Apple's fifth generation iPod touch has been around for several years now. It launched in 2012 and was powered by an Apple A5 processor. The new iPod touch revealed today utilizes a much more powerful 64-bit Apple A8 processor, which is the same processor found inside of the iPhone 6. Apple claimed the A8 is up to 10 times faster than the A5 found in older iPods. Also included is the M8 motion coprocessor found in the iPhone 6. The coprocessor is used for better fitness tracking than older versions.
The new version of the iPod touch has better Wi-Fi, which Apple claimed is up to three times faster than the previous generation. The company has also opted to include better cameras. The iPod touch now includes an 8MP iSight camera, as well as an improved FaceTime HD camera. The new cameras give users the ability to film in slow-motion, and use Burst Mode for rapid successive images.
The latest version of the iPod touch will come with iOS 8 pre-installed, and it will include iMessage, the Photos app, and the Health app. iMessage will let you make unlimited video and voice calls over Wi-Fi. Photos lets you edit images on your phone, and the Health app can help track your fitness and wellness. The iPod touch will be able to access Apple Music through the Music app.
Apple is giving away 3-month trials for Apple Music, after which it will cost $9.99/month, or $14.99/month on a Family Sharing plan. Family Sharing allows for up to six family members to share iTunes, iBooks and App store purchases.
The new iPod touch will come in four different capacity options. The 16 GB version is available for $199, and an extra $50 ($249) gets you double the storage capacity with 32 GB. The 64 GB version is priced at $299, and for the first time on an iPod touch, a 128 GB version is being offered for $399. Each version comes with a four-inch Retina display.
In addition to the hardware changes of the iPod Touch, Apple has also changed the color lineup for the full iPod product line. The devices will come in space grey, silver, gold, pink and blue, and they're available today at retailers and online directly from Apple.
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