FaceTime
FaceTime is an iPod touch application that provides video calling from the new iPod touch to another iPod touch or to an iPhone 4 through Wi-Fi. The iPhone 4 also includes the FaceTime feature. The iPhone 4 comes with a front and back camera which are 5-megapixel. FaceTime only requires you to enter your Apple ID and email address to work. FaceTime is rather straightforward and easy to use. It starts by tapping the FaceTime application on the iPod touch screen and sending an invitation to the person you wish to speak to. The receiver will get an invitation and once the receiver accepts the invitation, FaceTime begins. You take full advantage of the iPod touch’s new built-in cameras, one on the front and one on the back. The front camera has been modified for use especially with FaceTime. I think FaceTime is a great addition to the iPod touch line. With this feature, you can have video chats with your friends through your iPod touch. I am also very pleased that there are two built-in cameras on the new iPod touch. You can now take pictures from your iPod touch instead of carrying a traditional camera around.
The Retina Display
The new iPod touch comes with a new Retina Display, which I think is awesome. The Retina Display has a higher pixel density that makes the images on the screen more clear and crisp. The pixels are packed very tightly and there are 326 pixels per inch. Apple has developed pixels that are 78 micrometers wide. LED backlighting and an ambient light sensor are key features that contribute to better battery life and a clearer image. The 960-by-640 resolution is incredible to observe. Apple packs four times the amount of pixels found in older iPod touch models on the same screen, which is why the Retina Display is such a big improvement.
HD Video
The new iPod touch comes with a built-in HD video camera on the back and built-in video editing. iMovie, Apple’s video editing app that costs just $4.99, provides additional opportunities when it comes to video editing. It allows you to combine, edit, add music, and publish your video to the public. You can also use the VGA-quality camera on the front to simply record yourself. The camera in the front provides an easy alternative than trying to record yourself using the back camera and not knowing how the video looks as you are recording it.
Game Center
I will be honest; I am very excited about Game Center. Game Center is a new feature that comes with iOS 4.1. Game Center allows you to play games, which are downloaded from the Game Center, with or against friends and people from all around. Plus, the A4 processor provides a better gaming experience. You are required to have iOS 4.1 and to sign in with your Apple ID. You are allowed a nickname that will make it easier for friends to find you. You can invite someone to play with you by sending a friend request using their nickname or email address. Your friends are listed on a Friends list. You can look at leaderboards and achievements to see how you compare in rank to others. Auto-match will automatically match you with a friend if they are also looking for a match to play, if not, you will matched with another person from around the world. How convenient is that? I am thrilled and excited to use Game Center. Aren’t you?
Environmental Status Report
The new iPod touch is designed to reduce the impact on the environment. The iPod touch is made based on these guidelines:
- Arsenic-free display glass
- Brominated flame retardant-free
- Mercury-free LCD display
- PVC-free
- Recyclable stainless steel enclosure
- Smaller, more compact packaging
There features are definitely important because it affects everyone. The environment is important to all of us and we are responsible to take care of it. Apple is doing their part to save the environment. Now you can look at your iPod touch and know that it was made with a design that lessens its impact on the environment.
What do I think?
Basically, I am excited to use the new iPod touch. Out of all the new features, I think they are all great. I am more enthusiastic about Game Center, FaceTime, and the Retina Display. The video editing feature is not really a big thing for me because the iPod touch is typically used for listening to music, watching videos, and playing games. The video editing feature may turn out to be very useful.
Purchasing Recommendation
I would also recommend the 32 GB because it is only $70 more and it provides 4x the space. The 32 GB is a perfect amount for containing a huge number of songs, movies, and apps. 64 GB is usually not necessary, but if you believe you will need a lot of space, the 64 GB is the way to go. If you don’t think you will use a lot of space, I would still recommend the 32 GB over the 8 GB because you will end up using a lot of space in the long run.
Let us know what you think about the new iPod touch.
[Image Source: http://storeimages.apple.com/1739/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/touch/img/ipodtouch-hero.jpg]