Next-gen iPod touch rumored to get camera, microphone, fairy dust coating

According to a "well connected source" in the Wired camp, the iPod mills in China are hard at work as we speak, churning out next-gen iPod Touch models with integrated cameras and microphones. This certainly jibes well with the tips we've received regarding both this device and a cam-equipped nano -- although we're still skeptical about the rumored OLED iPods. The article goes on to suggest that once you add a mic to the mix, all you need is a MiFi and the Skype application for "the iPhone experience" on Verizon's (or Sprint's) network. Seems like an awful lot to go through just to avoid AT&T, but we suppose that it's good to have options.

[tobz1000 Posted Jul 21st 2009 4:15PM]

I heard they're working on one that has a SIM slot too.

[Gery Posted Jul 21st 2009 4:57PM]

Called the iPhone 3GS?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 21st 2009 4:21PM]

naww, no thanks apple, i would not buy this from them, i would rather wait for the ZUNE HD :)

[LklBkr Posted Jul 21st 2009 4:22PM]

No Skype needed. Now the Touch just acts like a Bluetooth headset to ANY phone on the market and it essentially becomes an iPhone. I'm betting that's Apple's plan. Any Bluetooth phone on any carrier becomes the key to changing the iPod Touch into a quazi-iPhone.

[POZ Posted Jul 21st 2009 4:28PM]

I think apple is aknowledging that not everyone can leave their contracts, or will put up with lousy 3G service. They are creating a device that is everything the iphone is, without the phone - add skype, and you are all set. heck, add Google Voice, and you are all set too.. providing it will work through Wifi :)

Bababooey.

[wetsprocket625 Posted Jul 21st 2009 5:00PM]

I could care less about a camera. Mic, GPS(or work with TomTom kit) and open bluetooth support like most WinMo devices and I will line up to get one. Short of that I'll hang on for another year or until something better comes along.

[Sy Posted Jul 21st 2009 5:05PM]

The iPod touch is a media powerhouse. Adding a video camera for users to CREATE THE MEDIA is a natural progression. Anyone who argue otherwise is wearing blinders. Of course most stand alone video cameras are better. But most people could live with youtube++ quality videos with the convenience of skipping the middlemen.

[logicbombde Posted Jul 21st 2009 5:13PM]

i've seen many a KIRF ipod touch (complete with apple logo and sticker that says 32G on the back) that has a built in camera.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 21st 2009 6:59PM]

I'm confused.

Apple makes these cheaply in China and no one says anything.

Wal-Mart has stuff made in China and they are evil?

[scape Posted Jul 21st 2009 8:30PM]

i'll buy it then... ;d

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 21st 2009 9:04PM]

Sounds like the BEST iPod ever!!!!!

Ahhhh

.....

[nthn2551 Posted Jul 22nd 2009 7:35AM]

I've wondered why the iPod Touch was lacking these from the start. I didn't see why it couldn't have a camera and a mic and just be without the cellular capabilities.

[LloydChiro Posted Jul 22nd 2009 9:32AM]

I could have used a camera and/or a microphone in my iPod Touch many times. I think this is overdue. The only problem with the camera part is the thickness. The touch is super thin. Adding a camera might double the thickness.

[cray Posted Jul 22nd 2009 7:59PM]

I really don't understand why Apple doesn't just put out an iPhone without having any service (AT&T) and let it consumers decide how they want to connect. It would certainly reduce the manufacturing redundancy of the iTouch.

[Ajaytech Posted Aug 3rd 2009 7:03PM]

i would like the same 3.2mp af camera/corder , a microphone , cheaper prices and a tegra chip.

The camera and mic would be used for apps like shazam,ocarina,voice control , etc

Plus, i like my phone!

Hey, guys, if a 16gb was 249 ( 3rd gens) anda 32gb was 299, which one would u buy?

[PSIREX Posted Aug 13th 2009 5:23PM]

neither because my 5th gen IPOD photo works just fine...

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 7th 2009 6:37PM]

I think that the new generation of iPod's are going to be presented/released around the time of September, 8, 2009. Why? Because I was looking at the ad of "buy a Mac and get a free iPod touch" and it says that "If you’re a college student or a faculty or staff member at any grade level and you buy a new Mac through September 8, you can get a free iPod touch". Kind of does make since apple usually announces their stuff on Tuesdays, and what a coincidence, September 8th is a Tuesday. Hopefully I'm right. And hopefully Apple does not discontinue the iPod Classic. Lol.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 13th 2009 1:42AM]

I downloaded for FREE Third Party Candidate, the Novel, on my iphone. Great read and for the first time something that was free was really good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks Apple.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 29th 2009 9:33PM]

I downloaded for FREE Third Party Candidate, the Novel, on my iphone. Great read and for the first time something that was free was really good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks Apple.

[PSIREX Posted Aug 13th 2009 5:21PM]

Will it have an external speaker????

[ZeroCorpse Posted Sep 7th 2009 3:05PM]

The one thing I'd LOVE to see Apple do (which they most certainly never will) is to put some sort of memory card slot on the iPod touch. Instead of making me buy one that has a set storage capacity, let me expand it. If this is a computer in my pocket, then why can't I add more storage? My cheap-ass prepaid phone even does this, so why not the iPod touch?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 24th 2009 2:19AM]

Just downloaded four (4) ebooks on my iPod. Kind of tough to read a book on though. Downloaded "Third Party Candidate" some sites like www.alstair.net automatically recognize iPod or iPhone and prompt you to download Stanza, after that you get the book for free! Cool stuff...everyone else has to pay...for Third Party Candidate...some kind of kickback deal with Apple I suppose. Just do it!