14 DAY TRIAL // The iPod touch is no longer just a portable music player with web browsing capabilities and support for hundreds of thousands of apps. The touch is now something virtually every person on the planet can, and should employ.
Apple's fourth-generation iPod touch has not one, but two built-in cameras. The rear facing camera allows for some pretty cool HD video recording and editing.
The new Retina Display goes great with this feature. It’s the highest-resolution screen ever seen on an iPod, with four times the pixel count of previous models.
However, there's something even better built inside iPod touch that makes great use of the dual cameras and hi-res screen – FaceTime.
“FaceTime on iPod touch lets you hang out, catch up, and goof off with friends in an entirely new way. With just a tap, you can see what your friends are up to — literally,” Apple explains.
FaceTime video calling works over Wi-Fi, which means there's no operator fees to pay. You just tap and place / accept a call and you start your conversation. It's as simple as that!
What many probably don't realize is that iPod touch has become the perfect communications tool for the deaf.
“FaceTime on iPod touch makes it possible to have video calls with friends and family across the globe — perfect for sign-language conversations,” Apple states.
“It works new iPod touch to new iPod touch or iPhone 4 over Wi-Fi — just enter your Apple ID and email address.”
Apple has also added a vibrating function to the new iPod touch.
“If somebody wants to start a video call with you, you’ll receive an invitation — along with a vibrating alert — on your iPod touch asking you to join,” Apple reveals. “Simply tap Accept, and the video call begins.”
Among other accessibility features, Apple has implemented screen reading with VoiceOver (for the blind, or visually impaired), the ability to reverse colors - white on black for higher contrast, and mono audio, for those whose hearing is limited in one ear.
The new-generation device comes pre-installed with iOS 4.1, which brings Game Center, Apple's new gaming network,
With a design to kill, and many more features to boot, the new iPod touch is on track to become one of the best products ever shipped by Apple.
As the Cupertino-based company puts it, “iPod touch has so much technology, you’ll forget it’s an iPod.”