It wouldn't be surprising to see the next iPod Touch with cell network connectivity (like netbooks and e-readers), quite possibly with Verizon. Lets hope they throw in a gps too. With unlimited 3g bandwidth and price under $50/mo it would serve me well using VOIP for those rare phone calls. Ooh, maybe a google voice SIP client!
erlichson
· 5 months ago
Seems like if you add a cellular radio to a touch, it's called an iphone ;-)
Brian
· 5 months ago
Exactly, but if brought to market as a netbook-like device without an associated phone number, it would be very appealing to many. Not everyone needs the highest quality voice connections....or the ~$130/mo bill.
If carriers are allowing netbooks to connect for $40-60/mo, there is no reason Apple can't work a deal with a 'Connected Touch'. ATT might be turned off by the idea so I suppose Verizon would be the likely alternative... with the rumors and all. It might even be tweaked to share its 3g with wifi clients! 3rd party tweak no doubt.
Brian
· 5 months ago
unlike the iPhone, Touch doesn't have gps, camera, compass, accelerometer or microphone.... yet.
Bluetooth was only recently activated. Unfortunately, it only supports A2DP stereo headsets.
erlichson
· 5 months ago
Touch definitely has an accelerometer and you can use headphones with a built in mic (so it must have a mic input)
Brian
· 5 months ago
Oops you're right, duh. Sure, you can connect a mic and also an external gps receiver, but it's not really an iPhone just by adding 3g.
I believe Apple can still differentiate the products and release a Touch to support 3g data and voip for significantly less cost. If not, they stand to lose ground to the host of other manufacturers.
Brian
· 5 months ago
iPod 3G
bshure
· 5 months ago
I upgraded from USB verizon EVDO card to MiFi as soon as I saw the announcement. I can plug it into my computer and use it like the old card, or use it like a wireless access point.
It makes my ipod touch almost an iphone, and best of all, no AT&T.
All Comments
If carriers are allowing netbooks to connect for $40-60/mo, there is no reason Apple can't work a deal with a 'Connected Touch'. ATT might be turned off by the idea so I suppose Verizon would be the likely alternative... with the rumors and all. It might even be tweaked to share its 3g with wifi clients! 3rd party tweak no doubt.
Bluetooth was only recently activated. Unfortunately, it only supports A2DP stereo headsets.
I believe Apple can still differentiate the products and release a Touch to support 3g data and voip for significantly less cost. If not, they stand to lose ground to the host of other manufacturers.
It makes my ipod touch almost an iphone, and best of all, no AT&T.