iPod Touch
4th generation iPod Touch | |
Developer | Apple Inc. |
---|---|
Type | Portable media player/PDA/Handheld game console/Mobile Internet device/Digital audio player/E-book reader/Camcorder/Webcam/Digital Camera |
Lifespan |
1st generation: September 13, 2007 2nd generation: September 9, 2008 3rd generation: September 9, 2009 4th generation: September 8, 2010 |
Operating system | iOS 1st generation: 3.1.3 (1.1 originally) 2nd generation: 4.2.1 (2.1.1 originally) 3rd generation: 4.3.5 (3.1.1 originally) 4th generation: 4.3.5 (4.1 originally) |
CPU | 1st generation: ARM11 620 MHz (underclocked to 400 MHz, then 412 MHz) |
Memory |
1st/2nd generation: 128 MB DRAM |
Storage |
1st/2nd generation: 8, 16 and 32 GB Flash memory |
Display |
1st–3rd generations: 3.5 in (89 mm), 3:2 aspect ratio, 18-bit color depth LCD, 320×480 px at 163 ppi |
Graphics |
1st/2nd generation: PowerVR MBX Lite[2] |
Input |
|
Camera | Front: Video recording, VGA up to 30 frame/s with audio, VGA-quality still camera, 0.3 MP (4th generation) Back: Video recording, 1280×720 up to 30 frame/s with audio, 960×720 still camera with 5x digital zoom, 0.7 MP (4th generation)[3][4] |
Connectivity |
|
Power | 3.7 V rechargeable Lithium-ion battery 1st generation: |
Dimensions | 1st generation: 4.3 in (110 mm) × 2.4 in (61 mm) × 0.31 in (7.9 mm) (H×W×D) |
Mass |
1st generation: 120 g (4.2 oz) 2nd/3rd generation: 115 g (4.1 oz) 4th generation: 101 g (3.6 oz) |
Related | iPhone, iPad (List of iOS devices) |
The iPod Touch (stylized and marketed as lowercase iPod touch; also colloquially referred to as the iTouch,[9] by analogy to the iPhone) is a portable media player, personal digital assistant, Handheld game console, and Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by Apple Inc. 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. As of March 2011, Apple Inc. has sold over 60 million iPod Touch units.[10][11]
Software
iOS, the operating system that runs on the iPod Touch, has generally received a major update each year in June. iOS was formerly called iPhone OS, until the release of version 4.0. The first major update after the initial release was iPhone OS 2.0. This update introduced the App Store, which allowed third-party applications for the first time. iPhone OS 2.0 debuted June 29, 2008. iPhone users received the update for free, while iPod Touch users had to pay for the update. The second major update to the operating system, iPhone OS 3.0, was released June 17, 2009. iPhone OS 3.0 added features such as cut, copy, and paste; data tethering; and push notification support. As with the previous major release, iPhone users received the update for free, while iPod Touch users had to pay for the update. iOS 4.0 was made available to the public on June 21, 2010. It was the first major iOS release to drop support for some devices; the first generation iPod Touch and original iPhone are not supported in iOS 4.0. The iPhone 3G and second generation iPod Touch had limited functionality under iOS 4.0, while the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, third generation iPod Touch, and fourth generation iPod Touch had full functionality under iOS 4.0. The major features introduced in iOS 4.0 included iBooks, FaceTime, and multitasking. iOS 5.0 was previewed to the public on June 6, 2011, and is expected to be released in the fall of 2011.[12]
Apple has received criticism for charging iPod Touch owners for major iOS updates that iPhone owners receive for free, as well as excluding certain features from the iPod Touch software that are included in the iPhone.[13][14] Apple has said 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.[15] At WWDC in June 2010, Jobs announced that Apple had "found a way" to make subsequent OS upgrades available free to iPod Touch owners. However, iOS 4.0 and onwards isn't available for the first generation iPod Touch, and some features are only available for the 32GB and 64GB third generation iPod Touch released in September 2009 and the fourth generation iPod Touch released in 2010.
In June 2011, iOS 5, the fifth major release of iOS software, was announced at Apple's WWDC 2011. iOS 5 is expected to be publicly released sometime during the Fall of 2011, and will be available on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (GSM & CDMA versions), iPod touch (3rd & 4th generations), iPad, and iPad 2. Some of its new features include Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, and Twitter integration. In addition, iOS 5 will come bundled with iCloud.
Comparison to the iPhone
The iPod touch and the iPhone share essentially the same hardware and run the same iOS operating system. The iPod touch lacks some of the iPhone's features and associated apps, such as access to cellular networks, GPS navigation (and speaker on older models). Although the SMS and Phone apps are included on the iPod touch software, they are disabled and therefore not visible. Also, the sleep/wake button was on the opposite side, up until the release of the iPod touch 4th generation. 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".[16]
Another major difference is the quality of the back camera compared to the iPhone. The iPod Touch camera has a lower resolution due to the device’s thin case and price compared to the iPhone.[17]
Requirements
- iTunes 10 or later
- Mac OS 10.5 or later
- Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
Synchronization
As supplied new, the iPod Touch must be connected to a Macintosh or Windows computer. There is no official Linux support. On either OS, the iPod Touch must be connected through a USB port. This will charge the iPod Touch and sync music, videos, pictures and more. Special cables that plug into a wall can also be bought separately but can only be used to charge the iPod Touch.[18]
The first time the iPod Touch is turned on, a graphic of the iTunes logo and USB cable is displayed continuously until the iPod Touch is connected to a computer running iTunes.[19] It is not manageable by Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.[20]
Battery charging
Starting with the second generation, iPod Touch can only be charged from the 5 V pin of the dock connector while most previous iPod models (including the original iPod Touch) could also be charged from the 12 V pin for FireWire power.[21] This change dropped support for charging in vehicles equipped with a FireWire-based iPod connection. Most aftermarket manufacturers of such equipment offer cables and/or adapters which convert the vehicle's 12 V to 5 V.
iTunes
To use the iPod Touch for purchasing content on the iTunes Store via Wi-Fi, a new or existing iTunes Store account (Apple ID) must be associated. Apple states that the following are required for the iPod Touch:[22]
- iTunes 10.2.1 for iOS 4.3 or later, iTunes 10 for iOS 4.1 or later, iTunes 9.2.0.61 for iOS 4.0.x or later, 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
- An available USB 2.0 port
Third-party applications
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 iOS from 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.[23] 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. Apple retains 30% of the sale price with no minimum fixed fee.
Hacks
Shortly after the iPhone (then also the iPod touch) was released, hackers were able to "jailbreak" the device through a TIFF exploit. The application installed by this exploit enabled the user to download a selection of unofficial third-party programs. Jailbreaking the iPod Touch was the only way to get third-party programs when running 1.1.x OSes. These third-party programs could use additional functionality not supported by Apple (such as enabling multitasking, applying themes to the home screen, or enabling a battery percentage indicator). All officially released versions of iOS through 3.1.2 though 4.3.3 with some bugs, can be jailbroken,[24][25] but version 4.3.1 could not at the time it was released.[26] Recently, the 4.3.X firmware has been jailbroken untethered by @i0nic. Servicing an iPod Touch after jailbreaking or other modifications made by unofficial means is not covered by Apple's warranty (however, the jailbreaking process is easily undone by performing a restore through iTunes).[27] Today every firmware of the iPod touch can be jailbroken from 1.1.1 to 4.3.3 and even 5.0b4.[citation needed]
On July 7, 2011, Apple announced that in new versions of the iOS software, a security problem would be fixed. Users who install their own software without Apple's protections can have their information stolen or unwitttingly download malware by clicking on certain PDF files. This discovery of "critical weaknesses" was made by the German Federal Office for Information Security.[28]
Models
Model | Picture | Capacity | RAM | Connection | Original release date | Minimum OS to sync | Rated battery life (hours) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st generation | 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB[29] |
128 MB[30] | USB via Dock connector (FireWire for charging only)[21] | September 5, 2007 | Mac: 10.4 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7 |
audio: 22 video: 5 | |
The first generation iPod Touch was launched on September 5, 2007, at an event called The Beat Goes On.[31] 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 and 16 GB versions later added (32GB in Feb 2007). iPhone OS 2.0 and App Store access requires an upgrade fee. iOS 4.0 and later updates of iOS 4.x are no longer supported due to the outdated hardware. | |||||||
2nd generation | 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB[29] |
128 MB[30] | USB via Dock connector | September 9, 2008 | Mac: 10.4 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7 |
audio: 36 video: 6 | |
The second generation iPod Touch featured a new tapered chrome back with Nike+ functionality, volume buttons, and built-in speaker added, It was unveiled on September 9, 2007, at the "Let's Rock" keynote presentation. 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 and remote added. The 8 GB model was re-introduced alongside the 3rd generation iPod touch in September 2008, and included the newer iPhone OS 3.1. iOS 4 was released for free for second generation iPod touch models June 21, 2010, but included a limited selection of features. Future iOS software updates no longer supported (As of iOS 4.2.1). The 2nd 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 2nd 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.[32] The iPhone OS 3.0 update unlocked Bluetooth capability on the 2nd generation iPod Touch, as the included Wi-Fi chip (Broadcom BCM4325) has Bluetooth support.[33][34] The 2nd generation iPod Touch is said to have a yellower cast/tint to the display, as compared to the iPhone or the original iPod Touch.[35] The applications processor inside the 2nd generation iPod Touch runs slightly faster than the processor inside the iPhone 3G, but slower than the iPhone 3GS.[36][37] The first generation iPod Touch works with all "Made for iPod" peripherals, but certain changes that Apple made to the 2nd generation iPod Touch prevent some existing peripherals from recharging the updated player.[38] 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,[39] but is found in the 3.0 update.
The 2nd and 3rd generation iPod Touch can be updated to iOS 4.x for free, but cannot take advantage of features using the iPhone's camera or GPS receiver. The 2nd generation iPod touch is further unable to take advantage of iOS 4's multitasking and home screen background customization features, unless the firmware is modified (through jailbreaking), and cannot be upgraded beyond iOS version 4.2.1. Later updates of iOS beyond 4.2.1 are no longer supported due to the outdated hardware. | |||||||
3rd generation | 32 GB 64 GB[29] |
256 MB | USB via Dock connector | September 9, 2009 | Mac: 10.4 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7 |
audio: 30 video: 6 | |
The 32 GB and 64 GB models were updated to include the upgraded RAM, CPU and GPU internals from the iPhone 3GS; they include Voice Control support, VoiceOver, included iPhone OS version 3.x, and bundled remote earphones with microphone. The 3rd generation iPod Touch with iPhone OS 3.1 was announced and subsequently released on September 9, 2009.[40] Apple's published technical specifications for the 3rd generation iPod touch only include references to the 32 GB and 64 GB models.[41]
Following the introduction of the 3rd generation iPod touch, Apple also continued offering the 2nd generation 8 GB version, upgraded to the same iPhone OS version as the new 3rd generation devices. | |||||||
4th generation | 8 GB 32 GB 64 GB[29] |
256 MB[42] | USB via Dock connector | September 8, 2010 | Mac: 10.5 or later Win: XP, Vista, 7 |
audio: 40 video: 7 | |
Apple unveiled the 4th generation iPod Touch on September 1, 2010. It features a front-facing camera for FaceTime, the iPhone 4's Retina display without an IPS screen,[43] support for recording 720p video and 960 x 640 still photos via a back camera,[4] Apple's A4 chip, a built-in microphone, and a 3-axis gyroscope. For the appearance note also that the blank display has a significantly darker and more glossy tint than the previous models, as the higher pixel density absorbs a wider spectrum, darkening the reflection. |
Specifications
Discontinued | Current |
Model | 1st generation | 2nd generation | 3rd generation | 4th generation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Initial operating system | iOS 1.1 | iOS 2.1.1 iOS 3.1.1 (3G 8 GB MC model) |
iOS 3.1.1 | iOS 4.1 |
Highest Supported operating system | iOS 3.1.3 | iOS 4.2.1 | iOS 4.3.4
iOS 5.0 (beta versions) | |
Display | 3.5 in (89 mm); 2:3 aspect ratio, 262,144-color,
glossy glass-covered LED-backlit LCD screen, 320x480 px (HVGA) at 163 ppi |
3.5 in (89 mm); 2:3 aspect ratio; 24-bit color, glossy glass-covered LED-backlit LCD, 960×640 px at 326 ppi | ||
System on Chip | Samsung S5L8900 | Samsung S5L8720 | Samsung S5L8920 | Apple A4[44] (Samsung S5L8930) |
CPU Core | 620 MHz (downclocked to 412 MHz, originally 400 MHz) ARM 1176JZ(F)-S[1] |
620 MHz (downclocked to 533 MHz) ARM 1176JZ(F)-S[1] |
833 MHz (downclocked to 600 MHz) ARM Cortex-A8 core[30] |
1 GHz (downclocked to 800 MHz) ARM Cortex-A8 |
GPU Core | PowerVR MBX Lite GPU[45] | PowerVR SGX535 GPU[46] | ||
Storage | 8, 16 and 32 GB | 32 and 64 GB | 8, 32 and 64 GB | |
Memory | 128 MB DRAM[47] | 256 MB DRAM[44][48][49] | ||
Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), USB 2.0/Dock connector |
In addition to previous: Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (requires iPhone OS 3.0), Built-in speaker, Hardware volume controls, Nike+ |
In addition to previous: Voice Control, Includes earphones with remote and mic |
In addition to previous: 802.11n (2.4 GHz only) 3-axis gyroscope Microphone |
Cameras | — | Back (main): CMOS image sensor with video (720p HD at 30 frame/s); Front: VGA-quality photos and video at up to 30 frame/s. | ||
Audio processor | Wolfson Microelectronics WM8758BG[50] | Cirrus Logic CS4398[citation needed] | Cirrus Logic CS4398[51] | Cirrus Logic |
Materials | Glass display, stainless steel back and aluminum bezel; plastic for Wi-Fi antenna | Glass display, contoured stainless steel back and bezel; plastic for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna | Glass display, stainless steel back and bezel | |
Power | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery[52][53][54] | |||
3.7 V 2.15 W·h (580 mA·h)[citation needed] | 3.7 V 2.73 W·h (739 mA·h)[53][55] | 3.7 V 2.92 W·h (789 mA·h)[54] | 3.7 V 3.44 W·h (930 mA·h) | |
Rated battery life (hours) | audio: 22 video: 5 |
audio: 36 video: 6 |
audio: 30 video: 6 |
audio: 40 video: 7 |
Dimensions | 110 × 61.8 × 8 mm (4.3 × 2.4 × 0.31 in) | 110 × 61.8 × 8.5 mm (4.3 × 2.4 × 0.33 in) | 111 × 58.9 × 7.2 mm (4.4 × 2.3 × 0.28 in) | |
Weight | 120 g (4.2 oz) | 115 g (4.05 oz) | 101 g (3.6 oz) | |
Released | 8 and 16 GB: September 14, 2007 32 GB: February 5, 2008 |
September 9, 2008 | September 9, 2009 | September 1, 2010 |
Discontinued | September 9, 2008 | 16 and 32 GB: September 9, 2009 8 GB: September 1, 2010 |
September 12, 2010 | In Production |
See also
- Comparison of iPod managers
- Comparison of portable media players
- List of portable media players with Wi-Fi connectivity
- List of iOS devices
References
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