iPod Touch, Nano, and Classic to Receive 3.2-Megapixel Cameras at September Media Event?

[MacRumors]

DigiTimes reports that Apple has contracted with OmniVision for 3.2-megapixel camera sensors that will be deployed in revised models of the iPod touch, iPod nano, and iPod classic next month, presumably at Apple's rumored September 9th media event.

OmniVision has secured CMOS image sensor (CIS) orders for upcoming Apple iPods, according to market sources.

OmniVision will be the sole supplier of 3.2-megapixel CIS products for new iPod nano, iPod classic and iPod Touch models which will be launched in September, the sources indicated.

A number of indications that the iPod touch and iPod nano will receive cameras in the next design refresh have surfaced over the past few months, but today's report appears to be the first to claim that the iPod classic will also see the inclusion of a camera.

Article Link: iPod Touch, Nano, and Classic to Receive 3.2-Megapixel Cameras at September Media Event?

 

[Sambo110]

I don't see why they all need cameras, but the iPod Touch does.

 

[darijoe]

Great! Now all Apple needs to do is put a lens into the Shuffle and they'll have the coolest spy camera out there!

 

[jzuena]

Disappointing if only the camera winds up in the new touch, but I suppose then the rev 2 ones will be available on the refurb page at a discount. If the new one also gets the better CPU and GPS from the iPhone it would be worth it for me to move up from rev 1.

 

[JonHimself]

I don't see why they all need cameras, but the iPod Touch does.

My best guess is capture the market from Flip and those other pocket-sized video cameras (mind you they're now recoding "HD" but if the increase in YouTube uploads following the 3GS release is any indication, there is a market for people to upload quick videos they've shot. Of course the iPod Touch is better suited for this with the ability to edit and upload on-the-go, maybe they'll release an iMovie for PC that will be available at the launch of the new iPods.

 

[andrew0122]

The iPod Touch wouldn't be bad with a camera, however it is pointless for the Nano and Classic to include a camera. They really need to add Wifi to the Nano, but no mobile safari. Their really is no need to change the Classic it is perfect as it is. For those who think they need to carry all of the songs they own. The Classic really needs an ability to search for songs. . .

 

[Abstract]

Remember when all we wanted was larger storage capacity? Those were the days, weren't they?

 

[JonHimself]

On top of that, toss in a GPS chip into the phones and let people really start to really make use of geotagging... it's still fairly unknown to most consumers (I assume) and unless it's built into the camera you have to rely on separate adapters or the MyFi cards that use Skyhook tech (I think). The iPods (combined with the iPhone) would probably make up the largest amount of GPS-enabled cameras if they did that.

 

[JonHimself]

For those who think they need to carry all of the songs they own. The Classic really needs an ability to search for songs. . .

Doesn't it already have that? It's not perfect but it's there.

 

[lunarworks]

I hope,for their sake, that they release models without cameras. There's a whole lot of places where cameras are forbidden, and people like taking their iPods everywhere.

 

[amac4me]

I think the iPod Classic is beyond its time and should be phased out of the iPod lineup.

 

[karmachrome]

I think the iPod Classic is beyond its time and should be phased out of the iPod lineup.

I'm surprised the classic survived another year at all.

 

[bbydon]

I think the iPod Classic is beyond its time and should be phased out of the iPod lineup.

Except for the people who like having entire libraries with them

 

[GossipGirl]

Short version: I don't think the Classic will get a camera. I think there's a 50/50 chance the iPod nano will get a camera (they should still leave a camera-less option, IMO, but if they implement a camera, I doubt they will, unless the camera is only on the bigger sizes, or something). I think the iPod touch will get a camera.

Why?: I think the only reason Apple is clinging onto the Classic is b/c of its large hard drive size. I don't think there will be a Classic in a year/18 months time. I don't think its built for a camera. When I look at the Classic I think of it as being clunky and old. You can't (or you're not advised) to run with it, its heavy as iPods go, its not small enough to strap on and go for a walk and it doesn't take advantage of Apple's music store or app store. Its all about size, which is why I don't think it needs a camera. The person who buys this iPod wants more-or-less unlimited storage, not a 'gimicky' camera.

The Nano is a hit with people who want to train and work out, and teenager's b/c of its bright colours, and cute form factor. This might benefit from a basic camera, but I don't see why it will need a 3.2MP, not many people will use it, I don't think. And it also limits the user to where they can use the device. For example, some gym bans mobile phone due to camera's, if the iPod nano incorporates a camera, that too will be banned - eating into Apple sale's of a device tailored for that demographic.

The iPod touch is the top of the line all rounder, which is why I can see this having the 3.2 MP camera. The iPod touch should be the iPhone without the phone.

 

[talkingfuture]

I'll be interested to see how good the pics are from these cameras. Surprised to see the classic mentioned, I thought they might bin it this year.

 

[Ambrose Chapel]

i would like to get a new nano, and whether or not it has a camera doesn't matter to me at all...i just want 32GB!

if it does has a 3.2mpxl cam though, it'll put my iPhone 3G to shame...

 

[ericinboston]

I think the iPod Classic is beyond its time and should be phased out of the iPod lineup.

Please state reasons.

I have the 160gig Classic because, well, I listen to music...and I have a few vids that I converted to play on it.

I, like a fair percentage of people on this planet, own more than a thousand cds...they will not fit on a Nano...and I'm not spending extra money for an iTouch so I can hear more tunes.

I have roughly 20,000 songs on my Classic and it's almost full.

Forget the camera on the Classic...what's the point since the Classic is supposed to be a music player...not a wanna-be-iTouch. I would like to see the Classic get updated with flash memory and ship with 128GB...that surely can fit into the $249-$299 price range if Apple gives up a tiny share of it's margin. Even if it was $350 I would buy it instantly. Keep the same boxy design, and just replace the hard drive with some memory chips. Not much R&D there.

The reason people buy the Classics are for the storage...whether it's for lots of music, higher quality music (320k mp3s or lossless), or videos, or some comibination of all. Apple should get on the boat and start updating the Classic the way we are asking...not how they reduced the size from 160GB to 120GB LAST YEAR and made a slightly more rounded shape. Thanks, Apple.

But hey, if Apple wants to release an iTouch with 128GB of flash memory, I'm all ears but sure the price would be ridiculous because I'm paying for all the other non-music stuff like web surfing, apps, camera, etc.

And overall, for the consumers out there that WANT to buy and store lots of movies/music/videos/etc (and that Apple is promoting/advertising that you should)...where's the storage capacity, Apple? It sure ain't the Nano or iTouch as of now.

-Eric

 

[BJB Productions]

YES! Actually, now that I think of it, on the Classic is a good idea...It will compete with the flip..but it would have to do video..

 

[Tallest Skil]

I have the 160gig Classic because, well, I listen to music...and I have a few vids that I converted to play on it.

So you'll be able to do that with the 128GB iPod touch.

I, like a fair percentage of people on this planet, own more than a thousand cds...they will not fit on a Nano...and I'm not spending extra money for an iTouch so I can hear more tunes.

It won't be extra money next year; it'll be the only option.

I have roughly 20,000 songs on my Classic and it's almost full.

Huge touch is right around the corner.

Forget the camera on the Classic...

Thumbs up.

I would like to see the Classic get updated with flash memory and ship with 128GB...

Sure, it's called the iPod touch next year.

The reason people buy the Classics are for the storage...whether it's for lots of music, higher quality music (320k mp3s or lossless), or videos, or some comibination of all. Apple should get on the boat and start updating the Classic the way we are asking...not how they reduced the size from 160GB to 120GB LAST YEAR and made a slightly more rounded shape. Thanks, Apple.

It's obvious that they're phasing it out.

But hey, if Apple wants to release an iTouch with 128GB of flash memory, I'm all ears but sure the price would be ridiculous because I'm paying for all the other non-music stuff like web surfing, apps, camera, etc.

No, the price would be "ridiculous" because of NAND flash prices. Think of it it this way: iPhone purchases subsidize the cost of the software development on the iPod touch.

where's the storage capacity, Apple? It sure ain't the Nano or iTouch as of now.

Hence the 64GB iPod touch this year and the 128GB iPod touch next year.

 

[dave-tx]

Remember when all we wanted was larger storage capacity? Those were the days, weren't they?

Count me as someone who just wants more capacity. There may not be many of us left, though.

 

[Takeo]

An iPod Touch (not iTouch) will never replace the Classic or Nano because it lacks tactile controls and requires your eyes and both hands to use. The Nano and Classic are music players. The Touch is a small computer. Apples and Oranges. The Nano might replace the Classic if it could be priced right with 128GB of storage. But not until then. Personally, I'd like to see a Classic with MORE than 160GB of storage. It's nice to be able to carry every piece of music you own in your pocket and at a decent sound quality (320 or Lossless). Posts about the Classic being dead or beyond it's time are annoying.

 

[OllyW]

It's obvious that they're phasing it out.

Great news. You've just saved the classic.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Great news. You've just saved the classic.

If the touch wasn't destined to be its replacement, the iPod classic would be named the iPod.

 

[gan6660]

The should make the classic more like the nano and give it a bigger screen and you just turn it side ways to watch a movie. Like everyone has been saying it does need flash memory and it wouldnt be to expensive since apple orders so much of it. If the classic doesnt get flash memory its price needs to be lowered to $199.

 

[Scarpad]

Please state reasons.

I have the 160gig Classic because, well, I listen to music...and I have a few vids that I converted to play on it.

I, like a fair percentage of people on this planet, own more than a thousand cds...they will not fit on a Nano...and I'm not spending extra money for an iTouch so I can hear more tunes.

I have roughly 20,000 songs on my Classic and it's almost full.

Forget the camera on the Classic...what's the point since the Classic is supposed to be a music player...not a wanna-be-iTouch. I would like to see the Classic get updated with flash memory and ship with 128GB...that surely can fit into the $249-$299 price range if Apple gives up a tiny share of it's margin. Even if it was $350 I would buy it instantly. Keep the same boxy design, and just replace the hard drive with some memory chips. Not much R&D there.

The reason people buy the Classics are for the storage...whether it's for lots of music, higher quality music (320k mp3s or lossless), or videos, or some comibination of all. Apple should get on the boat and start updating the Classic the way we are asking...not how they reduced the size from 160GB to 120GB LAST YEAR and made a slightly more rounded shape. Thanks, Apple.

But hey, if Apple wants to release an iTouch with 128GB of flash memory, I'm all ears but sure the price would be ridiculous because I'm paying for all the other non-music stuff like web surfing, apps, camera, etc.

And overall, for the consumers out there that WANT to buy and store lots of movies/music/videos/etc (and that Apple is promoting/advertising that you should)...where's the storage capacity, Apple? It sure ain't the Nano or iTouch as of now.

-Eric

Apple's maximising profit margings by staying with HD's for larger sizes, and if the max Flash size is going to be 64gb for the Touch why would you think they would give more to the Classic, that's not how apple does things.