Apple has brought out several versions of the iPod Touch since its introduction.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Apple first introduced the iPod Touch digital media player in 2007, less than three months after the iPhone first came out. The iPod Touch was similar in most ways to the iPhone, except without the phone feature, or the need to subscribe to a monthly cell phone service contract. Since that time, the iPod Touch has gone through a variety of updates and redesigns, each with three different storage capacities to choose from.
First Generation
The first iPod Touch came out in September of 2007. For all intents and purposes, it was an iPhone without the phone capabilities. This enabled customers to use the device as a media player and have access to the Apple App Store without having to sign a contract with a cell phone provider. The touch screen and wireless access were only two of several features that were new to Apple's lineup of iPod devices.
Second Generation
Like the previous generation, the second generation Touch came in 8-gigabyte, 6-gigabyte or 32-gigabyte models. Enhancements with this new version included external volume buttons, a microphone and Bluetooth functionality. Apple also partnered with Nike to offer Nike+, an app that pairs with an accelerometer to record pace and distance while users are walking and running. Finally, Apple increased the battery life and performance for the second generation Touch.
Third Generation
The introduction of the third generation iPod Touch brought with it a new storage capacity model available with 64 gigabytes. While the 8-gigabyte model was still offered, Apple dropped the 16-gigabyte version. Many of the internal components got upgrades to improve performance, such as the RAM, CPU and graphics processor. One of the results of this increase in performance was a slight decrease in battery life, since the new components required more power.
Fourth Generation
As of March, 2011, the most recent generation of the iPod Touch introduced several new features. Customers had long wanted a camera on the Touch, and the fourth generation version provides not only a rear-facing camera, but also a front-facing camera for using such features as FaceTime and Skype. It can capture photographs and video, and makes use of Apple's newest screen technology, the Retina display, which offers enhanced resolution. Even with the introduction of Apple's new and faster chipset, the A4, this iPod Touch features better battery performance than previous generations.
References
Photo Credits
- Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
