iPod touch Why the new iPod Touch will have GPS and 3G

[fimac]

Despite the perceived utility of certain features, Apple characterizes itself by what it does not do; examples include FM Radio & MMS.

So the hypothesis is that the in next generation iPod Touch there will be 3G + GPS chipsets. In other words:

iPod Touch G2 = iPhone 3G
+ Storage
- (Microphone + Speaker + Vibra + VolumeKeys + Camera)​

I do not believe this.

Firstly, IMHO the differentiators between iPhone and iPod Touch are price, storage & connectivity. There is no logic to build a platform that is voice-capable (expensive chipsets) but is missing audio circuitry (cheap mic & speaker).

Secondly, many believe that these touchscreen devices are an emerging gaming platform (and the initial success of the AppStore supports this). Therefore I do expect to see vibra + loudspeaker hardware in some future iPod Touch revision.

Perhaps there is a market for a cost-reduced "iPhone WiMax" that obviously does not support traditional GSM voice. Would this be a Kindle-killer, a killer VOIP platform, or both? No one knows except Apple, but it's fun speculating

 

[goosnarrggh]

$15 a month is for your laptop....

$15 a month is for a SIM card that is linked to a data-only service plan, where the first 1 GB per month is included.

If you plug your SIM card into a USB dongle with 3G chipset that's attached to a laptop, that's your business. You could equally plug that dongle into a desktop, and the service provider wouldn't have any means of knowing the difference. You could enable NAT on your desktop and provide the Internet to your entire LAN, and still, the service provider wouldn't be able to detect any difference. Mind you, you'd run the risk of eating up that 1GB of data per month pretty fast.

Why not skip the desktop, and plug that SIM card directly into a 3G-to-Ethernet router (they exist) for connecting your entire LAn to the Internet? And if you were to connect it up to a 3G-to-Ethernet router, why not connect it up to a 3G-to-WiFi router (they could conceptually exist, if they don't already) and create your own hotspot. Now any number of WiFi capable handhelds might potentially be using that so-called "laptop" data service.

It's really no technical stretch at all to think of a handheld device with the native capability to connect directly to a 3G provider for data-only services. The Kindle is an example, albeit based on an older network technology. The real question is whether or not potential customers would think it's a worthwhile product to buy.

 

[MAcNIAC]

bahh - seems like most people here think 3G is a "phone" thing -- people -- you need to ... think different.

 

[Apple Ink]

bahh - seems like most people here think 3G is a "phone" thing -- people -- you need to ... think different.

The point is 3G will require a service provider and thats not happening!

Also, if Apple puts in 3G..... only short of a sim reader!!!?!!!

 

[sushi]

The point is 3G will require a service provider and thats not happening!

You may be correct.

However, in places like Japan, many folks get wireless for Internet connections away from WiFi hot spots. Very handy. So I can see Apple going this way assuming other locals have this ability. Don't know outside of Japan, so I can't comment on that. I would imagine most carriers provide some sort of USB dongle, PC Card or ExpressCard with this capability.

 

[PowerFullMac]

The iPod touch will NEVER have 3G. Better Wi-Fi? Maybe. 3G? No.

 

[question fear]

I don't see Apple allowing that degree of feature crossover with their flagship iPhone product...I do understand what you are arguing for, but IF it were to ever happen it would be years down the road when all products (not just Apple ones) had some degree of cellular connectivity. As of now it's a "premium" option that you get by working with a smartphone. So while it's technically possible, from a business perspective Apple doesn't have any incentive and AT&T/Voda/et al don't either, since the iPhone sells pretty well.

The closest I could see is adding bluetooth and connecting via the iPod touch to a 3G phone, similar to the nokia internet tablets. That might happen, either by hack or on purpose, and that's pretty close to what you're describing.

 

[macdot]

No way to 3G... ever.

 

[4DThinker]

The Amazon Kindle comes with a wireless cell based data connection, and no monthly fees. They offset the connection costs with the ebook profits. Given Apple makes money off of music and apps, it could also copy Amazon's strategy so that anyone buying a Touch would have a data connection with no monthly fee, offset by itunes and apps profits. The last thing to add is GPS for the location based apps.

Will it happen? More likely Jobs would try and get a monthly fee from Touch owners, which would never sell.

 

[sushi]

The iPod touch will...<snip>

I don't see Apple allowing...<snip>

No way to 3G... ever.

Seeing these comments, makes me realize how lucky I am to be in a country where you have so many connection options available.

Sometimes I forget how far ahead the Japanese are when it comes to connectivity -- well at least in the Tokyo area.

In another thread, someone was posting how long it would take to DL a 1.5GB movie and stating 3 hours. I have friends with FTTH that can DL a file like that in under 3 minutes. Heck, even with my slow ADSL connection, a file like that can easily be DL'ed in less than 30 minutes. I only pay about $25 per month for my connection.

Here in Japan, there is wonderful Internet wireless access via PHS type communication. Cost is a bit expensive, but works well and is worth it if you need to stay connected while on the go.

Anyhow, SJ once said there will never be a video iPod. And you know what, there never has been one. However, as we all know, the iPhone, Touch, Classic and Nano all play videos rather well. So who knows what Apple has up their sleeve?

 

[goosnarrggh]

The point is 3G will require a service provider and thats not happening!

I as a consumer can walk down to my local Rogers store and purchase a SIM-only wireless data plan with no voice service. They'll make me sign up for a month-to-month data plan, and I'll walk out of the store with a SIM card.

I can then insert it in any compatible equipment, and presto! That equipment will have data.

This is not a hypothetical description of something that might happen in the future. This is possible NOW.

A manufacturer such as Apple doesn't *need* to partner up with a specific service provider for something like this. They can sell something that is capable of optionally using 3G for data, but the customer has to separately sign up for service with whatever ISP they choose who is willing to take them on as a customer.

That sort of thing has been going on for decades with equipment going as far back as telephone modems. The principle doesn't have to fundamentally change as the physical medium changes to DSL, cable modems, WiFi, or 3G.

 

[PowerFullMac]

Seeing these comments, makes me realize how lucky I am to be in a country where you have so many connection options available.

Sometimes I forget how far ahead the Japanese are when it comes to connectivity -- well at least in the Tokyo area.

In another thread, someone was posting how long it would take to DL a 1.5GB movie and stating 3 hours. I have friends with FTTH that can DL a file like that in under 3 minutes. Heck, even with my slow ADSL connection, a file like that can easily be DL'ed in less than 30 minutes. I only pay about $25 per month for my connection.

Here in Japan, there is wonderful Internet wireless access via PHS type communication. Cost is a bit expensive, but works well and is worth it if you need to stay connected while on the go.

Anyhow, SJ once said there will never be a video iPod. And you know what, there never has been one. However, as we all know, the iPhone, Touch, Classic and Nano all play videos rather well. So who knows what Apple has up their sleeve?

In Japan you had HD 5 years before ANYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD, of course you will have faster internet connections, and cars like the GTR which are basically perfectly made... Lucky bastards!

 

[sushi]

In Japan you had HD 5 years before ANYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD, of course you will have faster internet connections, and cars like the GTR which are basically perfectly made... Lucky bastards!

So sue me!

I must admit, technology wise, it is pretty nice here.

However, 15 years ago, Japan was in the dark ages when it came to the Internet and connectivity. Times have sure changed.

 

[mouchoir]

Pre-paid data packs would fix that - just as pre-paid phone SIM's currently work.

Then why not just get an iPhone with PAYG SIM?

 

[PowerFullMac]

So sue me!

If I was American I would, but I come from the UK!

 

[iMacmatician]

my 2 cents:

Okay, what the OP says makes sense and is valid. But, will Apple do it? No. iPod touch 3G? Sorry, not a chance.

Completely agreed.

If the iPod Touch is to stay relevant, it needs mobile data access. Which means 3G.

I disagree. There are those who buy the iPod touch as a media player and nothing more. But speakers/GPS/3G options would be good.

I doubt anyone would buy an 8GB "3G" iPod Touch for AU$700.

Those who don't need phone capability but want 3G, and don't want to pay $2000?

If you are going to pay for 3g service...then why in the world don't you just buy an iPhone!!! The iPod is an iPod not an internet everywere MID!

If you are going to pay for a large color display in an iPod...then why in the world don't you just buy an iBook with headphones! The iPod is a music player not a music photos movies whatever media player!

I don't see Apple allowing that degree of feature crossover with their flagship iPhone product...I do understand what you are arguing for, but IF it were to ever happen it would be years down the road when all products (not just Apple ones) had some degree of cellular connectivity. As of now it's a "premium" option that you get by working with a smartphone.

I think this will happen someday. I see BTO options for various cellular connectivities in addition to things like RAM, HD, etc.

I can also see this integrating into iTunes and Mobile Me.

 

[PowerFullMac]

Yes, the idea is the iPod touch is a flashy media player and the iPhone is for constant net access, and Apple want more iPhones sold, and wont do anything that will harm the current good iPhones sales thing they have going on.

 

[MasterNile]

Ok while Apple does take the world market into consideration, they also realize they're an American company, these data plans without voice that the OP keeps talking about run about $50 a month from AT&T in America, for that much might as well get an iPhone since it is subsidized, yes you could add the 3G stack in and leave it unactivated unless you sign up for the contract, but why waste the space and also then the Touch would cost more over a 2 year period than even the iPhone, with the same amount of money going to Apple since they do not receive profit sharing anymore from AT&T

-off topic, PowerFullMac you should check out Penn And Teller's B.S. on Walmart

 

[PowerFullMac]

-off topic, PowerFullMac you should check out Penn And Teller's B.S. on Walmart

LOL funny but obviously not a valid argument that Wal-Mart is any good.

 

[macdot]

The good thing about the Touch is no monthly plan.

 

[sushi]

If I was American I would, but I come from the UK!

The good thing about the Touch is no monthly plan.

For most, this is very true.

Having the option to subscribe to a data service for those who need wireless access would be nice.

 

[t0mat0]

Mobile TV connection is more likely than 3G. They could offer a GPS data plan potentially, if they were to add GPS.

 

[DoFoT9]

$15 a month is for a SIM card that is linked to a data-only service plan, where the first 1 GB per month is included.

If you plug your SIM card into a USB dongle with 3G chipset that's attached to a laptop, that's your business. You could equally plug that dongle into a desktop, and the service provider wouldn't have any means of knowing the difference. You could enable NAT on your desktop and provide the Internet to your entire LAN, and still, the service provider wouldn't be able to detect any difference. Mind you, you'd run the risk of eating up that 1GB of data per month pretty fast.

Why not skip the desktop, and plug that SIM card directly into a 3G-to-Ethernet router (they exist) for connecting your entire LAn to the Internet? And if you were to connect it up to a 3G-to-Ethernet router, why not connect it up to a 3G-to-WiFi router (they could conceptually exist, if they don't already) and create your own hotspot. Now any number of WiFi capable handhelds might potentially be using that so-called "laptop" data service.

It's really no technical stretch at all to think of a handheld device with the native capability to connect directly to a 3G provider for data-only services. The Kindle is an example, albeit based on an older network technology. The real question is whether or not potential customers would think it's a worthwhile product to buy.

ok so thers a sim inside that dongle yay. thats kinda cool so that means that it COULD be put in a phone. (who would though?)

ok so if your crazy enough to tell me that you could plug a bunch of computers into a LAN running over 3G (which is pretty much a massive WAN) then im allowed to say that your better off getting dial-up and overclocking the modem, it would be cheaper and more reliable! sure you might have to leave a download going overnight but at least you could get an unlimited plan for what...$10 per month?? you could even go satellite! they are expensive but you would never have to worry about going out of range (we've all heard of the iphones crappy service lately).

i bet you that if you go over that 1gb limit then your paying a good $3-$4 per mb. go 10mb over your limit and thats an easy $30 extra to your ISP.. if your going to be running computers over 3G it isnt even worth it. 1gb allowance per month = 30mb per day, which is me pretty much browsing through MR alone. no myspace/facebook/hotmail/msn/university research.. nothing. my house averages 300-500mb usage per day and im sure that a whole bunch of other users would aswell.

yes ok it might be a good idea for old people who are on a trip around the country and need to check their emails every week. or for a business man who only wants to look at his/her emails not actually download them (to not go over the limit). for average people (and the majority of people) its a big no-go. it just doesnt seem feasible to me..

 

[therealmrbob]

To the people who want 3g... um, wtc?

THe whole reason I got an iPod touch instead of an iPhone was because I wanted to avoid the freakish price of data plans on at&t, having 3g on the iPod touch would just be a silly idea.

Like everyone else is mentioning, wiimax seems like an ok concept for a touch.

 

[na1577]

Without GPS the Touch will get left further and further behind the iPhone until no-one wants to buy it because it can't run 80% of the new (location-specific) apps that they want. Why would you fork out $500 for a Touch when you can't use all the cool apps? GPS is the first thing required to let the Touch keep up.

The iPod touch uses triangulation as an alternative to GPS.

Second, a 3G data chipset. Again, this is driven by the new app store. A lot of those apps take their data on the go. They are written to take advantage of the 3G data availability of the iPhone. Without that always-on access, they again become useless. Even if I have GPS in the Touch, I'm not always near a free wi-fi point when I need a map. If I want to use LocalPicks, without 3G I'm looking for a wi-fi network again. It's crippling.

The original iPod touch had the iTunes Store and Safari. Those also required WiFi, and were two of the main selling points for the device. Later on, Apple added Mail, Maps, Stocks, and Weather, which all require WiFi. Apple didn't add data access then, what makes you think they are going to add it now? Besides, Apple doesn't even include 2.0 with the device. (Take a look at the online store; the App Store isn't listed as a feature. Scroll down a bit, you will see the following text: "Download exciting games and other applications that leverage the technology in iPod touch, such as the Multi-Touch interface, accelerometer, and real-time 3D graphics. (Software upgrade required; sold separately.)") The current model is shipping with 1.1.5.

There have been whispers that the new Touch is going to look more like the iPone 3G.

The iPod touch is a premium iPod. iPods have shiny, mirror-like backings, not plastic.

The carriers would offer post-paid AND pre-paid stand-alone data packs and suddenly people who don't want to get into a long phone contract can get onto the iPhone/iPod bandwagon. Teenagers, older people, people who just don't want a contract.

(Bold mine) The carriers? You think T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon want to help Apple? The only carrier that would maybe even consider offering data access would be AT&T.

Did you know that AT&T offers broadband access for laptops? And guess what, you have to pay monthly and sign a contract. If AT&T were to do this for the iPod touch, it wouldn't be any different.