Apple releases new iPod

More than a decade after it was first launched, the iPod has been given yet another new lease on life as Apple unveils a touch model and refreshes the colour options across the range.

Despite speculation that the iPod has reached the end of its life, Apple this week introduced a new iPod touch, along with a new lineup of colours for all iPod models. The announcement comes 14 years after the first iPod was launched in 2001, and amid a general consensus that increased capacity and capabilities of iPhones have made the iPod redundant.

The iPod touch features a new 8 megapixel iSight camera, an improved FaceTime HD camera, the Apple-designed A8 chip with 10 times faster graphics performance for a more immersive gaming experience, and better fitness tracking with the M8 motion coprocessor. It incorporates the newly launched Apple Music service and access to a global 24/7 broadcast on Beats 1 radio.

“iPod touch gives customers around the world access to Apple Music, the App Store and iOS, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system,” 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 favourite music, TV shows and movies.”

With the A8 chip, the same used in the iPhone 6, users can play more immersive games for hours at a time. iPod touch’s 4-inch Retina display and rich collection of gaming titles are further enhanced with iimproved graphics performance and thousands of Metal-optimised games. With the advanced iSight and FaceTime HD cameras, iPod touch owners, for the first time, can use popular features like slo-mo and burst mode. Three times faster Wi-Fi enhances FaceTime calls and download of movies and TV shows.

The App Store on iPod touch, available in 155 countries, gives users access to 1,5-million apps across 24 categories. iPod touch is also an ideal way to carry a music collection in one’s pocket. iTunes boasts the world’s largest music catalogue, and with Apple Music, customers have access to the streaming music service, Beats 1, Apple’s first ever live radio station, and Connect, where artists can communicate directly to fans. Apple Music is available on iPod touch through the Music app — users are invited to a 3-month trial, after which a monthly membership fee will apply. A family plan providing service for up to six family members is also available.

iPod touch comes with iOS 8 and a collection of powerful built-in apps, including iMessage, Photos and Health app.

Availability

The new iPod touch and the entire iPod family in its five new colours is available from today through select Apple Authorised Resellers. iPod touch requires a Wi-Fi connection or a Mac or PC; USB 2.0 port; Mac OS X v10.7.5 or later; Windows 7, Windows 8 or later; and iTunes 12.2 or later. An Apple ID is required for some iPod touch features.