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Apple has introduced its latest iPod Touch, featuring a wide range of improvements including a more powerful processor, faster graphics, better still image and video cameras, and upgraded fitness tracking capabilities.
The new iPod Touch devices, which come three years since their last version and range from $199 for a 16GB model to $399 for a 128GB version, were unveiled by Apple on July 15. Highlighting the latest devices are 64-bit A8 processors that feature 10 times the graphics performance of previous models, a new 8-megapixel iSight still photo camera, an improved 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera for better selfies and an updated M8 motion coprocessor that improves fitness tracking for users, including the ability to monitor elevation changes so it can track when users are climbing stairs.
The improved iSight and FaceTime HD cameras give iPod Touch owners the ability for the first time to use popular Apple features, including slow-motion and burst modes, according to Apple.
The latest iPod Touch, which lets users take their music collections, photos and more with them anywhere, also includes a 4-inch Retina touch-screen display with a fingerprint-resistant coating, 720p and 1080p HD video recording, 802.11 WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, and a non-removable lithium-ion battery that promises up to 40 hours of music playback and up to 8 hours of video playback.
“iPod touch gives customers around the world access to Apple Music, the App Store and iOS, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, starting at just $199,” Greg Joswiak, vice president of Apple’s iPhone, iPod and iOS product marketing, said in a statement. “With big advancements like the A8 chip and the 8-megapixel iSight camera, customers can experience next-level gameplay, take even more beautiful photos and enjoy their favorite music, TV shows and movies.”
The iPod Touch models, which run on the iOS 8 operating system, also feature Apple’s Lightning connector, an accelerometer and a three-axis gyro. The devices are 4.86 inches high, 2.31 inches wide, 0.24 inches deep and weigh about 3.1 ounces. They also come with earbuds and a cord for charging and syncing.
Available in silver, gold, space gray, pink, blue or red, a 16GB version is $199, a 32GB model sells for $249, a 64GB version is priced at $299 and a first-ever 128GB model is $399.
The iPod Touch works with Apple’s iTunes application on a Mac running OS X v10.7.5 or later or a PC running Windows 7 or later. The devices support iTunes 12.2 or later.
The devices also include Apple’s built-in iOS 8 apps, such as iMessage, which lets users send free messages using WiFi, Photos, iCloud and Apple’s Siri personal digital assistant.