Cameras Ordered for iPod Touch? Another Case Design [Archive]

MacRumors

Jul 6, 2009, 06:05 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/06/cameras-ordered-for-ipod-touch-another-case-design/)

TechCrunch (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/06/prepare-yourself-for-ipod-video/) now claims that they too have heard evidence that the next generation iPod Touch will have a built in video camera. One of our sources in Asia say that Apple has placed an order for a massive number of camera modules of the type that they include in the iPhone. These are inexpensive cameras, in the $10 range. And the size of the order, our source says, means they can only be used for one thing - the iPods.The rumor that the iPod Touch would get a camera first appeared (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/15/new-iphone-and-ipod-touch-details-ipod-to-get-camera/) in May from HardMac. The rumor, however, now makes more sense since the introduction of the iPhone 3GS which features video as a major new feature. When Apple does update the new iPod Touch, it seems likely that they will also upgrade the device to the more powerful processor and graphics chips that were introduced in the iPhone 3GS.

Meanwhile, TheAppleLounge (http://www.theapplelounge.com/hardware/ipod-touch/ipod-touch-3g-custodia/) points to another 3rd generation iPod Touch case design at DealExtreme (http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25889) which again shows off a centrally mounted camera hole:

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/07/06/053219-case2.jpg

The next generation iPod Touch is expected to be released in September.

Article Link: Cameras Ordered for iPod Touch? Another Case Design (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/06/cameras-ordered-for-ipod-touch-another-case-design/)

buckyballs

Jul 6, 2009, 06:14 AM

I'm going to don my skeptic hat.

I don't think Apple would have sent the designs to the case manufacturers early enough for cases to be finished already ( > 2 months before expected announcement)

retroneo

Jul 6, 2009, 06:19 AM

What are the two other small holes?

talkingfuture

Jul 6, 2009, 06:19 AM

Chundles

Jul 6, 2009, 06:28 AM

What are the two other small holes?

Lanyard loops.

A lot of silicon cases have them though I don't know why, nobody uses lanyard anymore.

designgeek

Jul 6, 2009, 06:29 AM

I'm really doubting these. Something just isn't right.

Chundles

Jul 6, 2009, 06:33 AM

I'm really doubting these. Something just isn't right.

They do look off-centre but it's because the earphone jack is on the bottom next to the connector. It's wider on one side so that it doesn't cover the headphone jack.

Warbrain

Jul 6, 2009, 06:37 AM

We've seen external re-designs before because of new cases being sold...

and it wouldn't surprise me if the iPod touch got a camera.

zedsdead

Jul 6, 2009, 06:51 AM

These case are consistant with the rumors. I have no doubts that the iPod Touch will get the same camera and features that is in the iPhone 3GS. I also feel the iPod Nano is getting a camera, however it may only be for stills.

DELLsFan

Jul 6, 2009, 07:19 AM

Meh ... unless Kevin Rose leaks it, it isn't happening. :D

McShizzel

Jul 6, 2009, 07:25 AM

I'm going to wait till they have multi-core processors.

twoodcc

Jul 6, 2009, 07:47 AM

i hope that the touch does get a video camera, and updated hardware. makes sense to me

Padraig

Jul 6, 2009, 07:52 AM

Great; not alone can't i bring my phone into my gym, I won't be able to bring in any future iPods* also.:mad:

*Refusing to buy the new style shuffle.

A.Fairhead

Jul 6, 2009, 08:00 AM

dasikes

Jul 6, 2009, 08:11 AM

Pugpuppydude

Jul 6, 2009, 08:13 AM

Awesome! Thank you for the Chinese and their inability to understand apples reps telling them they can't leak!!

peterdevries

Jul 6, 2009, 08:32 AM

What are the two other small holes?

The holes are also inside a shallow indentation. It could be that a metal or hard plastic manufacturer logo will be clipped in here and fixated through the holes.

I'm not going to state my thoughts on whether or not they'll get a camera, but I will say that IF they do, it won't be like this case. It'll be just like the iPhone's camera location. I doubt anyone would dispute that...

I'm disputing that. There are several other differences in design between the Touch and the iPhone (most notably the back material). In addition, the Touch is extremely tapered and thin. It's quite possble that there is not enough room to put the camera in the same position as it is in the iPhone.

Shookster

Jul 6, 2009, 08:32 AM

And the size of the order, our source says, means they can only be used for one thing - the iPods.

Why?

dambrosir

Jul 6, 2009, 08:35 AM

The camera on the iphone is in the corner. It appears on the iPod touch to be in the center. Why?
I tend not to believe these images they tend to be fake or mock ups.
I will just wait until apple makes an announcement.

gGGg

Jul 6, 2009, 08:46 AM

I'm not going to state my thoughts on whether or not they'll get a camera, but I will say that IF they do, it won't be like this case. It'll be just like the iPhone's camera location. I doubt anyone would dispute that...

The camera on the iphone is in the corner. It appears on the iPod touch to be in the center. Why?

Probably beacuse in the corner of the iPod touch there is the Wi-Fi antenna

Warbrain

Jul 6, 2009, 08:48 AM

I say fake.

In addition, I can't help but feel it's a bad design idea to hang such an expensive piece of hardware around your neck without anything preventing the device from falling out of the front. I have a similar case for my first generation iPhone, and while it holds the phone, the edges do get quite weak if you continually remove / apply it.

Unless that's just what these cases look like in photographs, nothing really seems to be lined up right (all of the holes seem slanted …) and the inconsistent colour of the inside-back of the device doesn't do much in the way of convincing me of it being authentic :p

Then again, this could all simply be due to the flexible nature of the case and it's all perfectly legitimate. :rolleyes:

It's some POS Chinese silicone case - nothing ever lines up.

The camera on the iphone is in the corner. It appears on the iPod touch to be in the center. Why?
I tend not to believe these images they tend to be fake or mock ups.
I will just wait until apple makes an announcement.

Have you considered how thin the iPod touch is? It's amazingly thin. And, if I recall, the wireless antenna is on the upper right side, thus blocking the spot where the camera would be unless they move the antenna. They easily could but a center-placed camera would be best.

Wilkinsons

Jul 6, 2009, 09:07 AM

If the new version get a GPS, how would i work without the assistance of a telephone network, i.e. A-GPS version?

Warbrain

Jul 6, 2009, 09:27 AM

If the new version get a GPS, how would i work without the assistance of a telephone network, i.e. A-GPS version?

They would have to purchase the rights to maintain offline maps from Google.

Wilkinsons

Jul 6, 2009, 09:39 AM

They would have to purchase the rights to maintain offline maps from Google.

True, but I was actually thinking about the fact that A-GPS isn't the same as a "normal" Tom-Tom GPS since they need (according to wiki):

"An A-GPS receiver can address these problems in several ways, using network elements such as either an assistance server or other data from a network. That assistance generally falls into two categories: a) information used to more quickly acquire satellites, or b) calculations done remotely:"

So, if the incorporate a GPS, will it be a A-GPS or something more fancy? OR will they need, at least some contact with a working wlan network to work fluently... which of course will not happen in a moving car for example.

Small White Car

Jul 6, 2009, 09:58 AM

SleepyHead157

Jul 6, 2009, 10:07 AM

everyone will be screaming fake for these items but many times these rumors hold true, especially when it's coming from multiple case manufacturers. I really hope it's true.

By the way, Ziggytek reported about iPod Touch Last week. Take a look here: http://blog.ziggytek.com/2009/07/03/ipod-touch-3rd-generation-to-have-camera-yes-suggests-new-case/

Warbrain

Jul 6, 2009, 10:19 AM

True, but I was actually thinking about the fact that A-GPS isn't the same as a "normal" Tom-Tom GPS since they need (according to wiki):

"An A-GPS receiver can address these problems in several ways, using network elements such as either an assistance server or other data from a network. That assistance generally falls into two categories: a) information used to more quickly acquire satellites, or b) calculations done remotely:"

So, if the incorporate a GPS, will it be a A-GPS or something more fancy? OR will they need, at least some contact with a working wlan network to work fluently... which of course will not happen in a moving car for example.

A-GPS still works without a cell signal. You won't get as refined of a position as you would with the assist from the cell towers but it will locate you.

mr.steevo

Jul 6, 2009, 10:30 AM

A camera! Sweet!

Finally, a reason to buy an iPod.

s.

VoR

Jul 6, 2009, 10:44 AM

A-GPS still works without a cell signal. You won't get as refined of a position as you would with the assist from the cell towers but it will locate you.

How on earth does a cell signal increase the accuracy of GPS devices? Maybe it'll increase the cold lock-on time very very slightly, but even this has been pretty pointless for a fair few years with any partially decent gps chipset.
I don't have an iphone or know anything about its gps quality, but I've had old gps devices with sirfstarIII chips and the idea that a cell/wifi/whatever signal would increase its accuracy seems pretty laughable.

I havn't really read this thread through so I'm probably repeating others, but maybe tomtom need to add another gps chip to get any sensible accuracy over a 'spec sheet gps chip'. Maybe they're just adding an antennae, and/or just trying to produce a very cheap product for no other reason than profit.
If you've followed air/land gps navigation software over the years, or even just looked at their code, tomtom are hardly the most competent company about - their end products work and sell well though, and having turn by turn etc apps on the iphone seems like such a no brainer I really was surprised that there hasn't been decent solutions since the first model's release, overpriced windscreen suckerpad holder or not.

swarmster

Jul 6, 2009, 11:08 AM

I'd like to see the new iPod nano and Touch have GPS. Not for navigating or mapping applications, but as a replacement for Nike+. I could go biking, hiking or running and download what I've done at the end of the day. That would be cool. Nike+ is great if you're running in Nike shoes but not so great if you do other sports or wear other trainers.

I agree. I have a 2g touch and was planning on skipping this year's and just buying the 4g next year. But if they put a GPS in it so I can use the tracking apps (that are more accurate than Nike+ and don't require Nike+ shoes or a shoe pouch that reduces accuracy even further...not to mention the sensor itself with its non-replaceable battery), then I might have to give the 3g some serious consideration.

A camera would just be a bonus, since my phone also has a camera. Granted, it would be much easier to get the pictures off an iPod than it is to get them off my phone.

Warbrain

Jul 6, 2009, 11:14 AM

How on earth does a cell signal increase the accuracy of GPS devices? Maybe it'll increase the cold lock-on time very very slightly, but even this has been pretty pointless for a fair few years with any partially decent gps chipset.
I don't have an iphone or know anything about its gps quality, but I've had old gps devices with sirfstarIII chips and the idea that a cell/wifi/whatever signal would increase its accuracy seems pretty laughable.

I havn't really read this thread through so I'm probably repeating others, but maybe tomtom need to add another gps chip to get any sensible accuracy over a 'spec sheet gps chip'. Maybe they're just adding an antennae, and/or just trying to produce a very cheap product for no other reason than profit.
If you've followed air/land gps navigation software over the years, or even just looked at their code, tomtom are hardly the most competent company about - their end products work and sell well though, and having turn by turn etc apps on the iphone seems like such a no brainer I really was surprised that there hasn't been decent solutions since the first model's release, overpriced windscreen suckerpad holder or not.

Triangulation. You are able to get some sort of location based upon what towers you're connected to. That's how the original iPhone is able to determine a location but not a very good accurate location. Skyhook also helps as it uses nearby wireless networks to locate you.

A-GPS utilizes the cellular network to get the location. It will work fine without a cellular connection but may not get as accurate of a location as it would with cellular reception.

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGPS

sravana

Jul 6, 2009, 11:19 AM

Having just bought a refurb 2G Touch, I am so in the queue to buy one with a camera!

However, I'll probably wait for the 4G, because money is tight. I didn't think I'd love my Touch as much as I do, but a camera would be *sweet*.

Oh, and Pugpuppydude is right, thank heavens for translation difficulties! :D :D

fabianjj

Jul 6, 2009, 11:59 AM

LizKat

Jul 6, 2009, 01:18 PM

I've always said that the iPod Touch really should be an "iPhone without a phone."

Yes, a lot of people call it that, but I mean it literally. GPS, camera...everything.

Apple hasn't agreed with me so far, so I'm not saying this case is real. But it would be nice.

+1. Living in a deadzone, I rarely use the "phone" part of my iPhone and so have resisted the hardware upgrades. And I do have other cell phones that I carry at least one of in my purse or car when travelling. The iPhone is always with me, but gets used as an iPod touch MOST of the time. So I am always interested in the next iPod touch.... camera sounds like a great option.

carmenodie

Jul 6, 2009, 01:26 PM

C'mon on yall you know this is going to happen. It s too obvious! And what makes me shake my head is that Sony should have seen this coming and one up Apple. Look at the psp and tell me why the hell didn't Sony release that tiny usb camera for it? I heard it was out in Japan. Now the iphone 3GS has a high quality 3 meg pix camera, does games like a mutha etc. Apple is doing it baby! And the competition is being left in the dust. By start of next year Sony will muster up the balls and do video/camera on one of their mp3 players. And don't let me start on the Zune.

puffnstuff

Jul 6, 2009, 01:37 PM

if they are going to put a camera in it either put the 3GS cam or don't bother.

I for one will use the camera especially if it's good quality

apfhex

Jul 6, 2009, 01:51 PM

Regarding A-GPS, The difference between an A-GPS and a regular GPS is that the former is Assisted by the cell network to find the satellites, making the initial locating much faster, but otherwise it's the same thing as a GPS, same accuracy and all.
QFT. Please, there was a whole thread or five or twenty dedicated to the argument of how A-GPS works. It uses cellular or wifi triangulation to allow it to quickly find the satellites and lock on to your position much faster, but doesn't absolutely require any data connection to work (obviously Google Maps does, but if you were to have an offline maps app, it would be great).

Regarding the "iPhone without the phone," I know people who might love to get a Touch if it had a mic/earpiece so they could use it as a Skype or similar VOIP device, not only because they're at the limits or outside AT&T's (or any GSM) coverage area but it would be great overseas.

As for the camera, I would think it would be in the same spot as the iPhone, but I don't know how the Touch is put together, so maybe it's different enough that they'd have to put it in the middle. But I don't think these case manufactures are the best source of rumors as of late. :)

wardev

Jul 6, 2009, 02:16 PM

Why?

im guessing because it's a lot and it's closer to the amount of ipods the sell than computers(the only other product these could be applies to...right?). Apple probobly/definately sells more ipods than computers.

branjosef

Jul 6, 2009, 02:20 PM

So many cases with holes all over the place. None of them are in the same place. Which one will be correct. No one knows. Time to pre-order Who's with me????

Hattig

Jul 6, 2009, 02:41 PM

I'm going to don my skeptic hat.

I don't think Apple would have sent the designs to the case manufacturers early enough for cases to be finished already ( > 2 months before expected announcement)

Maybe Apple isn't going to wait until September this year. Maybe they've done some analysis and believe there is an advantage to releasing in August, or even late July. Or maybe the new designs are ready to go.

Warbrain

Jul 6, 2009, 03:04 PM

As for the camera, I would think it would be in the same spot as the iPhone, but I don't know how the Touch is put together, so maybe it's different enough that they'd have to put it in the middle. But I don't think these case manufactures are the best source of rumors as of late. :)

These case manufacturers had made cases that matched up exactly to the iPod nano's most recent revision well before it was released. In terms of body changes they can be right and have been in the past. But it's still worth being skeptical.

Hot Snowboarder

Jul 6, 2009, 05:38 PM

I reckon a camera is very likely, and a new 'Photo Booth' style app on the home screen.

TogetherinParis

Jul 6, 2009, 06:32 PM

Apple should make the camera separately as a wireless bluetooth item for the iPod or iPhone. People could then use the iPhone or iPod as backup cameras for their cars, bicycles, or motorcycles/RV's or for amateur short distance sleuthing.

treo360

Jul 6, 2009, 07:01 PM

the desire to replace my touch is rising.

JAT

Jul 6, 2009, 07:20 PM

Great; not alone can't i bring my phone into my gym, I won't be able to bring in any future iPods* also.:mad:

*Refusing to buy the new style shuffle.

Just put it in a different case when you go to the gym and say it's a first gen.

kdarling

Jul 6, 2009, 07:44 PM

A-GPS still works without a cell signal. You won't get as refined of a position as you would with the assist from the cell towers but it will locate you.

A-GPS requires a connection to get to an assistance server. So strictly speaking, without a cell signal the iPhone A-GPS reverts to regular GPS. Locating will be just as precise either way, since on the iPhone, the assistance is only the initial satellite orbits etc... after that, it's also just regular GPS.

A Touch with GPS could access assistance over WiFi, perhaps, instead.

Triangulation. You are able to get some sort of location based upon what towers you're connected to. That's how the original iPhone is able to determine a location but not a very good accurate location. Skyhook also helps as it uses nearby wireless networks to locate you.

Right, but cell and WiFi id are other locating methods. They are not part of A-GPS. When used together with GPS or A-GPS, the combination is called a hybrid locating system. AFAIK, each method is still independent in the iPhone, however.

Regarding A-GPS, The difference between an A-GPS and a regular GPS is that the former is Assisted by the cell network to find the satellites, making the initial locating much faster, but otherwise it's the same thing as a GPS, same accuracy and all

True for the iPhone, but A-GPS can mean different things. For example, for many years Verizon dumbphones have had A-GPS for E911 and VZNavigator, but most of them cannot act in totally standalone mode. Some even pass off all calculations to the network.

QFT. Please, there was a whole thread or five or twenty dedicated to the argument of how A-GPS works. It uses cellular or wifi triangulation to allow it to quickly find the satellites and lock on to your position much faster,

In the iPhone, A-GPS goes to an assistance server when necessary to quickly get initial satellite orbits, status, time, etc... and yes, perhaps an initial position guess. After that, it's basic GPS.

The folks behind Skyhook have come up with a combination method that does use cell id and WiFi to help get quicker GPS locks, but I don't think the iPhone uses it yet (otherwise they'd be advertising it). Especially since the cell id is done by Google at this time. IF Apple is using the new method, I'd love to know about it.

na1577

Jul 6, 2009, 08:01 PM

So many cases with holes all over the place. None of them are in the same place.

All of the iPod touch cases have it in the same place. (the center) What are you looking at? :confused:

MacFly123

Jul 6, 2009, 08:08 PM

I can totally see this happening and I think it is a good idea. Look out Flip HD cameras haha! :p

I want Apple to make the iPhone and iPod Touch screens 16:9 aspect ratio now for crying out loud and then add HD video capture and OLED. COME ON APPLE! It makes no sense to have a screen that is not true widescreen with all these video features! :rolleyes:

fef714

Jul 6, 2009, 08:40 PM

I'm disputing that. There are several other differences in design between the Touch and the iPhone (most notably the back material). In addition, the Touch is extremely tapered and thin. It's quite possble that there is not enough room to put the camera in the same position as it is in the iPhone.

A camera could easily fit on the edge of the incredibly thin iPod touch.

Look at the iSight inside the MacBook Air; that screen should not be able to house a camera, yet Apple has done it ... as usual...

fef714

Jul 6, 2009, 08:45 PM

Great; not alone can't i bring my phone into my gym, I won't be able to bring in any future iPods* also.:mad:

*Refusing to buy the new style shuffle.

Why can't you bring it to the gym?

Mac Kiwi

Jul 6, 2009, 09:31 PM

What kind of quality would a $10 camera module create?...unless its the old put crap in first and steadily update it/give the consumer something to hope for in the next releases.

joeshell383

Jul 6, 2009, 10:31 PM

I'd like to see the new iPod nano and Touch have GPS. Not for navigating or mapping applications

Navigation would be great for the iPod Touch. That way you could leave your iPod in the car full-time for navigation and music, and not have to connect your iPhone to a nav cradle every time you get in the car (and be able to use the iPhone for other things or let a passenger use it while the iPod Touch's nav remains uninterrupted.)

With 64GB of capacity expected in September, many people could hold their whole music library in the car full time, and simply update the music/nav over Wi-Fi from the garage occasionally.

joemama

Jul 6, 2009, 10:32 PM

Why would Apple want to include a camera on the next generation Touch, you ask?

..Say, "bye-bye FlipCam!!!"

So you can spend $199 on a small camera or $229 on an iPod Touch. You can have just a camera, or a camera, a game player, a music player, video player, etc.

Hmmm...tough decision.

Blacklabel34

Jul 7, 2009, 06:58 PM

I've always said that the iPod Touch really should be an "iPhone without a phone."

Yes, a lot of people call it that, but I mean it literally. GPS, camera...everything.

Apple hasn't agreed with me so far, so I'm not saying this case is real. But it would be nice.

Couldn't agree more. The first ipod touch IMO should've had a camera. Especially for that price! I always thought they'd bring a camera to the ipod touch. I couldn't be happier because I have been waiting to get a touch for this same reason. I love my iphone but since I use it as my phone for calls/text/email I really don't like using it for anything else. Guess I'm just sort of burnt-out on playing games on it or using it as my ipod. I have an ipod classic and nano for that. I know I will get a lot of flack for that statement but it's true. So if the new ipod touch does get a camera I'd wait in line for that!:D

Chundles

Jul 7, 2009, 07:06 PM

What kind of quality would a $10 camera module create?...unless its the old put crap in first and steadily update it/give the consumer something to hope for in the next releases.

The camera in the 3GS costs about $10. It goes alright for a mobile phone camera.

mlw1235

Jul 8, 2009, 01:46 AM

Why can't you bring it to the gym?

I'm guessing it has something to do with the camera?

You probably don't want people taking pictures of you in the locker room and posting them up on the interwebz....

branjosef

Jul 12, 2009, 01:26 PM

All of the iPod touch cases have it in the same place. (the center) What are you looking at? :confused:

I thought I was seeing some with holes in the lower corner, and others in the center. Maybe I'm just loosing it or something

iPhoneNYC

Jul 12, 2009, 01:29 PM

Video is a big plus. The video in the 3GS is a great start. We know it will soon wind up in the Touch but I would imagine it would be a direct steal from the 3GS.

actingbiz1

Jul 12, 2009, 08:19 PM

I can't wait for the new iPod. I have had my first generation since the day it came out.
And, unfortunately, I was on the beach listening to it when a random wave came up and threw our bags bag.... with my iPod included. All attempts failed! (Rice did revive it for a few seconds...)
So now I'm holding out until the new one comes out HOPEFULLY in september... Otherwise I will go insane without an iPod... :eek:

trunksbyu

Jul 15, 2009, 03:00 PM

i hope that the touch does get a video camera, and updated hardware. makes sense to me

you know what else would be great about getting a camera with video capability? a built-in microphone!!! it wouldn't make sense to have video without sound, right? i'm crossing my fingers.

branjosef

Jul 17, 2009, 01:47 AM

I find it funny that "cameras" are the new thing. Haven't they been around since like the 70's : )

geoman92

Jul 17, 2009, 08:54 AM

I'm going to don my skeptic hat.

I don't think Apple would have sent the designs to the case manufacturers early enough for cases to be finished already ( > 2 months before expected announcement)

But remember were only about 7 weeks away from it being announced. You think that they still arent done with the actual product!? Please. They had that by the time the iphone was released! I love the 3gs camera so it would be cool you know with direct youtube upload! awesome.