1G iPod touch 16gb model and keeps her's in a DLO case, which is play-through. It's a nice leather case and protects the entire touch. I would imagine all cases made for the First-Gen models would work well for the second gen.

[diamond.g]

I have a question. How is it that MS can release Zune 3.0 to previous Zune owners for free, but Apple can't? Same with the updates to the Wii, 360, and PS3 that add new functionality. How can they do that for free but Apple charges?

[dopeydog25]

I have a first generation iPod touch and LOVE this one. I LOVE the built in speakers and volume controls! This new one is definately on my Christmas and Birthday list! :apple::apple::apple::apple:

[Eric S.]

I have a question. How is it that MS can release Zune 3.0 to previous Zune owners for free, but Apple can't? Same with the updates to the Wii, 360, and PS3 that add new functionality. How can they do that for free but Apple charges?

Apple can't what? Do you mean the $9.95 for the 2.0 FW upgrade for iPhone/iPod touch? Ten bucks - who cares? It's still a better product than the Zune. MS is desperately trying to increase market share for the Zune, so they're obviously subsidizing FW development. And the user interface still has a ways to go. They also haven't made any recent changes (read: improvements) to the hardware, aside from increasing the hard drive capacity, compared to Apple's constant hardware upgrades.

[jnc]

How can they do that for free but Apple charges?

I think... mostly.. because it's not a mandatory update - it's an upgrade. It's not something you need or the product won't work. Consider it an expansion pack

I was kinda peeved when they tried to charge for Maps, Stocks, Notes, Mail and Weather though. I thought that much should have come as standard... but the jump to 2.0 and the App Store opens up all kinds of functionality - I have less of a problem with that.

[diamond.g]

Apple can't what? Do you mean the $9.95 for the 2.0 FW upgrade for iPhone/iPod touch? Ten bucks - who cares? It's still a better product than the Zune. MS is desperately trying to increase market share for the Zune, so they're obviously subsidizing FW development. And the user interface still has a ways to go. They also haven't made any recent changes (read: improvements) to the hardware, aside from increasing the hard drive capacity, compared to Apple's constant hardware upgrades.
I am not comparing the product themselves at all. I was merely talking about the upgrades that are offered for free even to users of older units. This upgrade even includes games. The point being why it is free for MS and not for Apple.

I think... mostly.. because it's not a mandatory update - it's an upgrade. It's not something you need or the product won't work. Consider it an expansion pack

I was kinda peeved when they tried to charge for Maps, Stocks, Notes, Mail and Weather though. I thought that much should have come as standard... but the jump to 2.0 and the App Store opens up all kinds of functionality - I have less of a problem with that.
So if that is the case then why not make the software update mandatory for the latest version of iTunes. Easy fix and they can give it away for free.

[Eric S.]

I am not comparing the product themselves at all. I was merely talking about the upgrades that are offered for free even to users of older units. This upgrade even includes games. The point being why it is free for MS and not for Apple.

But the products are the point: if you have a better (and better-selling) product, you don't need to give away things like updates. MS is trying to push the Zune, which has a tiny market share compared to iPods, and they don't want to give potential customers even more reason not to buy one. It's typical corporate action. Apple could give away the update too, but they have less incentive to.

[diamond.g]

But the products are the point: if you have a better (and better-selling) product, you don't need to give away things like updates. MS is trying to push the Zune, which has a tiny market share compared to iPods, and they don't want to give potential customers even more reason not to buy one. It's typical corporate action. Apple could give away the update too, but they have less incentive to.

Ah, I see. That makes sense.

[Syrus28]

Apple can't what? Do you mean the $9.95 for the 2.0 FW upgrade for iPhone/iPod touch? Ten bucks - who cares? It's still a better product than the Zune. MS is desperately trying to increase market share for the Zune, so they're obviously subsidizing FW development. And the user interface still has a ways to go. They also haven't made any recent changes (read: improvements) to the hardware, aside from increasing the hard drive capacity, compared to Apple's constant hardware upgrades.
Yes, he means the $20 they charged for new features, then the the $10 they charged for 2.0 (which screwed the people who bought the first). It's not exactly a big deal, but it is something to consider.

And what constant hardware upgrades? You mean changing the form factor? That's a preference and considering the new iPod nano changed to a similar form of the year old Zune, it don't see what your getting at.

[Eric S.]

Yes, he means the $20 they charged for new features, then the the $10 they charged for 2.0 (which screwed the people who bought the first). It's not exactly a big deal, but it is something to consider.

Fine - consider it. Buy the Zune if it's that important to you.

And what constant hardware upgrades? You mean changing the form factor? That's a preference and considering the new iPod nano changed to a similar form of the year old Zune, it don't see what your getting at.

Adding the accelerometer was a bit more than just changing the form factor.

[jnc]

So if that is the case then why not make the software update mandatory for the latest version of iTunes. Easy fix and they can give it away for free.

...What? There would be almost 0% incentive to purchase anew! Simple business.

[diamond.g]

...What? There would be almost 0% incentive to purchase anew! Simple business.

The iPhone kinda bucks that idea doesn't it?

[jnc]

The iPhone kinda bucks that idea doesn't it?

Uh... no? 2G iPhone customers aren't getting GPS or 3G even after they get the 2.x software. Just like First gen touch customers aren't getting a slimmer cheaper device with integrated speakers and volume controls...

So your options are to carry on as before, pay to get that optional functionality upgrade, or you buy anew and you get that plus other features as standard.

[diamond.g]

Uh... no? 2G iPhone customers aren't getting GPS or 3G even after they get the 2.x software. Just like First gen touch customers aren't getting a slimmer cheaper device with integrated speakers and volume controls...

So your options are to carry on as before, pay to get that optional functionality upgrade, or you buy anew and you get that plus other features as standard.
So in essence hardware upgrades is what makes the new iPhone worth buying even if you already have the old one. Sounds like a pretty good model for the iPod Touch to follow to me. Allow the OS to be updated to the latest one for free and make the difference in models hardware based.

[jnc]

So in essence hardware upgrades is what makes the new iPhone worth buying even if you already have the old one. Sounds like a pretty good model for the iPod Touch to follow to me. Allow the OS to be updated to the latest one for free and make the difference in models hardware based.

The hardware alone isn't enough though if you're offering comparable OS functionality for free. Again, BUSINESS - there'd be no real incentive to buy anew I can live without an integrated speaker... but it's more enticing as a whole package I have to pay? I might as well get a new one...the price on them just came down anyway

[diamond.g]

The hardware alone isn't enough though if you're offering comparable OS functionality for free. Again, BUSINESS - there'd be no real incentive to buy anew but it's more enticing as a whole package

I see where you are coming from, but it seems like you are selling Apple short on getting people to buy new hardware.

[.Chris]

After rewatching the keynote he didn seem to happy when he anouced with side volume buttons.

But if you look at it, the iphone has more buttons on the side then th new touch

[jdsolo]

if you have a pc at work and mac at home, can you sync your ipod touch to both computers for the calendar application?

[funnyfish7]

iTook my old touch back and got the new one! I'm on of right now! LOL! The new one = omg leet hax how did I ever liv with the old one so über bat life I'm like WTF watch barack debates all day and have good charge lawl!!!!!

[jnc]

iTook my old touch back and got the new one! I'm on of right now! LOL! The new one = omg leet hax how did I ever liv with the old one so über bat life I'm like WTF watch barack debates all day and have good charge lawl!!!!!

...http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/e/eek.gif

[Royale w/cheese]

Just got a 8gig. Loving it. I am surprised by the speaker. Much better than expected. Wifi seems to drop out a bit though.

[Clayne]

Is it just me or does the Beck album on the iPod touch (apple store home page) make it look really ugly?

They shoulda picked different album art. Or just used the ipod touch home screen.

[Ivan P]

Is it just me or does the Beck album on the iPod touch (apple store home page) make it look really ugly?

They shoulda picked different album art. Or just used the ipod touch home screen.

They already do that with the iPhone, and now that the front of both the iPhone and the iPod touch look almost identical there's probably going to be some unfortunate people out there that buy the iPod thinking it is an iPhone...

[scotty96LSC]

I have the 1G iPod touch and my son has the second. Though the speaker in his is very nice, and better yet, convienent when you want to check a song on iTunes or something, the device seems cheaper. It may be me, but it just doens't feel as solid in my hand as my iPod touch. I felt the same way about the new iPhone versus the old.

[VoR]

New product revisions are often to do with cost cutting, so I wouldn't be surprised.
I don't have a touch or an iphone, so can't comment on those.