Posts Tagged ‘ipod touch’
Friday, September 24th, 2010
Earlier this month Apple updated their range of iPods, adding a range of new features and improving their usability. The iPod touch finally saw the addition of a rear camera for taking photo’s and recording HD video – something that people have been requesting for years. The screen has also upgraded and is now a high resolution ‘Retina Display’ similar to that found on iPhone 4. The only other noticeable change is that there’s now a camera on the front and a microphone on the back that enables the iPod to make FaceTime video calls over a Wi-Fi connection. The latest update to the iPod touch operating system, iOS 4.1, introduced a number of improvements to the Bluetooth support on the iPod touch too – opening it up to a whole new range of accessories.
The shape and size of the new iPod touch has changed slightly, so if you’re planning on upgrading your current iPod touch to the new one not all of your accessories will work with it. Standard accessories such as docks and headphones will be fine, but cases and screen protectors won’t.
With the new iPod touch now being so closely matched (in terms of spec) to the iPhone, I thought I’d take a look at some new iPod touch accessories – including some that you might not necessarily think of using with an MP3 player. I’ll be covering iPod touch 4G cases in more depth in a future post.
Hard Candy Street Skin for iPod touch 4G
Hard Candy are a relatively new brand that are proving to be extremely popular with iPhone 4 owners. There are currently two styles of Hard Candy iPod touch case – the Bubble Slider and the Street Skin. Each case is made from a tough polycarbonate and provides excellent protection against knocks and scrapes. The Street Skin is a one piece rubber case that has cut outs for the camera and volume keys and has a non slip finish. No screen protector is included though, so you’ll need to invest in an iPod touch 4G screen protector separately.
Hard Candy Street Skin for iPod touch 4G - Black
Martin Fields Screen Protector – iPod touch 4G
The Martin Fields Screen Protector is easily one of the best quality screen protectors you can get. They’re crystal clear and will keep the screen of your iPod touch looking like new. They don’t reduce the clarity of your screen and colours look exactly the way they’re supposed to. If your screen protector gets dirty, they can be removed easily from the phone, cleaned and refitted. They are available individually or in a twin pack. It’s precision cut to fit the iPod touch and has cut outs for the Home button and FaceTime Camera.
Martin Fields Screen Protector - iPod touch 4G
InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector – iPod touch 4G
If you don’t want the added bulk of a case, but still want to protect your iPod touch, then an InvisibleShield is a great option. It’s a tough, thin plastic film that covers all of your device. I’ve been a fan of these for a while now as they do such a good job. Fitting them is a little bit time consuming, but the end result is well worth it. They don’t add a lot to the bulk of your handset so you can easily use them with most other cases and covers. They also give your iPod a bit more grip which helps to reduce the chances of it slipping out of your hands.
InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector - iPod touch 4G
Sony Ericsson MW600 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
Time for something a little bit different, but very cool! The MW600 is a Multipoint Stereo Bluetooth headset that is absolutely perfect for the iPod touch. Because the headset is Multipoint, you can use it with your iPod at the same time as your phone – for example, you can be listening to your music from your iPod touch through the MW600 and when a call comes through on your mobile, you’ll be able to answer the call using the headset – without having to disconnect the iPod. As soon as your call is over the headset will switch back to your music. What’s more, the MW600 has a built in FM radio – a feature that’s been missing from the iPod touch for years.
Sony Ericsson MW600 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
There are two other stand out features that make this a great choice for the iPod touch. Firstly, the headphones are standard 3.5mm earphones – this means that you can change them for whatever earphones you want if you don’t like/damage/lose the ones that come with it. Secondly, now that iOS4.1 has been updated to include full support for the AVRCP profile, you can use the music controls built into the headset allow you to fully control your music playback without having to touch your iPod. The buttons on the MW600 allow you to skip forward/back/play/pause and adjust the volume level. To change song or playlist you can use the headset to activate voice control and then simply talk to your iPod. For me, this is a must have accessory for music lovers.
Antimicrobial Silicone Case for iPod touch 4G
Silicone cases are one of the most simple, affordable and effective ways to protect any device. They protect it against bumps and knocks while leaving all the important parts of your iPod accessible. This one has a special coating that helps to kill of germs that might be lurking on your iPod touch. As you’d expect, there are cut outs for the camera, speakers and charging port and the volume keys can still be used through the case.
Antimicrobial Silicone Case for iPod touch 4G - Black
Skullcandy FMJ Full Metal Jacket Headphones – Chrome With Mic
If you love music, one of the first things you’ll want to replace will be the headphones. The standard ones that come with your iPod touch aren’t bad and are significantly better than those included with earlier models, but you can get better. The FMJ’s are quite bass heavy, so not so great if you prefer quiet, relaxing tunes, but they provide a clubby sound signature that makes for fun listening. They look great – they have metal casings and fabric cables. You get 3 sets of ear tips included, so if you lose some it’s not the end of the world. The in-line remote will work for music control, but doesn’t have any volume controls. It’s in the right place and the button is raised slightly to make it easy to locate without looking. We’ve checked the mic and it works perfectly with the iPod touch.
Skullcandy FMJ Full Metal Jacket Headphones - Chrome With Mic
Scosche HD – High Definition Audio/Video Cable for iPod touch 4G
A lot of people now use their iPod to watch films and videos on while they’re out and about, but what do you do when you get home and don’t want to carry on watching on a relatively small screen? The simple answer is to plug your iPod touch into your TV and carry on watching from where you left off. It’s a lot less hassle and it’s quicker than transferring the film back to your PC/Mac and finding where you’re up to. This cable from Scosche is all you need to be able to connect your iPod touch, iPad or iPhone to your HDTV using the RGB Component input. If you don’t have a HDTV or all your component ports are in use, you can also get an Apple Composite Cable that does the same job, but using the red/white/yellow ports found on most TV’s. You won’t need to worry about running out of power either as both cables have the ability to charge your iPod at the same time.
Scosche HD Audio/Video Cable for iPod touch
Belkin TuneCast Auto Live FM Transmitter
If you want to be able to enjoy your music and podcasts while you’re in the car you can of course stick to using the standard earphones, but on long journeys they’re not particularly comfortable and it’s not really all that safe. There are a number of other solutions though and that’s what the next couple of accessories are for. The TuneCast Auto is a 2-in-1 product that will charge your iPod touch and transmit all audio over an FM frequency to your car stereo. For the best experience you can download an app that will use GPS data from your iPod touch to tune in to the clearest frequency where you are and prompt you to tune your stereo in to match. It’s clever, it’s easy and will work on iPod touch and iPhone.
Belkin TuneCast Auto Live FM Transmitter
Jabra Cruiser Bluetooth & FM Loud Speaker
This is a very similar kind of accessory to the TuneCase above, but it does it without wires. Instead of having to plug your iPod touch into the Jabra Cruiser, you connect to it using Bluetooth. Your music is then streamed to the Cruiser and you can then choose to either play it through the built in loudspeaker, or you can broadcast it over FM to your car stereo. Just like the Sony Ericsson MW600, it’s a multipoint device, so you can connect this to your mobile phone at the same time for handsfree calling. If/when a call comes in, the music fades out and the call is relayed through your car stereo or loudspeaker. The Jabra Cruiser has music control buttons built in that allow you to control your music in the same way as you can with the MW600. If you don’t want the physical buttons and are happy enough using voice control, then the Jabra SP700 is a good alternative.
Jabra Cruiser Bluetooth Speakerphone
Philips DC315 Alarm Clock Radio – iPod touch 4G
I only ever charge my iPhone at night I’m sleeping or when I’m in the car, so this is ideal. It means that I don’t have to hunt around each night for my charging cable and I don’t have to worry about accidentally decreasing the ringer volume and sleeping through my alarm. As well as charging your iPod touch, the Philips Alarm Clock can play your music through it’s own speakers. It has track skip controls built into it, so if you are listening to your music from your iPod, you won’t have to go back into the iPod app to change song. The alarm clock has dual alarms, it gives you the choice of being woken up by buzzer, music from your iPod or FM radio as well as snooze and sleep functions.
Philips DC315 Alarm Clock Radio - iPhone / iPod
That’s 10 of my favourite iPod touch 4G accessories. Over the next few weeks the range of iPod touch cases and covers will be increasing, so I’ll take a close look at them in a few weeks time. If you’ve not seen anything here that grabs your attention, head over to the main site and check out our full range of new iPod touch accessories.
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Tags: 4th generation ipod touch, ipod touch, ipod touch 2010, ipod touch 4g, iPod touch Accessories, iPod touch back cover, iPod touch back plate, iPod touch Bluetooth Headsets, iPod touch Car Kit, iPod touch Car Kits, ipod touch case, ipod touch cases, ipod touch cover, iPod touch Covers, iPod touch flip case, iPod touch Hands Free Kits, iPod touch hard case, iPod touch hard cover, iPod touch Pouch, iPod touch Pouches, iPod touch Screen Protector, iPod touch Screen Protectors, iPod touch Skin, iPod touch Skins, new ipod touch,
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Monday, June 21st, 2010
We’re all waiting patiently for Apple to roll out the long awaited software update to the iPhone operating system – now renamed to iOS. Version 4 for iPhone and iPod touch is due at some point today, but in usual Apple style, they’re not announcing a time, although from past experience I’d expect it around 6-7pm tonight.
The update adds a number of new features to the latest versions of both devices, including multi-tasking, unified in-boxes for email, home screen wallpapers and an all new iBookstore.
For the first time, this major new software update is free for both iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch users and will come pre-installed on the all new iPhone 4 when it hits the shelves on Thursday.
Will it Work on my iPhone?
For the first time, the software update will provide different functionality for different devices. If you’ve got one of the first generation iPhones or iPod touch, you’re left in the cold as this update isn’t supported by the hardware on your device so won’t be available to you.
iPhone 3G owners miss out on some of the new features too. Multi-tasking, fast app switching, orientation lock and the iBookstore are both excluded from the update. The only devices to fully support everything new in iOS 4 are the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and the 3rd generation iPod touch.
Should I upgrade?
Yes. Even if you’ve got the iPhone 3G, the new features that you get make it worthwhile, and if you’re planning on upgrading to the all new iPhone 4 on Thursday, this will give you a preview of some of the new features you’re going to get later in the week.
How do I Upgrade?
Chances are, unless you’re really new to iPhone, you’ll have already completed at least one software update on your phone and this one will be no different.
To update your device, you need launch iTunes. If you’ve not already downloaded the latest version of iTunes (Version 9.2), do it now – before you start and before the update is released. Once it’s out, iTunes is going to suffer a bit of a melt down and is likely to struggle to cope with the volume of devices trying to update.
If you can force yourself to wait a day to update, you’ll find that it will be a much easier process as the initial rush will be over and the whole process should be quicker
Once you’re running iTunes 9.2 connect your iPhone or iPod touch. After a few seconds it will be recognised by iTunes and should automatically check for an update. If it doesn’t prompt you to update, you’ll need to select your device from the list of devices in the left hand pane of iTunes and click on the summary tab. Here you will see the option to ‘Check for Update’.
iTunes will connect to Apple’s servers, and after a few seconds you should see a message similar to this one:
To start the update, click on ‘Download and Install’ and you will then be shown a screen that shows you more information about what is included in the software update.
When you click on Next, the download will start. It’s a hefty download, the exact size will vary depending on your device, but it will be several hundred MB and will take a while to download.
While it downloads and updates, make yourself a drink and if you’re upgrading later this week, go shopping for a nice new iPhone 4 case while you wait for it to finish. Once the download is complete, it will back up your existing device and begin the update process.
Depending on your download speed, the update process will take around 20-30 minutes to complete – although don’t be surprised if it takes longer than this. In previous years the sheer volume of phones being updated has caused Apple’s servers to buckle and updates can take longer than normal.
Once the update has completed, the phone will show the connect to iTunes screen while it attempts to activate itself with Apple’s servers. Last year this part of the update process went down and activating your phone took quite a while and meant your phone was out of action for quite a while.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
Every June and September Apple announce an upgrade to the iPhone and iPod line up (iPhone in June, iPods in September). For months the media speculate as to what the latest and greatest device to come out of Apple HQ will be called, often getting it wrong and causing no end of confusion in the process.
iPhone Naming
iPhones don’t follow the same naming pattern as iPods. The ‘G’ in iPhone 3G and 3GS refers to the technology within the handset and not the generation of phone. To avoid any future confusion over mobile technology and versions of device Apple have decided to drop the ‘G’ completely from the name of the new phone and have simply called their latest handset iPhone 4.
What does the “G” mean?
When Apple launched the early iPod’s, they weren’t given names like they are today. The original iPod was replaced by a newer model also called iPod. As the newer model had several advanced features over its predecessor, it was unofficially dubbed the new generation of iPod, this over time change to 2nd Generation, which in turn got shortened to 2G.
The number preceding the “G” just determines where that particular model sits in the range of iPods. Even now with the iPod nano, we are seeing 2nd and 3rd generation models. The original style of iPod is now called the iPod classic, and no doubt as time goes on, more generations will follow.
So which iPod or iPhone have I got?
The list below shows all Apple iPods and iPhones from the last few years. I’ve put the dates that the different generations were released along with the available storage capacity so you should be able to figure out pretty easily which one you’ve got. If yours isn’t listed here, take a look at last years post which shows all models of iPod and iPhone up to March 2009.
iPhone 4
iPhone 4
Available from June 2010 and available in 16GB and 32GB models. The iPhone 4 is a brand new design with a lot of new features over the 3GS. It has a faster processor, higher resolution screen, video calling and a 5MP camera. iPhone 4 is released alongside a major new version of the operating system, iOS4.
Status: 16GB and 32GB launching 24th June 2010
View all iPhone 4 Accessories
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3GS
Available from July 2009 and available in 16GB and 32GB models. The iPhone 3GS is essentially the same as the iPhone 3G, but with improved battery life and a faster processor. There are cosmetic changes but a major new version of the operating system added many new features.
Status: 8GB Current, 16GB and 32GB discontinued 24th June 2010
View all iPhone 3GS accessories
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3G
Available from July 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone 3Gis essentially the same as the original iPhone, but with improved battery life and 3G connectivity. Some minor cosmetic changes and the introduction of a white 16GB model. iPhone 3G shipped with software version 2.0 which added the App store and support for Microsoft Exchange.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPhone 3G Accessories
iPhone
iPhone
Available from November 2007 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone is a revolutionary Phone, iPod and Internet Device. The iPhone combines all the features of the iPod Touch with a mobile phone.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPhone Accessories
iPad
iPad
Available from June 2010 and available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. The iPad is a whole new type of mobile computer from Apple. It has a much larger touchscreen display that makes emailing, browsing and using your apps much easier. It has the same powerful processor as the all new iPhone 4 and comes in two versions, a Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi and 3G.
Status: Current
View all iPad Accessories
touch 3g
iPod touch 3G
Available from September 2009 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. No visual changes compared to the 2nd Generation Touch. Main upgrade was to processor speed to bring it inline with the new iPhone 3GS.
Status: Current
View all iPod touch 3G Accessories
touch 2g
iPod touch 2G
Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. The the black beveled edges and back cover on the original iPod Touch gets replaced with stainless steel. Physical volume keys and a speaker are introduced into the slimmer design. Support for Nike+ is added with software version 2.1, along with “Genius” playlists.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod touch 2G Accessories
iPod touch
iPod touch
Available from September 2007 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. iPod moves to a whole new level with the introduction of the iPod Touch. The click wheel is replaced with a wide screen, touch sensitive display. Wi-Fi is introduced to the iPod range to give internet and email access.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod touch Accessories
nano 4G
iPod nano 4G
Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPod Nano returns to its earlier, slimmer design, but with a 2″ widescreen display. Slimmer than previous versions, the iPod Nano 4G has an inbuilt motion sensor which allows you to change track just by shaking it. The iPod Nano 4G is available in 9 new vibrant colours.
Status: Current
View all iPod nano 4G Accessories
iPod nano 3G
iPod nano 3G
Available from September 2007 and available in 4GB and 8GB models. The iPod Nano now lets you enjoy TV shows, music videos, video podcasts and more.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod nano 3G Accessories
iPod nano 2G
iPod nano 2G
Available from September 2006 and available in 2GB, 4GB & 8GB models. The second-generation Nano come in a variety of scratch-resistant colours.
Status: Discontinued
shuffle 3G
iPod shuffle 3G
Available from March 2009 and available only in 4GB models holding up to 1000 songs. The iPod Shuffle 3G is even smaller than the second generation model, and has no buttons to press to control your music. Instead the iPod Shuffle 3G has a new remote headset that controls volume and play back and a new voice menu system that talks you through your menu’s.
Status: Current
View all iPod shuffle 3G Accessories
iPod Shuffle 2G
iPod shuffle 2G
Available from September 2006 and available in 512MB, 1GB & 2GB models. The second-generation Shuffle comes in only one capacity in a clip-on case that’s roughly half the size of its predecessor. In September 2008 the iPod Shuffle receives a minor make over, with the introduction of 5 new colours.
Status: Discontinued
iPod Shuffle
iPod shuffle
Available from January 2005. Apple gets into the flash-based music player business, introducing the iPod Shuffle. About the size of a stick of gum, the shuffle comes in 512MB and 1GB capacities.
Status: Discontinued
iPod classic
iPod classic
Available from September 2007 and available in 80GB and 160GB models. Re-named the iPod Classic, the iPod Video sees an increase in capacity. In September 2009 the iPod Classic 120GB sees an increase in capacity to 160GB and the 120GB model is discontinued. The iPod Classic continues in Silver and Black
Status: Current
View all iPod classic Accessories
iPod Video
iPod video 5G Available from October 2005 and available in 30GB & 60GB models. The fifth-generation iPod Video plays video on a 2.5-inch, 320-by-240, 260,000 colour TFT display.
Status: Discontinued
iPod Color
iPod colour
Available from June 2005 and available in 20GB & 60GB models. The iPod and iPod photo lines are merged into the iPod Colour, ending the availability of monochrome-screen music players.
Status: Discontinued
iPod Photo
iPod photo
Available from October 2004 and available in 20GB, 40GB or 60GB models. The iPod Photo plays music as well as displays photos on a 220-by-176-pixel resolution screen.
Status: Discontinued
Wondering what’s next from Apple?
You shouldn’t have too long to wait. The next expected announcement is normally a music themed event that takes place in September and normally includes a refresh of all iPod models. This year, I’d expect the iPod touch to get the biggest update, with a new look to bring it in-line with the new iPhone 4 as well as camera and video capabilities. Look for more news on the Mobile Fun Blog nearer the time.
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Tags: iPhone, iphone 3g, iphone 3gs, iphone 4, iPod, ipod accessories, ipod classic, ipod mini, ipod model number, ipod nano, ipod touch, itouch,
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Thursday, June 18th, 2009
Last night Apple released the long awaited iPhone OS 3.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch. The update adds a number of new features to the latest versions of both devices, including adding support for Stereo Bluetooth Headphones and Speakers.
The update is free foriPhone 3G users, and there is a small charge of £5.99 for iPod Touch users.
To update your device, you need launch iTunes and connect your iPhone or iPod Touch. Once it is recognised by iTunes, you need to select it from the list of devices and click on the summary tab. Here you will see the option to ‘Check for Update’.
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Friday, March 20th, 2009
UPDATE: Apple have confirmed that the iPhone 3.0 software update will be available to download on the 17th June and will be free for iPhone users and there will be a small charge for iPod Touch users. More Information
In case you may have missed it, yesterday, Apple announced a new version of its iPhone software (iPhone 3.0) that also runs on the iPod touch. While a lot of the new features will only be available on the iPhone, there are a few new features that will make it onto the iPod Touch.
Applications will be smarter and able to do more, Copy & Paste will be added for email, but probably the most exciting addition to the iPod Touch (and iPhone 3G) is the introduction of Stereo Bluetooth that will allow you to listen to your music using Bluetooth Headphones, Bluetooth Car Kits and Stereo Bluetooth Speakers.
Did you say Bluetooth? On an iPod Touch?
You might be thinking I’m going a little bit crazy as the iPod Touch doesn’t have Bluetooth. Well, no I’m not crazy, the iPod Touch 2G does infact have Bluetooth built in, but Apple chose not to use it.
When the 2nd Generation iPod Touch launched last September, several people decided to take it to pieces and examine the components. Amongst them they found a Bluetooth chip, that until iPhone 3.0, has been lying dormant. This new version of the operating system will enable the chip to allow Bluetooth connections for peer-to-peer connections and the use of Stereo Bluetooth accessories.
Great news for all you music fans who are fed up of getting tangled in cables. Looks like its time to dig out my Motorola S9′s.
Apple are still to confirm whether you will be able to control your music using controls on Bluetooth Headphones, or whether it is only going to play music, either way its still an unexpected feature that will be more than welcome on the iPod Touch & iPhone 3G. The only bad news is that Stereo Bluetooth is not going to be available on the first generation iPod Touch or iPhone.
iPhone 3.0 will be a free upgrade to iPhone users and is expected to be available in June this year. iPod Touch users will have to pay a small fee for the software, which I’m guessing will be around £15.
Read our iPhone 3.0 Beta Review here.
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Tags: apple, Bluetooth, headset, iPhone, iphone 3.0, iPod, ipod touch, software, stereo bluetooth, touch,
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