Goodbye iPod, Hello iPod

Posted by Kirhat | Friday, July 17, 2015 | | 0 comments »

Apple iPod
A few months ago, this blog reported that Apple is set to retire the iPod after the music player debuted about 14 years ago, in October 2001.

Sales figures were cited by the tech giant as the major reason, especially after noticing that the those numbers began steadily sliding downward as Apple’s iPhone and competing Android smartphone sales began to eat into the MP3 market, while new device form factors like the iPad tablet carved out a new product niche.

When everyone thought that the classic gadget will no longer be available in the market, Apple just announced substantial upgrades to the iPod touch on 15 July alongside new color options for the iPod nano and iPod shuffle. The devices are being made available in dark blue, hot pink, and gold, in addition to the existing silver, black, and red options.

Apart from these cosmetic options, nothing else has changed for the nano and shuffle, but the iPod touch is getting some new innards: a 64-bit chip for faster performance and gaming (Apple’s A8); a motion co-processor to track physical activity (the M8); and an 8-megapixel camera on the rear, bringing the touch into line with the iPhone 6.

The iPod Touch, which debuted in 2007, nine months after the first iPhone, claimed the title of most popular iPod in recent years. That device, which resembles Apple’s smartphone line minus the cellular connection, hasn't undergone a major overhaul since the fall of 2012, the same time Apple introduced the iPhone 5. It lacks many features found in the newer iPhones, including a TouchID fingerprint sensor and an updated processor that supports more intensive apps and gaming.

Aside from the diminishing price tag, iPod is known for its position among music enthusiasts as the best all-purpose gadget for those that want a no-frills MP3 player. The the iPod classic also held a nostalgic place in Apple fans’ hearts, especially its beloved click-wheel.

"iPod touch gives customers around the world access to Apple Music, the App Store and iOS, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, starting at just US$ 199," said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone, iPod and iOS Product Marketing.

"With big advancements like the A8 chip and the 8 megapixel iSight camera, customers can experience next-level gameplay, take even more beautiful photos and enjoy their favorite music, TV shows and movies," Joswiak added.

The current price starts at US$ 199 for a 16GB model and goes up to US$ 399 for 128GB model.

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