Apple iPod touch 2G

September 9th, 2008

By GadgetManiac

The second generation of the iPod touch was introduced today at Apple’s Let’s Rock event.

The new iPod touch 2G is lighter (by 4%) but a bit thicker (by 6%) than before, & now comes with integrated volume control buttons, a new internal speaker (low-res for casual listening) and a built-in receiver for Nike+. Estimated battery life is 36/6 hours for audio/video, up from 22/5 hours for the first-gen touch.

Also, EA has deigned to create a few games for the touch/iPhone including Spore Origins and Need for Speed/Undercover. While the graphics on the 2 games looked nice, gameplay via tilting the device seemed a bit dicey, altho Steve said the touch is the “best portable device for playing games”.

And in the there’s-always-room-for-improvement department, Popular Mechanics has agreed to share their Top 5 iPod Features Apple Won’t Unveil (Even Though It Could) wish list of features they would like to see included in the iPod touch, such as: Wi-Fi VoIP, Bluetooth, Camera and FM Radio. Their conclusion: it’s not going to happen.

Reaction to the event/launch/products was somewhat muted, see here and here, and curiously, there was neither reaction nor review from Walt Mossberg, who is usually provided access to pre-release products weeks in advance.