Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
From an old thread,

The way the iPod Touch works is it sends the MAC addresses (Unique identifiers) of the wireless base stations around you to a service. This service essentially sends cars out all over the country to record the MACS of base stations it picks up, and where it picked them up at and stores them in a huge database.When you use locate me on an iTouch, it sends off the MAC of the wireless base station(s) around you, and if it's in the database, it returns the coordinates, which Google displays on the map. If the base stations around you are new and not in their database yet, Locate Me will not work. Your iPod Touch does not have GPS. End of story.

It's a completely passive system. The GPS device does not 'connect' to anything. Please go read wikipedia, or just use the damn search function on this forum.
 
that you are totally blind in not seeing that i typed GPS in quotes? :rolleyes:

What exactly are you trying to show here other than that you have no clue what GPS is?

Your first quote ends with :

So, with that established, nothing else in that paragraph is even remotely pertinent to the discussion of how GPS *would* work in the Touch, is it?
 
that you are totally blind in not seeing that i typed GPS in quotes? :rolleyes:

Oh, you mean the edit you made an 8:49, some thirteen minutes after my reply? That's a little but spineless, isn't it? Of course it'd work better if the forum didn't track edits.

Yeah, you're a smart one, aren't you.

*plonk*
 
OK I think the intricacies of how a GPS works have been adequately described here, let's try to get this thread back on topic, which is educated guessing on the features of the next Touch. Wikipedia can be consulted for any further questioning on how GPS works.
 
Plastic Backing: No
We all hate the metal backing of the iPod, but I don't expect that to change. It has been the backing of all of Apple's highest end iPods, and there seems to be no reason to change it. I think Apple likes the fact that it scratches so easily, it makes people want to buy new ones every year. Although there's no doubt a plastic backing would be welcome by many, I don't think it will happen.

Shiny back is characteristic of iPods.
64 GB: Yes
Seems logical. I don't think that Apple likes having the same maximum capacity on both the iPhone and the iPod Touch. The iPod is meant to be a media device more so than the iPhone, so it's only logical that the highest end model have more capacity. I would expect 16, 32, and 64 gig models replacing the current lineup and the same price points.
Agree
Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating: Yes
Apple quietly put this on the iPhone 3GS, meaning it's not a huge deal. Apple usually likes to play up even minor additions (i.e. MMS and Video Recording). So the fact they didn't play this up tells me its rather simple and I expect it to reach the iPod, also quietly.
Yep
Camera: Yes
Call me crazy, but I think this is going to happen. One reason was an Apple job listing looking for people to work on cameras for the iPod. The second reason is logical. Apple's 2G Touch was a very incremental update. It changed its appearance slightly, added a volume rocker, a speaker, and several other small changes. This was a very small upgrade, and Apple is not usually known to do 2 minor upgrades on iPods back-to-back. I think many people resisted the temptation to upgrade from 1G to 2G, and Apple needs to do something big to the iPod to get people to upgrade. So even though it's a toss up, I'm predicting it will have the same camera as the iPhone with video recording. It's the slam dunk new feature that Apple could use to drive sales of the device.
Don't think so- camera distinguishes the iPhone from the iPod.
GPS: No
Would love to have it, but I just have a gut feeling you won't see it on this iPod. Can't explain it, just don't think it will happen.
Nope, it wouldn't even be able to have AGPS, due to a lack of a cell radio
Microphone: Yes
The inclusion of the Voice Memos application on the iPod Touch 3.0 software sealed the deal on this for me. It makes no sense to have a non removable app like that on the Touch if very few of its owners can use it. Out of the box, every iPod user should be able to use every Apple application, including Voice Memos. Although, I'm not necessarily saying the microphone will be on the device. In fact I think it's more likely the microphone will be on the headphones, similar to the iPhone's headphones. Just expect there to be a microphone somewhere inside the Touch's packaging.
Exactly, maybe even an internal microphone (remember Steve Jobs announcing the internal speaker of the 2nd gen touch? )

3G: No
I don't know why anyone thinks this is possible. The iPod is not a cell phone.
Never
Thinner: Yes
But only slightly. Ever so slightly. Likely unnoticeable.
I think that the iPod touch 3.1 design will remain the same, and only the guts will be upgraded (like iPhone 1.2 to 2.1)
Better battery life, faster performance: Yes
This is a given, every Apple product is always more battery efficient and faster than the previous model. It will be interesting though to see just how much better they get. The battery will likely only get incrementally better, but the faster performance is a tough one. It will definitely be faster, but whether it is incremental like the 2G Touch, or considerably faster like the iPhone 3GS, remains to be seen. I'm leaning more towards 3GS.
And probably even more environmentally friendly. They can clock the CPU higher than the 3GS (which is underclocked) because the touch doesn't have a radio chip sucking up battery.

Compass: No
I think the average person is only going to use the compass on the 3GS to aid in using the GPS. Since the iPod won't have GPS (in my opinion), the compass is almost useless.
I think yes, yes and YES - Compass was mentioned as being another controller during the keynote - accelerometer (x,y,z)+compass(rotation) =full flight sim controls (pitch, tilt, and yaw)= can i haz?
Voice Control: Yes
This makes sense. Since I believe a microphone will be included with every device, it's logical to include this feature.
Interesting, only if a mic is included though

Front-facing camera: No
This will never happen on any iPod. Apple is all about clean design. Nothing looks worse than a camera protruding out on the front of the device. It's ugly and I don't think Apple believes enough people would use the feature to warrant its inclusion.
A front facing camera doesn't have to protude out of the device, it could be hidden like the light sensor. However, if the iPhone doesn't have it, the touch definitely wont.
Better speaker: Yes
The speaker on the 2G Touch is lackluster. Better speakers exist for the iPhone. Expect an upgrade, even though it likely won't be heavily advertised.
Maybe, another silent upgrade

AM/FM Tuner: No
People have wanted this forever, and it will never happen. Never has, never will. Even more so now that there are apps that let you listen to radio over the internet.
Actually, a recent finding in
: "/etc/bluetool/"
, pings these results
# BCM4325D0_004.001.007.0153.0155_N72_032609.hcd
# BCM4329B1_002.002.023.0015.0016_Olympic_021809_37. 4MHz.hcd
There is supposedly going to be a BCM4329 which is Bluetooth 2.1+EDR that has 802.11n wireless.

http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bl...d-Software-Solutions/BCM4329#tab=features-tab

Check out the site.
The Broadcom BCM4329 integrates a complete IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n system (MAC/baseband/radio) with Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), and FM radio receiver and transmitter. By combining several proven wireless technologies onto a single silicon die, the BCM4329 enables mobile devices to support today's toughest media applications -- without impacting device size or battery life.

Source: http://www.ipodtouchfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203916
Aluminum unibody design: No
While I could potentially see this in the future, you won't see it on the 3G Touch. I expect the Touch's physical design to remain very similar to the 2G model. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if it's identical (aside from the camera on the back).
Probably not
 
Don't think so- camera distinguishes the iPhone from the iPod.

I don't think that's entirely true. The phone, texting, 3G connection, and GPS are what differentiates the two products. I don't believe that a camera is limited to only cell phones, and the determining factor over whether to get an iPhone or iPod is not a camera. It's a useful feature on any multimedia handheld device, especially the iPod Touch. I think you'll see the below 25 demographic purchase millions of iPods if it included a camera.
 
I don't think that's entirely true. The phone, texting, 3G connection, and GPS are what differentiates the two products. I don't believe that a camera is limited to only cell phones, and the determining factor over whether to get an iPhone or iPod is not a camera. It's a useful feature on any multimedia handheld device, especially the iPod Touch. I think you'll see the below 25 demographic purchase millions of iPods if it included a camera.

I do not get the argument that adding these things will make it too much like the iPhone.

Uh.. last year when the 2G was first disected people said "oh it's never going to get bluetooth because it's not an iPhone". Guess what happened?

They can shove a GPS,camera, 3G, and mic in there it still wouldn't matter because it is missing the key feature that differentiates the two the phone
 
I do not get the argument that adding these things will make it too much like the iPhone.

Uh.. last year when the 2G was first disected people said "oh it's never going to get bluetooth because it's not an iPhone". Guess what happened?

They can shove a GPS,camera, 3G, and mic in there it still wouldn't matter because it is missing the key feature that differentiates the two the phone

Agreed (thought I don't think an iPod will ever get 3G, that makes no sense from Apple's standpoint).

Nothing they put on an iPod (save a Phone and Texting) will hurt the iPhone's sales one bit. The iPhone is first and foremost a communications device, while the iPod is first and foremost a multimedia and music device. Neither product will ever cannibalize the others sales because they are aimed at two different groups of people. I don't think anyone is going to balk at purchasing an iPhone if they include a camera on an iPod, just like I don't think anyone is going to balk at buying an iPod and get an iPhone instead if the next Touch doesn't have a camera. They are two separate markets, and as long as the iPhone remains the only device capable of phone and text (it obviously will), nothing you can add to either will hurt the others sales.
 
Agreed (thought I don't think an iPod will ever get 3G, that makes no sense from Apple's standpoint).

Well 3G would kinda make sense because you would always have access to the store and that's what it seems like the point of the device is to utilize the store

Nothing they put on an iPod (save a Phone and Texting) will hurt the iPhone's sales one bit. The iPhone is first and foremost a communications device, while the iPod is first and foremost a multimedia and music device. Neither product will ever cannibalize the others sales because they are aimed at two different groups of people. I don't think anyone is going to balk at purchasing an iPhone if they include a camera on an iPod, just like I don't think anyone is going to balk at buying an iPod and get an iPhone instead if the next Touch doesn't have a camera. They are two separate markets, and as long as the iPhone remains the only device capable of phone and text (it obviously will), nothing you can add to either will hurt the others sales.

You hit the nail on its head :D
 
Well 3G would kinda make sense because you would always have access to the store and that's what it seems like the point of the device is to utilize the store

Except who is going to provide the 3G service? Apple is not providing 3G for the iPhone, AT&T is. And I don't think Apple wants any monthly fees attached to anything iPod. I think that instead of waiting for 3G to expand enough to be useable for an iPod, Apple is simply waiting for Wi-Fi to expand more. I think they are counting on iPod Touch owners being able to access more and more Wi-Fi spots over the next several years than 3G areas. Wi-Fi is much more widespread than 3G access.

In the last year alone my Touch has become more useful as more and more places start providing free Wi-Fi access. Expect the number of places providing it to continue to grow exponentially. What better way to get people into your store or business instead of another one than by providing them with free Wi-Fi access in a world where we are becoming more connected than ever before? I see that becoming a draw for many businesses. For example, my local Applebee's is now providing free Wi-Fi access. They didn't a year ago.
 
Except who is going to provide the 3G service? Apple is not providing 3G for the iPhone, AT&T is. And I don't think Apple wants any monthly fees attached to anything iPod. I think that instead of waiting for 3G to expand enough to be useable for an iPod, Apple is simply waiting for Wi-Fi to expand more. I think they are counting on iPod Touch owners being able to access more and more Wi-Fi spots over the next several years than 3G areas. Wi-Fi is much more widespread than 3G access.

In the last year alone my Touch has become more useful as more and more places start providing free Wi-Fi access. Expect the number of places providing it to continue to grow exponentially. What better way to get people into your store or business instead of another one than by providing them with free Wi-Fi access in a world where we are becoming more connected than ever before? I see that becoming a draw for many businesses. For example, my local Applebee's is now providing free Wi-Fi access. They didn't a year ago.


I was under the assumption that if a device has 3G you could use it with any carrier that has it and your not tied to one specific carrier + you do not have to use it or activate it if you do not want to

With wifi though you still have to go from place to place in order to get a connection not the same level of freedom as a constant data connection. Unless of course you live somewhere like NYC where wifi is abundant so it is kinda like having a constant data connection.

I think it would be kinda cool if the touch did have it but i'm not holding my breath. I just hope more carriers will get the mifi device or a 3G modem for the dock connector comes out. Verizon and Sprint $60 for a 5gb cap is just ridiculous :mad:
 
Okay here are my predictions:

Processor and ram bump up to 3GS level and the processor will probably be clocked higher than the iPhone

Longer battery life

Camera like the one on the 3GS: I don't really want one but so many people do that apple would be stupid not to (apple has been stupid before though)

Microphone: duh

improved speaker: duh

Thicker housing: just barely and it will still be a stainless finish on the back with the oleophobic coating

Fix the volume and power button so that the give more positive feedback when pressed

Things I doubt will happen but would be cool:

Higher resolution OLED screen

GPS/compass

vibration

relocate the headphone jack to the top

A dedicated Skype app (just like the iphone but for skype) with persistent WiFi: it's the new internet phone

Echo location: dolphins have had it for eons ;)

Things that won't happen:

FM Radio: People still listen to FM radio? Apple wouldn't do this just because it would be admitting they were wrong.

Front facing camera
 
Agreed (thought I don't think an iPod will ever get 3G, that makes no sense from Apple's standpoint).

Nothing they put on an iPod (save a Phone and Texting) will hurt the iPhone's sales one bit. The iPhone is first and foremost a communications device, while the iPod is first and foremost a multimedia and music device. Neither product will ever cannibalize the others sales because they are aimed at two different groups of people. I don't think anyone is going to balk at purchasing an iPhone if they include a camera on an iPod, just like I don't think anyone is going to balk at buying an iPod and get an iPhone instead if the next Touch doesn't have a camera. They are two separate markets, and as long as the iPhone remains the only device capable of phone and text (it obviously will), nothing you can add to either will hurt the others sales.

I agree with you about the 3G. Will it happen? Nah, I think no time soon! Can it happen in the next couple of years? Yes, it can, but right now, no way! Does it make sense? Right now, no it doesn't because that is a true distinction of the two products. But, if you are telling me they will never do it. I think there is reason(s) to believe they may. For one, if a competitor like the Zune gets '24/7 internet' down the road with a cheap monthly internet access:eek: ...who knows how? - if it is 3G,4G, or something strictly for the internet w/no voice capability. >>>Apple will compete at that time. And the other issue, resides on the communications contracts that would be issued if this did happen. With iPhone only being limited to AT&T, the 'make-believe iPod Touch 3G' has a small market. Of course, all that is hypothetical.

Right now, the most money Apple can make with iPod Touch is releasing something very innovative >>> a camera or larger storage. The most money Apple can make with iPhone is releasing it to other carriers. Yes the 3Gs make them a lot of money. But that is nothing compared to the 'smartphone' market share they would have if they made it available to all carriers...so there are really two different strategies Apple has on their plates.

Having a camera for both products? ...only helps sales for both products, and by no means will distinguish them. They are two different markets as the OP mentions...

Cheers,
CrackBookPro:cool:
 
I don't think the iPod touch will ever have 3G. The main draw of the iPhone is not it's phone feature (despite what some people like to think), it's the fact that the iPhone has the best mobile browsing experience. No one would buy an iPhone if they can get it's best features for a lower price. If the iPod touch charged $40/month for data access, many people would opt for that instead. It's not profitable for Apple or AT&T.
 
Exactly what I was thinking. Of course it would be an easy thing to implement, Apple just had no interest in doing that. It's a cheap feature for a high end product like the iPod. Why do I need radio when I have enough capacity to hold every song I'd ever want to listen to? And as I said, if I feel the need to listen to radio, there are applications that do it. I think Apple does things to please the masses. The amount of people who would use the radio would be less than those who didn't. Besides Apple doesn't want you to listen to free radio, they want you buying music

I don't agree with the whole music thing. What if you are kinda poor right now and can't afford more music, but still want to listen to new songs? This is why my next MP3 player might be a Zune, because it DOES have an FM tuner. Infact, the iPod not having one is kind of turning me off of it. To each his own, I guess.

Also, you're probably going to bring in the whole "But we have internet radio!". I don't like listening to stations that arn't local, and none of my local stations have online streams, so its FM or bust.
 
I don't agree with the whole music thing. What if you are kinda poor right now and can't afford more music, but still want to listen to new songs? This is why my next MP3 player might be a Zune, because it DOES have an FM tuner. Infact, the iPod not having one is kind of turning me off of it. To each his own, I guess.

The iPod is a high-end media player though. If you can't afford to buy new music, you probably can't afford an iPod Touch anyway. The iPod does so many things a Zune cannot do, and does other things so much better, an FM tuner would never be the determining factor for me. But as you said, to each his own.
 
Another interesting point that somehow only just occurred to me. If Apple includes a camera on the new iPod with video recording, it would have to have a microphone on the device, because video needs sound and Apple can't expect people to have their headphones connected whenever they want to take video. So if you see video recording, you'll see a microphone. Just a thought...
 
Video camera?

Do you think the camera would take videos too? If yes, then it would be probably reasonable for the mic to be a built-in feature of the next generation iPod.:)
 
As far as the exterior design is concerned

I wouldn't mind a slightly thicker housing and it doesn't have to have tapered edges either; I'd like the rectangular look. However, I wish to see brushed aluminum back if Apple will keep it metal instead of plastic. IMO, current shiny chrome look + black plastic buttons rather make the iPod Touch look cheap. Brushed aluminum (rectangular) back with metal buttons will do the trick for me.

BUT, I don't think these will happen for one major reason: iPod Touch must look like iPhone, but it must not look better than iPhone.

Apple wants iPod Touch to look like iPhone, yet Apple does not want iPod Touch to look better than iPhone. Therefore, our expectations, as far as the exterior design and material are concerned, must not exceed the current design of iPhone 3GS.

Conclusion: 3rd Gen iPod Touch's design will not change just like iPhone 3GS' design did not change. But, camera will be there.

Therefore, all I can wish for the 3rd Gen iPod Touch are: less shiny metal back and chrome buttons.
 
im confused why everyone says that they are so certain there will be a mic in or attachable to the next ipod. while i agree it would rock, i think it opens too many doors for people to use voip to use it as a phone, and could take away from some iphone sales... i understand it would only work over wifi, but for some this would be enough... i know many would love it for the voice memos, and the ease of playing specific songs, but i really feel apple left it out of the last revision for a reason and they will prob. do it again...
 
im confused why everyone says that they are so certain there will be a mic in or attachable to the next ipod. while i agree it would rock, i think it opens too many doors for people to use voip to use it as a phone, and could take away from some iphone sales... i understand it would only work over wifi, but for some this would be enough... i know many would love it for the voice memos, and the ease of playing specific songs, but i really feel apple left it out of the last revision for a reason and they will prob. do it again...

the 2g you can attach a mic and the iphone 3gs came with headphones w/ the mic. People are putting 2 and 2 together.
 
I think GPS is an almost foregone conclusion.

Why? App Store. TomTom will sell MILLIONS more GPS apps if the iPod touch is carrying it. Don't you think TomTom and Apple have a vested interest in capturing that market? I sure do.
 
predictions

iPod Touch 3G
16, 32, 64 GB
229, 299, 399
It will have a minimum of 16 because the iPhone started with 16 and the iPod Touch uses 2 memory chips and the iPhone uses 1 because of the phone chip.

Plastic Backing: No
Not going to happen. The top of the line ipods have metal backs and that won't change.



Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating: Yes
Since the 3GS had it, the touch will have it too. Hopefully it doesn't wear away.

Camera: Yes
Apple calls the touch the "Funnest iPod Ever" Cameras are fun and it would be really cool if they implemented a photo booth like app that would also be for the iPhone with effects. It will also have video recording.
GPS: Yes
This would be for caching the locations of the photos. I'm not gonna argue about navigation. It's just that in the new iPhoto it shows where the photo was taken on the map so this would be a cool feature.
Microphone: Yes
If it has video recording, it has to have a microphone unless you want to make silent movies. It would also be cool for shazam and voice control.

3G: No
If people want internet everywhere, get mifi, or get an iPhone

Thinner: No
If it has a camera, no way it is thinner. Not much thicker, but thicker. But I don't care about thickness if it has a camera.

Better battery life, faster performance: Yes
No brainer since the 3GS was faster, they want the Touch to be a gaming device, so increase performance. Also they can improve the battery life since it is going to get thicker because of the camera.

Compass: No
Why? Maybe you want turn by turn, but unlikely.

Voice Control: Yes
Great feature will be added with a microphone. It would be cool to select songs during a game just by saying something.

Front-facing camera: No
Not going to happen because it wasn't on the iPhone

Better speaker: Yes
Apple will slightly improve it. Still no hd audio lol

AM/FM Tuner: Maybe
If it is possible to enable fm receiving, maybe it would be cool to listen to talk radio while I am riding on the bus to work. Would be cool!


No matter what, I am getting it because I am touchless now mine was stolen. :( But maybe it's a good thing because I get an iPod with a camera!
 
I think GPS is an almost foregone conclusion.

Why? App Store. TomTom will sell MILLIONS more GPS apps if the iPod touch is carrying it. Don't you think TomTom and Apple have a vested interest in capturing that market? I sure do.

GPS may happen, but it will still be subpar with only a chip. In an iPod Touch, you need the GPS chip to ping off of the 3G to get what everyone is truly looking for in a GPS - so I don't see it happening yet.

The selling point for me will be larger storage, camera, and better battery life. I would love a mic too. A GPS chip is blah to me, so instead I'd rather see utilization with a mic and videocamera.

CrackBookPro:cool:
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.