Retailers Want to Carry the ‘Peel’ that Turns iPod touch into a Phone

Another day, another announcement from GoSolarUSA regarding the Apple Peel 520, an add-on for the iPod touch that effectively turns the portable media player into a communications device, complete with calling and texting functionality.

The company today announced that it has received inquiries from electronics retailer Micro Center regarding the U.S. release of the Apple Peel 520.

According to the report, Micro Center sells many lines of Apple products and accessories, and is now eager to start handing out Apple Peel 520 units to forthcoming customers.

The computer retailer noted that it could be a formidable partner in opening the U.S. market to the Apple Peel 520, according to its President, Tyson Rohde.

“Micro Center is indisputably a major name in the world of retail electronics,” Rohde said. “We hope to continue our communications with them and to develop a marketing relationship to our mutual benefit.”

Earlier this week, Softpedia reported hat development was expected to begin on adapting the Apple Peel 520 for use with the new iPod touch 4.

However, GoSolarUSA is not the developer of the device. The makers are Yosion Technology, a company started by a a 22-year-old Chinese programmer.

“We have received many inquiries about the Apple Peel 520 since signing the option agreement with Yosion,” Rohde said. “It’s very clear to us that there is high demand for this product.”

The Apple Peel is designed to slip over the case of the iPod touch and includes a battery, dock connector and SIM card.

The company avoids to specifically state that employing the product requires the user to jailbreak their iPod touch, but does say that “Once the proper software is installed, the Apple Peel adds the ability to make voice calls and text messages to all versions of the Touch.”

Set to go on sale for $57, the Peel represents a more affordable alternative to buying Apple’s costlier iPhone, GoSolarUSA claims.