Evidence that Apple did plan to introduce a video-capable iPod emerges

May 19, 2010 14:14 GMT  ·  By

Another major Apple leak has been reported in Vietnam, the third one this month, stemming from the same source. A camera-equipped, third generation iPod touch (most likely the one Apple never got to release reportedly because of component suppliers) has surfaced over at Tinhte.vn, the site that also leaked the second iPhone 4G prototype, and Apple’s revised polycarbonate MacBook, which went on sale just yesterday.

It is widely believed that Apple scrapped the camera-equipped iPod touch before the company’s September event last year, but rumors continue that the company may, one day, roll out the video-capable device (if you ask us, it’s clearly only a matter of time, and the same goes for the iPad). Now, a prototype iPod touch with a two-megapixel camera has landed in the hands of Tinhte.vn, the Vietnamese website that seemingly aims for the world record at leaking Apple products before their official introduction.

Checks of the serial number revealed in the video below show that it’s a third-generation iPod touch, iodnn reports, “and should consequently have the same processor and other internals as the device on sale today,” the tech-site adds.

The video in question contains multiple clues that Tinhte.vn is in the possession of another prototype Apple device, the strongest of which represents the diagnostics software the iPod runs on, rather than the actual iPhone OS. The camera (reportedly a two-megapixel one) and other internal parts appear to be functioning properly.

If history is any indication, Apple is not going to introduce a new iPod too soon – the company usually makes iPod-announcements in Fall, and this device certainly deserves a ceremonious one. However, the fact that this prototype iPod touch has surfaced only now may indicate that Apple is set to introduce the revamped player alongside iPhone 4G (or iPhone HD) during its WWDC 2010 event next month.

As usual, all this should be taken with a boulder-sized grain of salt, but reader opinions are highly encouraged on this topic. So, fire away!