If Apple sticks to its annual schedule of product rollouts–and the company’s very consistent that way–we can expect to see a fresh crop of iPods in September. Last year the company added a video camera to the iPod nano, and it wouldn’t be a shocker to see the popular iPod touch undergo a major transformation this fall.
After all, where the iPhone leads, the iPod touch follows. And since Apple’s flagship mobile device/smartphone has just undergone a dramatic makeover, it’s likely the next-gen touch will incorporate at least some of the iPhone 4’s latest features.
But what can we expect? One report from the UK predicts that next iPod touch will add a front-facing camera, FaceTime video chat, and a gyroscope–yes, all of which first appeared in the iPhone 4. According to Mic Wright of tech news site Electricpig.co.uk, British retailer John Lewis revealed the new touch specs during a slideshow presentation at its “Xmas in July” event in London.
The next-gen media player will reportedly include a five-megapixel, front-facing camera capable of shooting HD video, Wright reports. FaceTime video chat, arguably the iPhone 4’s most-hyped feature, will be included too, as will a gyroscope to enhance the iPod touch’s gaming skills. When paired with the media player’s accelerometer, the gyroscope enables additional motion gestures and superior precision for more advanced gaming, according to Apple. The next-gen touch will debut in September, John Lewis claims.
As rumours go, this one makes a lot of sense. A front-facing camera and FaceTime video chat are ideal for the iPod touch, which is hugely popular with kids. The ability to have face-to-face chats with friends and family is certain a huge draw. Granted, FaceTime has its limitations. Assuming the iPod touch gets FaceTime, video chats would be limited to next-gen touch and iPhone 4 users via Wi-Fi.
