Sunday, February 28, 2010

iPod Touch



iPod Touch
IPodtouchlogo.png
IPod Touch 2.0.png
2nd Generation iPod Touch
ManufacturerApple Inc.
TypePortable media player/PDA
Retail availability1st generation: September 13, 2007
2nd generation: September 9, 2008
Late 2009: September 9, 2009 - present
MediaFlash memory
1st/2nd generation: 8, 16 and 32GB
2nd generation (Late 2009): 8, 32 or 64 GB
Operating systemiPhone OS
1st generation: 1.1 originally, 3.1.3 (build 7E18) with Software Update
2nd generation: 2.1.1 originally, 3.1.3 (build 7E18) with Software Update
2nd generation (Late 2009): 3.1.1 originally, 3.1.3 (build 7E18) with Software Update
PowerLithium-ion battery
1st generation: Audio - 22 hours,Video - 5 hours
2nd generation: Audio - 36 hours,Video - 6 hours
2nd generation (Late 2009): Audio - 30 hours, Video - 6 hours
CPU1st generation: ARM11 620 MHz (underclocked to 400 MHz, then 412 MHz)
2nd generation: ARM11 620 MHz (underclocked to 533 MHz)[1], with internal ARM7 core for Jazelleacceleration
2nd generation (Late 2009): ARM Cortex-A8 833 MHz (underclocked to 600 MHz)
Memory1st/2nd generation: 128 MB DRAM
2nd generation (Late 2009): 256 MB DRAM
Display320 × 480 px, 3.5 in (89 mm), 2:3 aspect ratio, 262,144-color LCD at 163 pixels per inch (ppi)
Graphics1st/2nd generation: PowerVR MBX Lite[2]
2nd generation (Late 2009): PowerVR SGX
InputMulti-touch touchscreendisplay, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axisaccelerometer, volume buttons on 2nd generation,voice control
ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11b/g)
USB 2.0/Dock connector
Bluetooth
1st generation: unavailable
2nd generation: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; requires iPod Touch OS 3.0 Update[3]
Dimensions1st generation:
4.3 in (110 mm) (h)
2.4 in (61 mm) (w)
0.31 in (7.9 mm) (d)
2nd generation:
4.3 in (110 mm) (h)
2.4 in (61 mm) (w)
0.33 in (8.4 mm) (d)
Weight1st generation: 120 grams (4.2 oz)
2nd generation: 115 grams (4.1 oz)
Related articlesiPhone, iPad (Comparison of iPhone OS devices)

The iPod Touch (trademarked, marketed and stylized as iPod touch) is a portable media player,personal digital assistant, and Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The product was launched on September 5, 2007, at an event called The Beat Goes On.[4] The iPod Touch adds the multi-touch graphical user interface to the iPod line. It is the first iPod with wireless access to the iTunes Store, and also has access to Apple's App Store, enabling content to be purchased and downloaded directly on the device. Apple Inc. has sold 20 million iPod Touch units as of September 2009.[5]

The iPod Touch is currently in its second generation (updated in 2009), which is available with 8, 16, 32, or 64 GB of flash memory. The second generation iPod Touch, featuring external volume controls, a built-in speaker, a contoured back, built-in Nike+, Bluetooth support, and the ability to connect a microphone, was unveiled on September 9, 2008, at the "Let's Rock" keynote presentation. An updated second generation iPod Touch with the new iPhone OS 3.1 was announced and subsequently released on September 9, 2009. The late 2009 version of the second generation includes faster hardware (the same microprocessors, graphics engine, and RAM as theiPhone 3GS), a slightly lower battery life, voice control, light sensor, and bundled earphones with a remote and microphone.

Contents

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Hardware

The iPod Touch has a slim rectangular shape with rounded edges, with a glass touchscreendisplay covering most of the top surface and a physical home button off the touchscreen. The display functions similarly to the multi-touch trackpad as implemented in Apple's current line of laptop computers. The touch and gesture features of the iPod Touch are based on technology originally developed by FingerWorks.[6] On February 5, 2008, a 32 GB version was added in addition to the 8 and 16 GB models. On September 9, 2009, a 64 GB version was added and the 16 GB model was removed from the line-up.

Software

The home screen has a list of icons for the available applications. All iPod Touch models include such applications as Music, Videos, and Photos (collectively duplicating the standard functions of the iPod Classic), iTunes (providing access to the Wi-Fi Music Store), Safari, YouTube, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Later models added Mail (accessing POP/IMAP/SMTPe-mail), Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather, which could also be added to the earlier models with the purchase of a software upgrade. The user can add direct links to Web sites, called "Web Clips", to the home screen. All iPod Touch models are equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g.

On July 11, 2008, the iPhone 2.0 Software Update was released for purchase for the iPod Touch. The update allowed first generation iPod Touch devices access to the App Store to download third-party applications, in addition to a host of minor bug fixes. On June 17, 2009, the iPhone 3.0 Software Update was released for purchase for the iPod Touch. The update allowed the devices to use new apps, and unlocked the Bluetooth functionality of the second-generation iPod Touch, enabling A2DP and P2P apps, as well as file transfer to other (non Apple) devices such as bluetooth-enabled mobile phones or jailbroken iPods using software such as iBlueNova.

Comparisons to the iPhone and model comparisons

Further information: iPhone OS and iPhone OS version history

The iPod Touch and the iPhone, a smartphone by Apple, share the same hardware platform and run the same iPhone OS operating system. The iPod Touch lacks some of the iPhone's features such as access to cellular networks and a built-in camera (and microphone on older models); as a result, the iPod Touch is slimmer and lighter than the iPhone. Steve Jobs once referred to the iPod Touch as "training wheels for the iPhone".[7]

The second generation iPod Touch has an external volume switch and a built-in speaker like theiPhone. The second generation also comes with the chrome frame seen on the iPhone 3G, making the two almost identical when viewed from the front. However, there are some notable differences, as there is no speaker above the screen, no silent/ringer switch, the back is metal, and the sleep/wake button is on the other side. The second generation also supports audio input when a headphone or earphone with microphone capabilities is plugged into the audio output (headphone) jack. The iPod Touch 2.0 Software Update supports WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1X authentication.[8] The iPhone OS 3.0 update unlocked Bluetooth capability on the second generation iPod Touch, as the included Wi-Fi chip (Broadcom BCM4325) has Bluetooth support.[9][10]

Second generation iPod Touches are said to have a yellower cast/tint to the display, as compared to the iPhone or the original iPod Touch.[11] The applications processor inside the second generation iPod Touch runs slightly faster than the processor inside the iPhone 3G, but slower than the iPhone 3GS.[12][13] The first generation iPod Touch works with all "Made for iPod" peripherals, but certain changes that Apple made to the second generation iPod Touch prevent some existing peripherals from recharging the updated player.[14] The Google Street View feature added on iPhone firmware version 2.2 is absent from the same version of firmware released on the iPod Touch [15] but is found in the 3.0 update.

Apple has received criticism for its allegedly differential treatment of iPhone and iPod Touch owners. Such criticism is primarily targeted towards Apple charging iPod Touch owners for major software updates of the iPhone OS that iPhone owners can obtain at no charge as well as excluding certain features from the iPod Touch software that are included in the iPhone.[16][17]Apple has been reported as saying that they can add features for free to the iPhone because the revenue from it is accounted for on a subscription basis under accounting rules, rather than as a one time payment.[18]

Models

Main articles: List of iPhone OS devices and List of iPod models
GenerationImageCapacityConnectionOriginal release dateMinimum OS to syncRated battery life(hours)
firstIpod Touch 1st Generation.JPG8 GB
16 GB		USB via Dock connector (FireWire for charging only)[19]September 5, 2007Mac: 10.4
Win: XP		audio: 22
video: 5
32 GBFebruary 5, 2008
First iPod with Wi-Fi and a Multi-Touch interface. Features Safari web browser and wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. 32 GB model later added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access requires an upgrade fee.
secondIPod Touch 2.0.png8 GB
16 GB
32 GB		USB via Dock connectorSeptember 9, 2008Mac: 10.4
Win: XP		audio: 36
video: 6
New tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added. iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access standard. Bluetooth support added but not made active until iPhone OS 3.0, which requires an upgrade fee. Support for external microphone added. Discontinued in September 2009.
Late 20098 GBUSB via Dock connectorSeptember 9, 2009Mac: 10.4
Win: XP		audio: 30
video: 6
The 8 GB model is a reissue of the second generation iPod touch hardware, includes OS version 3.x, but does not include support for Voice Control or the remote earphones with microphone.[20]
32 GB
64 GB		USB via Dock connectorSeptember 9, 2009Mac: 10.4
Win: XP		audio: 30
video: 6
Updated to include the upgraded RAM, CPU and GPU internals from the iPhone 3GS; includes Voice Control support,VoiceOver, included OS version 3.x, and bundled remote earphones with microphone. The 32 GB and 64 GB models of the late 2009 iPod touch are commonly referred outside of Apple as the "third generation" iPod touch or the "iPod Touch 3G".[21]

Requirements

As supplied new, the iPod Touch needs a connection to a computer for initial configuration,[22] for syncing media and installing system software updates. Officially, Apple requires iTunes to be installed on either a Mac OS X or Windows operating system based computer for configuring the iPod Touch. On either operating system, the iPod Touch must be connected through a USB port.[23] The 2nd generation (and onward) iPod Touch will not connect nor charge using older iPod Firewire cables.

2nd generation (and onward) iPod Touch's also operate on 5V, unlike 12V like most previous iPod's, resulting in these Touch's not charging in vehicles equipped with an iPod connection. Most aftermarket manufacturer's of such equipment however are producing new cables and/or adapters, that essentially just kick down the voltage from 12 to 5.

The first time the iPod Touch is turned on, a "connect cable to iTunes" graphic will be displayed continuously until the iPod Touch is connected to a computer running iTunes.[24]

To use the iPod Touch for buying products at the iTunes Music Store via Wi-Fi, an iTunes Music Store account must be created and the account details then entered into the iPod.[citation needed]

Apple states that the following is required for the iPod Touch:[25]

  • A computer running either:
    • Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later
    • Microsoft Windows XP with SP2 or later, or Microsoft Windows Vista (32 or 64-bit versions)
  • iTunes 8.2 for iPhone OS 3.0.x or later, iTunes 8.0 for iPhone OS 2.1.x, iTunes 7.6 for iPhone OS 2.0.x or earlier
  • Available USB 2.0 port

Third-party applications

App Store on iPod Touch

The only official way to obtain third-party applications for the iPod Touch is Apple's App Store, which is a branch of iTunes Store. The App Store application, available in all versions of the iPhone OS from iPhone OS 2.0 onwards, allows users to browse and download applications from a single online repository (hosted by Apple) with the iTunes Store. To develop such software, a software development kit (SDK) was officially announced on March 6, 2008, at an Apple Town Hall meeting.[26] The iPhone SDK allows developers to make applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch after paying a fee to join the development team. The developer can then set the price for the applications they develop and will receive 70% of money earned. The developer can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any additional costs.

Shortly after the iPod Touch was released, hackers were able to "jailbreak" the device through a TIFF exploit. The resulting application enabled the user to download a selection of unofficial third-party programs. Some of these give the user more control over the iPod Touch than is officially available, and also make it possible to install Linux operating systems on the device. All officially released versions of the iPhone OS through 3.0 can be jailbroken,[27][28] but version 3.1 could not at the time it was released.[29] Servicing an iPod Touch after jailbreaking or other modifications made by unofficial means is not covered by Apple's warranty.[30]

Specifications

Wi-Fi Menu on iPod Touch
The 2G Touch has an external microphone and controller wired to its earphones

The specifications as listed on Apple's website for the 8GB second generation iPod Touch and second generation (late 2009) iPod Touch are:[23][31]

  • Screen material: glass (arsenic free)
  • Screen size: 3.5 in
  • Screen resolution: 320x480 px at 163 ppi, with 3:2 aspect ratio
  • Input method: Multi-touch screen interface, Sleep/Wake button, Accelerometer, Home button, Volume Rocker buttons (2nd Gen only), voice control (2nd Gen Late 2009 only)
  • Operating system: iPhone OS (current version 3.1.2, build 7D11)
  • Storage: 8, 32 and 64 GB flash memory
  • CPU: Initially ARM 400 MHz, but now 412 MHz for 1st generation, 533 MHz[1] for 2nd Generation and ARM Cortex-A8 833 MHz underclocked to 600 MHz for 2nd Generation (Late 2009)
  • GPU: PowerVR MBX Lite in 2nd Generation[32] and PowerVR SGX GPU for 2nd Generation (Late 2009)
  • RAM: 128 MB DRAM in 1st & 2nd Generation and 256 MB DRAM in 2nd Generation (Late 2009)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
  • Built-in rechargeable, non-removable lithium battery with up to 6 hours of video playback, and up to 36 (30 in 2nd Gen Late 2009) hours of audio playback, times vary.
  • Built-in audio speaker (except in 1st generation)[33]
  • 3.5 mm audio output jack
  • Size: 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.33 in)
  • Weight: 115 grams (4.1 oz)

Timeline of full-size iPod models

See also: Timeline of compact iPod models and Timeline of iPod models
Sources: Apple press release library,[36] Mactracker Apple Inc. model database[37]
Jailbroken First Generation iPod Touch on Firmware Version 1.1.1

See also

References

  1. ^ a b That IPod Touch Runs at 533 MHz - PC World
  2. ^ Intel ups stake in iPhone GPU maker
  3. ^ "iPod touch gets Bluetooth after OS upgrade". CNET Networks. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
  4. ^ Steve Jobs live — Apple's "The beats goes on" special event. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  5. ^ Steve Jobs rocks San Francisco with iTunes 9, tgdaily.com, retrieved on 2009-09-09
  6. ^ Fingerworks, Inc. (2003), iGesture Game Mode Guide, www.fingerworks.com, retrieved 2009-04-30
  7. ^ Fildes, Nic (September 19, 2007). "iPhone finally arrives but it's neither cheap nor G3.". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
  8. ^ Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  9. ^ "Broadcom page on wireless chip included in the second generation iPod Touch". Broadcom.
  10. ^ "iPod Touch gets Bluetooth after OS upgrade". Cnet.com.
  11. ^ First Look: iPod touch | iPod | Macworld
  12. ^ New iPod Touch faster than iPhone 3G - CNET News
  13. ^ 2nd Generation iPod Touch Faster than iPhone | Touch Arcade
  14. ^ iPod touch 2G Won't Support Some iPod Peripherals - MP3 Newswire
  15. ^ iPod Touch Denied Street View, Other Google Maps Upgrades in Firmware 2.2 - iPhone - Gizmodo
  16. ^ iPod touch users: if you bought after Jan 1 the new apps are free - maybe
  17. ^ Early Adopter Tax Resurfaces with the iPod Touch January Software Upgrade - AppleMatters
  18. ^ Accounting rules behind iPod touch update charge | iPod | Macworld
  19. ^ "iPhone and iPod touch: Charging the battery". Apple. October 15, 2009. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  20. ^ "iPod touch 8 GB (Late 2009) - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc.. September 14, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  21. ^ "Apple Inc. iPod touch (Third-Generation)". iLounge. September 13, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  22. ^ Apple iPod touch First Impressions Review. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
  23. ^ a b Apple - iPod Touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  24. ^ iPod touch unpacking tour and first look (photos), AppleInsider. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
  25. ^ Apple - iPod touch - Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  26. ^ Live from Apple's iPhone SDK press conference - Engadget
  27. ^ "WinPwn official site". 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  28. ^ "Dev-Team Blog, Red Snow". 2009-06-30. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  29. ^ Everything You Wanted to Know About iPhone 3.1 But Were Afraid to Ask
  30. ^ iPod and iSight Warranty (PDF), Apple Inc., page 1. Retrieved on 2008-12-24.
  31. ^ Apple - iPod touch - Features, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  32. ^ Electronista | Intel ups stake in iPhone GPU maker
  33. ^ iPod touch: What's New, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2008-09-23.
  34. ^ Apple and Starbucks Announce Music Partnership, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  35. ^ Apple - iTunes - Starbucks, Apple Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
  36. ^ Apple Inc., Apple press release library, Retrieved September 19, 2007.
  37. ^ Mactracker (mactracker.ca), Apple Inc. model database, version as of 26 July 2007.

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