Le Big Mac
macrumors 68030
The quality of the lens is more important than either. A lot of cellphones use a crappy piece of plastic that's not much better than a Kodamatic from the 1970s.
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iPod touch What should be in the second generation iPod touch?
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The quality of the lens is more important than either. A lot of cellphones use a crappy piece of plastic that's not much better than a Kodamatic from the 1970s.
monke
macrumors 65816
I'd personally like to see the following two things:
I'd really like a 64GB model, but I doubt that will happen for a while.
I could see Apple releasing an iPod Touch with a camera after the news of what would happen to the iPhone when a customer upgraded to the iPhone 3G. The older iPhones would work as an iPod Touch, except they would still have a camera and bluetooth. A camera would be really nice in some cases when I don't have my phone, but bluetooth isn't really all the necessary for me unless Apple can find a way to get bluetooth devices to sync with iTunes.
- Upgraded Capacity
- Camera
I'd really like a 64GB model, but I doubt that will happen for a while.
I could see Apple releasing an iPod Touch with a camera after the news of what would happen to the iPhone when a customer upgraded to the iPhone 3G. The older iPhones would work as an iPod Touch, except they would still have a camera and bluetooth. A camera would be really nice in some cases when I don't have my phone, but bluetooth isn't really all the necessary for me unless Apple can find a way to get bluetooth devices to sync with iTunes.
TheSpaz
macrumors 604
I heard that a camera, bluetooth, wireless n, gps, microphone and speakers were going to be included in a future software update. As we all know, the iPod touch originally came with all of those things, but Apple disabled them in the software so that the iPhone sales would stay higher.
Dale Sorel
macrumors 6502a
I kinda hate to say it, but your list (I think) is as perfect example of why we won't see any changes in the Touch for some time.
1: a volume button on the side
alright, i could kinda see this happening...
2: a play/pause button on the side (because if you have your itouch in your
pocket and you have to pause it, you have to take the ipod out and touch the pause button which could get anoying)
nope, not this one...
3: speakers on the ipod touch.
nope
4: no mirror finish on the back of the ipod, since the back gets smudges and scrathches on it easily. get a finish like the iphone.
the mirror finish is an iPod thing. They're not gonna make an exception for the ipod touch.
5: bigger storage capacity. have a 16GB standard model, 32GB, and 64GB.
Then people would complain that the Macbook Air SSD is too expensive. I say 32 is as high as they'll go for a bit.
6: FM radio
no iPod has ever had this, and no iPod ever will...
7: a price cut
They might reduce it by $100, but any more and they'll be losing money. The reason the iPhone is so low is because AT&T pays that $200-$300 as a subsidy
alright, i could kinda see this happening...
2: a play/pause button on the side (because if you have your itouch in your
pocket and you have to pause it, you have to take the ipod out and touch the pause button which could get anoying)
nope, not this one...
3: speakers on the ipod touch.
nope
4: no mirror finish on the back of the ipod, since the back gets smudges and scrathches on it easily. get a finish like the iphone.
the mirror finish is an iPod thing. They're not gonna make an exception for the ipod touch.
5: bigger storage capacity. have a 16GB standard model, 32GB, and 64GB.
Then people would complain that the Macbook Air SSD is too expensive. I say 32 is as high as they'll go for a bit.
6: FM radio
no iPod has ever had this, and no iPod ever will...
7: a price cut
They might reduce it by $100, but any more and they'll be losing money. The reason the iPhone is so low is because AT&T pays that $200-$300 as a subsidy
An how you treat/handle it. Most cell phones sit in a case, hang on a belt or lie in a purse. The lens is exposed so you can take pictures when you so desire. As such all kinds of things get on the lens, it also gets scratched and banged all day long.... NO wonder cell phones take crappy pictures.
Take a digital cameral of equal MP or pixel count. Its lens is typical covered during carry. Most dont hang on a belt and are treated much better than said cell phone. SO of course it takes better pictures.
NOW put a cameral on the iPod Touch, I think we get something in the middle.
My touch is only over about a month old, but it is with me everywhere. Its Jailbroken with a couple apps and games on it. 2.0 and the APP Store is just going to make it more useful and used. Based on how I carry and use it keeping the same form factor, its going to be an ok camera.
Rj
I love my iPod touch but would like to see:
-a maps app that could work worldwide, considering touch is sold worldwide.
-ability to push mail with yahoo mails worldwide.
Cfs
-a maps app that could work worldwide, considering touch is sold worldwide.
-ability to push mail with yahoo mails worldwide.
Cfs
wbeasley
Suspended
Why do people want so many useless extras?
OK, we could throw in a camera and a kitchen sink but why do people want all these extras? You don't want an iPod, you want a one box life...
The iPod (all iPods) are made for playing music/media. Core function, that's it. Most other MP3 players are the same (OK, so some have FM radios <yawn> or voice recorders).
If everyone concentrated on the core functions, maybe we'd get added functionality that would enhance media playing...
So, to control media extra buttons would make life so much easier. External volume switch, Play/pause. My Sony MP3 player has them and it makes life so much easier.
You can view pictures fine. Adding a camera to get those picture in would be OK if it was only aimed at viewing on the iPod. It's no great stretch on memory to store high quality 480x320 photos. But if you add a camera, the next thing "everyone" will want is video capture. That's a real memory, battery, processor hog. Any camera should be a "happy snap" camera. You want something better to capture a moment then plan ahead and bring a dedicated camera along. Or a video camera. That's their core function.
Think that's silly? Why are there so many camera and video cameras out there? Because there are so many types of users all with different spec/price requirements. Do you think they are going to make an iPod with all the various spec combinations just to reach every possible consumer?
The more they add in, the more people complain... you give them internet access, then they don't like the on screen keyboard. Then it's not high-res enough. Then it's not enough battery/memory...
Personally, I'd like to read PDF documents on my Touch but I'm dubious the screen res is up to it unless the books are specifically formatted for small pages.
Flash should be better but I believe Apple think it's too resource hungry. I guess we'll find out when Adobe release an App Store version... 🙂
I do think it was a step backwards stopping access to the Touch as a disk drive. I'm sure they did it to stop hackers but it would be useful to transport files around given that the Touch (and all iPods) are really just portable memory drives. And we can do it on most other portable music/media devices and even early model iPods.
Food for thought...
OK, we could throw in a camera and a kitchen sink but why do people want all these extras? You don't want an iPod, you want a one box life...
The iPod (all iPods) are made for playing music/media. Core function, that's it. Most other MP3 players are the same (OK, so some have FM radios <yawn> or voice recorders).
If everyone concentrated on the core functions, maybe we'd get added functionality that would enhance media playing...
So, to control media extra buttons would make life so much easier. External volume switch, Play/pause. My Sony MP3 player has them and it makes life so much easier.
You can view pictures fine. Adding a camera to get those picture in would be OK if it was only aimed at viewing on the iPod. It's no great stretch on memory to store high quality 480x320 photos. But if you add a camera, the next thing "everyone" will want is video capture. That's a real memory, battery, processor hog. Any camera should be a "happy snap" camera. You want something better to capture a moment then plan ahead and bring a dedicated camera along. Or a video camera. That's their core function.
Think that's silly? Why are there so many camera and video cameras out there? Because there are so many types of users all with different spec/price requirements. Do you think they are going to make an iPod with all the various spec combinations just to reach every possible consumer?
The more they add in, the more people complain... you give them internet access, then they don't like the on screen keyboard. Then it's not high-res enough. Then it's not enough battery/memory...
Personally, I'd like to read PDF documents on my Touch but I'm dubious the screen res is up to it unless the books are specifically formatted for small pages.
Flash should be better but I believe Apple think it's too resource hungry. I guess we'll find out when Adobe release an App Store version... 🙂
I do think it was a step backwards stopping access to the Touch as a disk drive. I'm sure they did it to stop hackers but it would be useful to transport files around given that the Touch (and all iPods) are really just portable memory drives. And we can do it on most other portable music/media devices and even early model iPods.
Food for thought...
Squires
macrumors regular
What I predict is:
- The touch will get a hardware upgrade missing from the iPhone, if Apple already doesn't have plans to kill it. At least a change in look.
- I believe at some point in the future (Which is probably in development stages), Apple will enter the digital camera market. A camera on equal merit to the compact digital camera, not a cell phone pin-hole camera. It makes sense to combine it with an iPod.
- The touch will get a hardware upgrade missing from the iPhone, if Apple already doesn't have plans to kill it. At least a change in look.
- I believe at some point in the future (Which is probably in development stages), Apple will enter the digital camera market. A camera on equal merit to the compact digital camera, not a cell phone pin-hole camera. It makes sense to combine it with an iPod.
I'd beg to differ. There are a couple of Nokia N-series phones that have a camera lens cover(and 1-2 models with xeon flash for better photo quality), then there is the Sony-Ericsson Cybershot line of phones, which also has a lens cover. I think Samsung also has a few phones with a cover. Some of the Sony phones are using the same lens and such off their small, yet budget priced cybershot models. Just saying there are phones with lens covers.
First, let me say that i think the current iPod touch is a fantastic device. Maybe when the 2nd or 3rd generations come out some day - I'll say "how did i ever live without that"!! I suppose that is always the case, though. However, there are some things that I think would be useful for a mobile media and Internet device. These are not in any particular order.
1. Ergonomics: Although, I like the fact that the unit does not look and feel like a brick (like my old Archos 420), I kind of feel that it is uncomfortable in my hand. The unit feels sharp while holding it. I think the new iPhone design might be more comfortable. I'll check one out after they come out, though I have no plans to buy one. Other than that, the ergonomics are fine for me. As a note, I do use have the touch in a case on a full-time basis, which helps to mitigate the ergonomics issue for me.
2. Bluetooth Stereo: This would be a nice feature, since the wires can be an obtrusive thing when watching in bed, walking/running, or other locations.
3. Volume/Mute/Pause Buttons: I agree with a number of posters that these external buttons would be useful additions. An example might be exercising. It is currently a pain to stop the music and have a quick conversation with someone. You have to just pull the earphones out or take the unit and swipe finger and pause/mute. Am I missing anything that would make this easier?
4. Improve Web Browsing Speed: Don't get me wrong. I think that the touch provides a hugely robust mobile browsing experience. I do notice that there is frequently a lag in opening web pages that I don't see on my laptop. This happens toward the end of the page load and it delays the ability to actually scroll around the page. My assumption has always been (probably quite erroneous) that it is a processor/RAM thing as compared to a full-sized laptop. This is not a huge one - just a mior nit.
5. Youtube Improvement: I hate Youtube on the PC due to its cluttered layout. The iPod/iPhone implementation is really quite elegant. I would like them to add the ability to read and add comments and video description info. I am assuming that the app might be improved after the 2.0 software is released and apps can be updated. Again - a bit of a nit issue.
6. Home Screen Customization: I would like to be able to remove apps that I do not use - like the calendar and contacts. Maybe this will be in 2.0?
7. iTunes Mobile Store: I would like the ability to read and write comments for songs - and apps when they get released. 2.0?
8. Accelerometer Adjustments: The accelerometer is obviously fantastic. And it will become even more useful for apps under 2.0 that are designed to take advantage of it. However, it can be a bit sensitive. For example, I like to check my favorite web sites while lying in bed. At that angle, it is somewhat difficult to keep the widescreen mode in place. I certainly do not mean to be picky about this, it would just be nice to be able to lock in a viewing mode that the user chooses - not the accelerometer.
9. App Store: I added this because I am really looking forward to it. I have never done any mods on my iPod. I probably would consider it if Apple would not be updating the device software and adding this feature, which would be pretty standard for them. For the $10 that 2.0 will cost, I really feel it is unbelievable that there will be so much new functionality for the touch. I know some apps will be just for the iPhone, but I assume there will eventually be hundreds or thousands available - many free. That transforms a device which I get a lot of value from into one that I did not even have in mind when i bought it. I think Apple should be congratulated for adding this. I know there are issues with getting developers added and Apple will probably be the moderator of what can be added, but I still think it is such an amazing addition and one that I am really excited about. for example, I did not expect to be able to play much in the way of games on the device. I did not buy it for that. Most of the WebApp games/apps are less than stellar. Adding native games to the touch will add significant value that I never expected. Anyway - you all get the point on this one.
10. Change Rental Watch Period: It is ridiculous to expect people to always have 1.5 to 2 hours to start/finish a movie within a 24 hour period. I tend to start a movie as I get into bed, but I feel way too much pressure to finish it that night. If you start a movie at 11 PM at bedtime, then you really have to finish it prior to bedtime the next night. For me, it is too short of a time. I hope they change the US expire time to match some of the new non-US times of 48 hours. That is more reasonable.
11. Movie/TV rental Pricing: I know this is not just an Apple issue, but I hope they help in reducing pricing down. It is ridiculous to pay $45 - $55 for some of the TV seasons - like the original Star Trek. There should be a huge discount on a scale that goes down based on age of the material or even popularity. A TV show from 40 years ago should not cost as much as one from last night. I don't pretend to have all the answers here. But I know that the pricing is too high for these (and for DVD's). Oh well - we'll see what happens as time goes on.
I am sure there will be other things that come to mind, but these were ones that I was able to quickly rattle off here. If I really start to use a lot of apps, then I may go to a 32 GB device. We'll see.
Comments welcome.
Sam
1. Ergonomics: Although, I like the fact that the unit does not look and feel like a brick (like my old Archos 420), I kind of feel that it is uncomfortable in my hand. The unit feels sharp while holding it. I think the new iPhone design might be more comfortable. I'll check one out after they come out, though I have no plans to buy one. Other than that, the ergonomics are fine for me. As a note, I do use have the touch in a case on a full-time basis, which helps to mitigate the ergonomics issue for me.
2. Bluetooth Stereo: This would be a nice feature, since the wires can be an obtrusive thing when watching in bed, walking/running, or other locations.
3. Volume/Mute/Pause Buttons: I agree with a number of posters that these external buttons would be useful additions. An example might be exercising. It is currently a pain to stop the music and have a quick conversation with someone. You have to just pull the earphones out or take the unit and swipe finger and pause/mute. Am I missing anything that would make this easier?
4. Improve Web Browsing Speed: Don't get me wrong. I think that the touch provides a hugely robust mobile browsing experience. I do notice that there is frequently a lag in opening web pages that I don't see on my laptop. This happens toward the end of the page load and it delays the ability to actually scroll around the page. My assumption has always been (probably quite erroneous) that it is a processor/RAM thing as compared to a full-sized laptop. This is not a huge one - just a mior nit.
5. Youtube Improvement: I hate Youtube on the PC due to its cluttered layout. The iPod/iPhone implementation is really quite elegant. I would like them to add the ability to read and add comments and video description info. I am assuming that the app might be improved after the 2.0 software is released and apps can be updated. Again - a bit of a nit issue.
6. Home Screen Customization: I would like to be able to remove apps that I do not use - like the calendar and contacts. Maybe this will be in 2.0?
7. iTunes Mobile Store: I would like the ability to read and write comments for songs - and apps when they get released. 2.0?
8. Accelerometer Adjustments: The accelerometer is obviously fantastic. And it will become even more useful for apps under 2.0 that are designed to take advantage of it. However, it can be a bit sensitive. For example, I like to check my favorite web sites while lying in bed. At that angle, it is somewhat difficult to keep the widescreen mode in place. I certainly do not mean to be picky about this, it would just be nice to be able to lock in a viewing mode that the user chooses - not the accelerometer.
9. App Store: I added this because I am really looking forward to it. I have never done any mods on my iPod. I probably would consider it if Apple would not be updating the device software and adding this feature, which would be pretty standard for them. For the $10 that 2.0 will cost, I really feel it is unbelievable that there will be so much new functionality for the touch. I know some apps will be just for the iPhone, but I assume there will eventually be hundreds or thousands available - many free. That transforms a device which I get a lot of value from into one that I did not even have in mind when i bought it. I think Apple should be congratulated for adding this. I know there are issues with getting developers added and Apple will probably be the moderator of what can be added, but I still think it is such an amazing addition and one that I am really excited about. for example, I did not expect to be able to play much in the way of games on the device. I did not buy it for that. Most of the WebApp games/apps are less than stellar. Adding native games to the touch will add significant value that I never expected. Anyway - you all get the point on this one.
10. Change Rental Watch Period: It is ridiculous to expect people to always have 1.5 to 2 hours to start/finish a movie within a 24 hour period. I tend to start a movie as I get into bed, but I feel way too much pressure to finish it that night. If you start a movie at 11 PM at bedtime, then you really have to finish it prior to bedtime the next night. For me, it is too short of a time. I hope they change the US expire time to match some of the new non-US times of 48 hours. That is more reasonable.
11. Movie/TV rental Pricing: I know this is not just an Apple issue, but I hope they help in reducing pricing down. It is ridiculous to pay $45 - $55 for some of the TV seasons - like the original Star Trek. There should be a huge discount on a scale that goes down based on age of the material or even popularity. A TV show from 40 years ago should not cost as much as one from last night. I don't pretend to have all the answers here. But I know that the pricing is too high for these (and for DVD's). Oh well - we'll see what happens as time goes on.
I am sure there will be other things that come to mind, but these were ones that I was able to quickly rattle off here. If I really start to use a lot of apps, then I may go to a 32 GB device. We'll see.
Comments welcome.
Sam
heres a list of what i think should be in the second generation iPod Touch
A camera
Physical Volume buttons on the left side like the iPhone
internal speakers
Aluminum backing because the stainless steel gets all scratched up
Less sharp edges because if you drop the ipod and it falls on its side it messes up the side and looks ugly
Bigger capacity
longer Battery life
Bluetooth
GPS
although with all of these features you might as well just call it an iPhone
A camera
Physical Volume buttons on the left side like the iPhone
internal speakers
Aluminum backing because the stainless steel gets all scratched up
Less sharp edges because if you drop the ipod and it falls on its side it messes up the side and looks ugly
Bigger capacity
longer Battery life
Bluetooth
GPS
although with all of these features you might as well just call it an iPhone
phalewhale
macrumors 6502a
iParis
macrumors 68040
I know a lot of this has been mentioned before, but I would like to see:
1. Camera - Would be extremely use full and then we could take a pic and email it right then. Plus, it could be basically pic mail since I know how to email to phone numbers. 5MP is out of the question. Probably 2MP. They wouldn't give an iPod a better camera than the iPhone.
2. External Buttons - Changing music when you're too lazy to look at the screen, take it out of your pocket, etc, etc.
3. Speaker - This would be very nice but I doubt it will happen this time around.
4. GPS - Who doesn't want a GPS?
5. Plastic back cover - Since it was a lot like the old iPhone, maybe they will make the new Touch like the new iPhone.
6. Black and White Models - This is only if they make the Touches with plastic backs.
7. Bluetooth? - Not that interested but seems like everyone else is.
8. Larger Capacity - A 64GB Model would be great, 32GBs doesn't cut it for me.
9. Price Cut - If they don't due a price cut and make a 64GB model, then it will be about $600. No one is going to spend $600 on an iPod. I think $100 drop would do just fine.
10. FM Tuner - Meh, wouldn't use it much but would be nice to have.
1. Camera - Would be extremely use full and then we could take a pic and email it right then. Plus, it could be basically pic mail since I know how to email to phone numbers. 5MP is out of the question. Probably 2MP. They wouldn't give an iPod a better camera than the iPhone.
2. External Buttons - Changing music when you're too lazy to look at the screen, take it out of your pocket, etc, etc.
3. Speaker - This would be very nice but I doubt it will happen this time around.
4. GPS - Who doesn't want a GPS?
5. Plastic back cover - Since it was a lot like the old iPhone, maybe they will make the new Touch like the new iPhone.
6. Black and White Models - This is only if they make the Touches with plastic backs.
7. Bluetooth? - Not that interested but seems like everyone else is.
8. Larger Capacity - A 64GB Model would be great, 32GBs doesn't cut it for me.
9. Price Cut - If they don't due a price cut and make a 64GB model, then it will be about $600. No one is going to spend $600 on an iPod. I think $100 drop would do just fine.
10. FM Tuner - Meh, wouldn't use it much but would be nice to have.
Just make it better. Add whatever feature would suprise us all, and make us say "WOW, Why didn't we think of THAT! Make is such a profound addition that every other device manufacturer scrambles to add it to THEIR next product. 😉
dasikes
macrumors 6502a
That's fault of your case, then. Not the Touch.
Or for keyboards, headsets, etc.
Yes. Double-tap the home button for instant access to pause, play, next/last track and volume. Even if it's locked.
The accelerometer is plenty sensitive: look at Monkey Ball for crying out loud! Why is it difficult to keep widescreen in place?? Hold it in landscape mode, and its there.
This has nothing to do with the Touch. This is an iTunes issue.
dasikes
macrumors 6502a
I too would like a camera, bluetooth, etc. They won't happen, but I'd like em 😀
However, the complaint with the sides... is what happens when you drop your iPod really Apple's fault?
dasikes
macrumors 6502a
I don't think they could do this, as I think the iPod touch is now considered the "top of the range" iPod, and lowering the price would ruin the whole pricing strategy Apple has for the entire iPod line.
dasikes
macrumors 6502a
I agree. The iPod Touch is first and foremost a premium iPod (not low-end iPhone), so if the price were to go to $249, then EVERYTHING would have to follow suit.
ya its not apples fault that i drop it but when and if anyone drops it wouldnt anyone hate that?
with aluminum side and backing that wouldnt happen
Or since it's a "2nd generation" question, why don't we just double everything:
Double the RAM for the same money.
Double the processor speed.
Double the screen area (not length and width).
Double the ways it can connect to the internet.
Half the weight.
Twice the built-in (included) apps.
Double, then double again the available case colors.
Then include 2 in every package! Buy one, get one for a friend or lover. 😎
Just a thought. 😉
Double the RAM for the same money.
Double the processor speed.
Double the screen area (not length and width).
Double the ways it can connect to the internet.
Half the weight.
Twice the built-in (included) apps.
Double, then double again the available case colors.
Then include 2 in every package! Buy one, get one for a friend or lover. 😎
Just a thought. 😉