Next iPod to come with 3G connectivity

[idan]

Come September, Apple will hold their annual event, which has so far been the perfect excuse for the company to launch their new products. This year, rumors have been booming regarding the supposed launches of new products. Attention has gone to the rumors about the new models of the iPhone and the iPad. But now, there is some buzz about an update to the Apple’s media player, the iPod Touch. The current generation is a stripped down version of the iPhone, as it only gives access to media content and reduced connectivity via Wi-Fi.

Not the new one, though. It seems that the tech giant is planning to add 3G connectivity to the little iPod. According to the Dutch blog AppleSpot.nl, quoted by 5to9Mac, the iPod’s will use 3G only for data transfer and not voice calls, just like its bigger brother, the iPad. That will not be an issue, since it means a great improvement from the current version anyway. Since they can only use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet, current iPod users are limited to using their gadget within range of wireless hotspots. Having 3G connectivity will however allow them to use mobile voice networks, which have incomparably better coverage.

Another benefit of the new update will be the ability to use VoIP services, such as Skype. This means that the mobile carriers will have to brace for a probably huge increase in data transfer over their lines. Not to say that this will be a bad thing for the carriers, quite the contrary, but they need to upgrade their networks if they are to support the additional data traffic. Unfortunately however, as has been the case in the last period, this is only unofficial rumor. Whether we will see a new, improved version of the iPod Touch on the market in autumn is still highly unclear and massively stipulative. We’ll just have to wait and see.

By Radu Tyrsina
Source: 9to5mac.com

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[mrksbrd]

Isn't it out already and called an iPhone...lol

[Quicksilver7714]

Why have 3g on an iTouch??? Its easier to have an I phone, especially since you would need a data contract for the 3g data on the iTouch.

[iPawd]

That would be nice, but it wouldn't be for phone calls, it would only be for Skype and the Internet, or anything else that uses Wi-Fi.

[iJay]

Makes no sense. Just get an iPhone....

[Greasemuntney]

I agree if they want 3g then buy a iphone. Thats the point of buying a ipod is for music and surfing while at home or office. The iphone does all from any where why add this to a ipod. Just like the ipads they want to get more money for the 3g access for something that most places you can find a free wifi signal for quick stuff.

[Omar6000]

This is just 1 step closer to being an iPhone, they need to update the iPhone or downgrade the iPod, because they're becoming too similar and soon one of them will get discontinued when consumers finally realise they're the same thing!

[iJasonTATE]

if it did, it wouldnt be an ipod! it would be an iphone without a cellular radio.

[Omar6000]

if it did, it wouldnt be an ipod! it would be an iphone without a cellular radio.

Which is why I think it's pretty useless :\

[accessoriesguy]

This would be pretty great. It would be a great alternative for the iPhone. We can use VoIP and other online services such as google talk or Skype to make and recieve phone calls. while the itouch can already text. You would get a very affordable iPhone out of a 3G itouch.

Great way to save money, and have access to the latest and greatest!