Apple's New Supersmooth iPod Touch: 4-inch Display, iOS 6, And The Loop

By Anu Passary | Sep 13, 2012 12:51 PM EDT

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Apple unveiled its fifth iteration of the iPod Touch at a press event on Sept. 12. The new iPod touch has received a much-need facelift after sporting the same aesthetic design for the last two years. Here is a round-up of the new device's features and specifications.

Display

As rumored, the redesigned iPod Touch, touted as the "thinnest, lightest iPod Touch ever," will have features that are similar to the iPhone 5. It will sport a 4-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch IPS screen with 1136 x 640 pixels resolution and "fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating."

"The new Retina display got taller but not wider. That means everything you do on iPod touch can remain a one-handed operation, and your thumb gets more room to roam. The display is also more advanced, with finger-friendly Multi-Touch technology built into the glass instead of beneath it. So less gets between you and your games, music, messages - whatever you love to see and do," states the Apple Web site.

Size, Weight, and Design

The new iPod touch has a "supersmooth finish" and 23.4mm x 58.6mm x 6.1 mm. At 88gms, it is much lighter than its predecessor which weighed 101gms.

"Fun was built into every millimeter of the new thinner, lighter iPod Touch. It does more than ever, more powerfully than ever, from playing games to playing music to just playing around. And everything looks tremendous on the 4-inch Retina display," states the Apple Web site.

The new iPod Touch is made from the anodized aluminum that Apple uses in its MacBook line. Apple also asserts that the new iPod touch is a tough cookie and is made from one of the strongest grades of aluminum available.

Processor and OS

With the new iPod touch, Apple packs in several firsts including a new A5 processor and will come with the latest iOS 6.

Camera and Battery

Apple's rear-facing iSight camera has been upgraded to 5 megapixels, which Apple says is "seven times more than the previous generation." The iSight camera also comes with backside illumination, an f/2.4 aperture, and supports face detection.

"The new iSight camera lets you take your best shots. Facebook integration gives you plenty to post about. (Or you can just ask Siri to post for you.) And, of course, there are endless games to play and endless music to listen to. All on the thinnest, lightest iPod touch ever," states Apple.

The camera has the same sapphire crystal lens as the iPhone 5, advanced optics, tap to focus, and an LED flash. The front-facing FaceTime HD camera too gets a boost. Additionally, like the iPhone 5, the new iPod touch camera too supports a panorama shooting mode.

The non-removable rechargeable lithium-ion battery will allow users up to 40 hours and 8 hours of audio and video playback, respectively.

The Loop

The introduction of a new feature called "the Loop" enables iFans to attach a strap to the iPod touch. The Loop comes color-matched with the new iPod touch. The option to buy different colors separately is also available.

Apple says "It's a fun new way to keep your iPod touch safe at hand."

Connectivity

The new iPod touch supports Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n. It has Wi-Fi support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It will also include AirPlay mirroring for the first time ever.

In the Box

The box will include the iPod Touch, iPod Touch Loop, the new Apple EarPods, the new Lightning USB Cable, and a Quick Start guide.

Colors, Availability, and Pricing

The iPod touch will come in an array of colors: red, yellow, blue, black, and white, and each with its own matching "Loop" strap. The previous model had only two variants -black and white.

The new iPod touch will hit the shelves in October and the pre-order starts on Sept. 14. The 32GB and 64GB models will cost $299 and $399, respectively.