4Th Gen iPod Touch - Almost Set to Replace the iPhone

I've just got the new 32GB iPod touch for a few hours. Haven't gotten to know it well yet. One of the thing that sticks in my mind as I try to clean myself of Steve Jobs' reality distortion field is that this touch is being called an iPhone without the contract.

Is it?

New iPod Touch In My Future?

I will be visiting the Pasadena Apple store in a bit. And if the stars are aligned properly, I may be the new proud owner of the fourth generation iPod touch.

Of course, more than the stars have to be aligned. Through the day, I have seen samples of the pictures and videos taken with the new touch. I have also read about the..ahem...features Apple left out of the iPod touch that they gave to the iPhone 4.

256MB instead of 512MB, no vibration motor, a subpar Retina screen but still a retina screen, smaller battery (granted there isn't a cell antenna the touch has to contend with), and, certainly, the less than 1MP still camera.

All those shortcomings will need to pass my standards. I will be grateful for the increase speed over my 2G iPhone as well as the better screen and ability to enjoy all the iOS 4.1 features. And, not in the least, the ability to capture decent 720p video.

So in a few hours, I hope to report back with some great news. If not, I'll let on on why I decided to walk away empty-handed.

Oh, the store being out of stock of the iPod touch won't count.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One, Two Punch of Apple And Google To Decimate Telecoms And Wireless Providers

It's rare to see Apple and Google working together in any meaningful way like they used to. Well, the combination of Apple's Facetime for the iOS devices and VOIP calling integration into Gmail/Gtalk, though accidental, means we can start the countdown clock to the demise of landlines, telecoms, and wireless providers.

Facetime for the iPhone and iPod Touch has the likelihood to transform communication and Internet calling just makes expensive wireless plans unnecessary once it becomes available on Android.

Of course, the telecoms and wireless providers can transform and innovate. But I'm not optimistic. Personally, I'm okay with them being dump pipes.

More on how Apple and Google are working, again not necessarily together, to end the era of draconian telecoms at Greenjava.

Fifth Gen iPod Nano To Be Very Popular Relic

As you know by now, Apple just updated the iPod lineup. Well, I'm just gonna briefly talk about the nano. As squarish as it is, the 6th generation iPod nano with multi-touch is just a precursor to something better next year or the year after: an iPod Touch nano.

With the smaller body, the new nano is definitely an update, but not necessarily an upgrade. For me, I'm going to be picking up a 16GB 5G green iPod nano from Amazon and forgo the 6th gen squared body multi-touch iPod nano. Why?

Well, first, it's $20 cheaper than the 6G nano. Plus, you can still play video and has a video capture, even if it is not the greatest quality in the world.

Apple's Biggest Announcement - Ping And What Was Not Said About Apple TV

Everyone thinks yesterday's announcement was about new iPod touches with the dual cameras and the redesigned nanos. But the biggest news for iOS and iTunes users is Ping. For video fans, Apple's TV rental for Apple isn't the biggest news. It is what wasn't said.

First Ping. Ping is a social music site based in the iTunes application on Windows, Macs, and iOS devices. After downloading and signing on, it felt a bit sptartan when you compare it to Facebook and Myspace. But that is what Apple products are like in the beginning.

In time, Apple wil add new features and functions. Widgets and games may be normal. Imagine having Ping on your Apple TV as well. Plus, what about adding video and app discovery?

Well, it makes sense that all that will happen in time. First, video rental was just made available yesterday and Apple TV won't be out for another month. Apple will likely wait until there are more rental content before allowing video discovery and following on Ping.

What about apps? And isn't that what Game Center is for? game Center is Apple's leader board slash social network. It just doesn't make sense to have two completely separate social networks. I believe Apple will eventually integrate Game Center into Ping and add app discovery as well.

Is that all? No. Remember, this is Apple. You never want to take what Apple says at face value. Ping isn't a Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter. Not yet. Given the scope and opportunities, you bet Steve Jobs will move Apple more into the social realm.

Over time, other features will be added as it makes sense. Keep in mind that Apple has mobile ad design as well. With that comes location-based targetting. "Pinging" can become the next mode of checking in as some if us already do with Foursquare. So don't be surprised to see Apple made a buyout or two in this area to shortcut its way into the market.

Ping has no limits and I can't wait to see what apple does with it.

Plus, privacy, while a big deal, is less of an issue wih Apple. With Apple, giving them the same information an user might give Facebook or Google isn't the same thing. Facebook and Google has every intention of doing away your privacy and selling it to the highest bidder. Apple has always has always guarded its gotten information closely. And it isn't because Apple considers its customers In the highest regards. It is because Apple believes it has a base that is loyal, knowledgeable, and willing go spend money. And we belong to them to monetize.

Now Apple TV. Where are all the apps? Where is the tight integration with iOS devices like the iPad? Sure there will be Airplay but I want to be able to run my gaming apps on the TV and use my control iPod touch or iPhone as controllers. I want to be able to tweet updates or make Ping comments while watching a show.

A lot of things that Apple can do with Apple TV was left out. Sure we love the $99 entry fee but we also know the device can do so much more and should be allowed to do so much more.

Hence, all of that was not said. Which is why it's so important. Will Apple TV be allowed to run apps and offer more social media integration? Only Apple knows but I think Apple will begin to make more substantial announcements about Apple TV and iOS integration in the coming months.

We are still about six months away from any kind of new iOS announcement in Spring. Look for clues and neat things then. This time next year, the name "Apple TV" may no longer apply. iConsole or iBox, anyone?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Apple Music Event: Day After, Apple TV And Ping Should Be Headliners

I don't know what to make of what we saw yesterday. Fantastic update to the old work horse lineup? Definitely. A hobby inches towards being another pillar of the Apple digital strategy. You bet. My order of the iPod Touch? Yup. Well, no. Yes, sorta. We'll see.

That's where I am right now. After work, I called the Pasadena Apple store to find out when the new gears will be in store. Next week I'm told. Fine, I think I will go in and check things out before I jump headlong into this.

I had ordered a 32GB iPod Touch almost right after Steve Jobs finished up yesterday music event. Then later in the afternoon, I cancelled it. Not because I had a change of heart but I really do want to go into the store to see for myself the quality of the video capture and use of the Facetime feature. Yeah, I have used the Facetime feature in the iPhone but this is the iPod Touch. And as with any new Apple product, you'll want to make sure Apple has gotten the kinks out first.

I think it was a prudent move on my part. Apple TV was fine except I think I didn't get everything I wanted. Steve wanted a subscription plan but the studios wouldn't go with it. I wanted to be able to use my apps on the Apple TV and control it with my iPhone. I didn't get that. I'm sure that'll happen eventually. And I'm sure Apple will get its subscription plan in due time (years from now).

One thing I'm a bit disappointed in is that we lost the ability to play video on the iPod nano. It's not perfect as many people have said in the past but it was an option there and I like having it. I think I might go and pick up an older model just because.

Anyway, the big thing is going to be Apple TV. It might seem like it now but we will in time. Just wait and see.

And now iTunes. Ping. Yeah, it's not much now but like Apple TV, just wait and see. It'll be huge.

Apple Event: Transformative or Just Really About Music

I know there are those who think tomorrow's Apple event will be a game changer in mobile tech and transform how we consume media, specifically, video. While I hope for that to happen, I am no in that camp. As a matter of fact, I think tomorrow's event will be routine.

Well, for Apple, it's routine. For other companies, it might be extraordinary. But that's a post for another time.

For now, we can expect Apple to push consumer technology further by bring some iPhone 4 features over the iPod Touch. That much we are certain. Anything else would just be icing on the cake.

Anyway, tomorrow's event will be streamed live over the Internet. I think that alone should make this a memorable Apple media event.