Apple updates iPod Touch with A8 chip, brings new colors to shuffle, nano

In 2001, Apple took the digital music industry by storm by introducing the iPod. It was a tiny device which could store many songs and play them. Back then everyone wanted or owned an iPod and it sold like hot cakes. Since then Apple added new features like video playback, web browsing and even a touchscreen and the iPod got divided into different variant like the Classic, nano, Shuffle, mini and touch, with updated models and  variants being regularly introduced.

However, Apple reduced the release of the iPod after 2010, as the next model was launched in 2012, iPod Nano (7th generation) iPod Shuffle (4th gen) and iPod touch (5th gen). This was the time when cheap phone with multimedia features hit the market with voice calling, reducing the demand for iPod because people were hearing songs via their phones.

Now, three years later Apple has updated its iPod lineup, more specifically the iPod Touch with faster processor, better camera and new colors. Plus the iPod shuffle and iPod nano comes in new colors.

The updated iPod Touch packs a faster 64-bit Apple A8 chip with the M8 motion co-processor for fitness tracking. It sports 8-megapixel iSight camera with f/2.4 aperture, LED flash and 1080p video recording. On the front there is an 1.2-megaixel shooter with f/2.2 aperture and 720p video recoding capabilities. It also includes support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1. The iPod Touch features the same 4-inch (1136 x 640 pixels) Multi-Touch IPS display. The updated iPod Touch is not all about power, as it is more colorful now. It comes in Space Grey, Gold, Silver, Blue and Pink. 

Apple's new music streaming service that offers unlimited playback of millions of songs, Apple Music will also be available on iPod Touch through the Music app. It comes with 3-month trial, after the expiration of trial it costs Rs. 120/month for an indiviual and Rs. 190/month for family plan where up to six members can use the service.

The update iPod Touch is priced at Rs.18,900 (inc VAT) for the 16GB model, Rs. 22,900  (inc VAT) for 32GB and Rs. 26,900 inc (inc VAT) for 64GB model. There is also a 128GB model that costs $US 399 and at present is available only in the U.S, in addition to the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models that are priced at US$ 199, US$ 249 and US$ 299 accordingly. 

The iPod shuffle and the iPod nano are getting the same colors (Space Grey, Silver, Gold, Pink, and Blue), other than that nothing has changed including the price. Neither model can run Apple Music.

The 2015 iPod family will be available via select Apple Authorized Resellers across India.