Apple iPod Touch 8GB (4th Generation) Review
Any electronic gadget is highly welcomed in the market, if it could incorporate multi functional elements. The Apple iPod Touch 8GB (4th Generation) is one such. By having the various aspects in one device it becomes highly entertaining for almost anyone in the family or group. There are several circumstances to demonstrate as how everyone in the family or a group can use the iPod Touch 8GB.It can equally entertain a game savvy person, an avid reader or a quietly unfold a musical note in to the surroundings. What ever it is, the iPod Touch is designed to meet the ever growing requirements of the end users. Thanks for the blessings technology has adored to enhance social networking on the move, as iPod Touch 8GB is empowered to stay connected with friends through mail or chatting or youtube! The iPod has created a good vibe in the market and the worldwide sales obviously prove the statement to be true!
The apple ipod rated number 1 when compared against the Zune HD, Sony Model and creative Zen. It is ranked excellent amongst its competitors.
Apple iPod Touch 8GB 4th Generation Overview:
When compared to the 3rd Gen 8GB iPod Touch model Apple has certainly focused to increase the speed, features, and usability. The processor used in 4th gen is Apple A4chip and the operating system is OS 4. This allows multitasking operations without lowering the performance and preserves battery life than compared against the 3rd Gen model. Below listed is the catchy features of the 4th gen model that is not present in the previous model;
- Face time – Built-in webcam gives a live update of your interesting happenings in life to your friends and family
- Retina Display- High pixel density (960 x 640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch) producing sharper screen clarity.
- High Definition (HD) video recording
- Web Browser –Wi Fi
Design:
Anyone who had witnessed the design trend for electronic devices would definitely swear that the sleeker it gets the better it looks! The 4th gen iPod is certainly slimmer than her forerunner. The iPod Touch 4G is only 7.2 millimeters thin with 3.5 inch wide screen with multi Touch display. The sleeker model is not a scratch resistant and we strongly recommend the usage of silicone skin for the new iPod Touch. The HD widescreen Retina display is great for reading books or other documents Online, as the user can see the full width of a web page on the screen. The keyboard is dictionary enabled and tracks as we type. The user can work with word, spreadsheet and even presentations. The discernible buttons are located on the top and upper left edge and are user friendly.
Retinal Display:
The clarity of the image on the iPod Touch cannot be even compared to other iPod products or even with any of its competitors. This was achieved through a pixel size of 78 micrometers wide. Pixel with respect to visual technology can be described as the aggregation of small colored blocks that builds up the larger image that we see. The closer the pixels are packed the greater will be the quality. Apple with its unique “Retinal Display” technology makes it hard to differentiate between the real and image on the iPod. This is because, the pixels are closely packed to the tune of 326 per inch. It is aptly called Retinal display as our human eye stops identifying the pixielation above 300 pixels per inch mark and the resultant image looks very real! Further more, you can enjoy the LED backlighting facility and light sensor that conveniently fine-tune the brightness of the screen. So, it is an overall a good experience while playing with games or reading iBooks etc.
iPod Touch 8GB – Technology Bits:
Apple does a lot a research before the product design. Yes the new 4th Generation iPod Touch dishes out numerous features that is not available with any MP3 player. As stated earlier, this is possible only when the organization is completely in sync with the market requirements. There are lot many technical aspects infused to make this product look better and well ahead of its competitors. Listed below is a gist of the technical aspects
Face time:
Prior to discussing the face time feature in iPod, it is important to understand the history of the same. Face time is a technology launched by Apple for its iPhone family. The facetime in layman definition is a “video calling” facility. The video calling alias video conferencing facility has revolutionized the calling experience, as the user can speak to the person and virtually see them. The limitation to this facility is that it is compatible between users with iPhone 4. Nevertheless Apple has promised to release an open standard permitting other companies to develop around it. Now for the real fun part, Apple decided to integrate the facetime technology in its iPod. But why it would do something like that, answer is simple- stay connected and keep the social networking active! The most common scenario where iPods are used is during traveling. Most of the folks never miss a chance to plug in their iPod’s so as to overcome the boredom and the inbuilt Face Time technology permits to capture what you see and can readily share it with your friends , provided they have the same iPod.
How it Works:
The pictures can be shared between the new iPod Touch to new iPod Touch and between the new iPod Touch to iPhone 4 over Wi-Fi. Face time can be activated by entering the respective Apple ID and email address. Video call between iPod Touch and iPhone over Wi-Fi is done by sending an invitation to the concerned. The conversation will be perfectly synchronized with the video.
Factor Powering Face time – Two Camera Design:
Face time is all geared up to substantiate user’s requirement for taking pictures in either ways. The iPod Touch 8GB Fourth Generation is equipped with two cameras, one in front and the other in the rear, supporting photos and video recording. Using the “Camera swap” option, the user can switch from the front camera to the rear camera. The VGA quality camera with high definition video recording with 720 pixel ultimately produces good resolution. The regular misconception with the VGA quality camera is distortion and clarity reduction during printing, as the image will be enlarged. But as far as Apple iPod is concerned ; the picture quality will sufficiently scrap through, as the pixel is quite good. The frame rate is 30 frames/ sec that can capture fast movement and gives a finer video look. Picture brilliance is enhanced by a backside illumination sensor. The sensor ensures quality in either bright or low light settings.
A4 Processor:
The chip that is the backbone of Apple’s iPhone 4 is integrated in the 4th gen iPod model. When compared to the previous processor chip used in the 3rd gen, the A4 chip speaks for speed. The A4 processor consists of A8 core that runs at higher clock rates. Clock speed is the measurement of a processor’s rate and higher the clock rate assures the ability to process commands at a faster rate. The A4 processor renders multitasking without compromising the speed especially the graphics, and the gaming experience is highly appreciable. As per the Apple CEO comment, “ web browsing is a great experience and similar to that of using a laptop”
iOS 4.2:
The operating system used in iPod Touch 4th Gen is iOS 4.2 that, was developed basically for iPhone. The iOs 4.2 gives a better edge in Game Centre, multitasking and many more. Below is the list of advantages that promotes the overall iPod Touch package;
- Core Animation
- Gesture Recognizers
- Rapid app switching
- Organize Folders
- Password protection
- Game Center
- iBooks – Read books on your iPhone
- A wide-range of graphic capability
Safari- Web browser:
Yet another great addition to the iPod Touch family is built-in wireless access to the web namely, Web Safari. The A4 chips take care of the speed. Perhaps, this is the only iPod with this feature and definitely a bonus for constant web browsers on the move as they need not carry a laptop! The usability is Good, devoid of typing the text as it is a Touch screen and the user can rotate the device 90 º or zoom in for finer details.
Game Centre App:
The new Game Centre app in the 4th gen Touch iPod makes the entire gaming system as yet another socializing hub. The games can be downloaded from the App centre with an Apple ID and charges inclusive.Game Centre highlights the active players playing and would be a massive hit among youth who would like a group competition or something. The auto match facility searches for players playing any particular game globally thereby a group can be formed for better competition.
The characteristic feature of the game centre is inbuilt three axes Gyroscope + Accelerometer. The feature makes it possible to rotate the phone’s graphics in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This feature gives the user a great gaming experience, especially with respect to 3D games. The advanced motion sensing features such as user acceleration, full 3D Altitude,Rotation gives an upper hand in gaming technology. Greater motion gesture coupled with good precision gives a better edge with respect to the gaming experience in many ways. The speed and loading time is comparatively faster than previous model attributed to the A4 chip processor and iOS 4.2 operating system.
Common Features:
Besides the afore said unique features that Apple has incorporated in the model, the rest of the features remain the same like the previous model with some fine tuning.
iTunes:
The audio quality is appreciable in the new iPod Touch.The music can be downloaded on the iPod Touch 4th Gen Media Player through iTunes over Wi-fi. The wi fi feature permits the user to access iTunes store and can download songs, movies, TV shows, audio books, free podcasts,Browse New Releases, Top Tens, and Genres. The downloading process is simple and child’s play. The loading time is negligible. One more interesting item is the iTunes ping , through which you can follow friends and know what song they are listening to and can even suggest songs. It also gives an update on concerts of favorite artists playing close by and an overview of friends attending the same. A very cool friends networking! Selecting songs will be easy through “cover Flow” feature. The user needs to turn the iPod Touch on its side and flick the fingers through the play list and can select any song. Moreover, the genius play list categorizes songs that fall in a particular rhythm and makes a play list. The play list can be further altered by the user. Through voice control, the user can use spoken commands to navigate the play list.
Nike +
Workouts can be completely relaxing with the iPod Touch . The user needs to slip in the iPod Sensor in the Nike + Shoe and start the workout. The sensor informs the user the time, distance and calories burnt, and also provides a voice feedback on the progress. The 3rd gen model lacked the cardio workout feature which is included in the 4th gen. Most of the fitness centre equipments such as treadmills,s tar steppers, elliptical are compatible with Nike + iPod sensor. The user can also update friends on their work out data and can even form a team of fitness sensitive individuals.This becomes quite an advantageous for the user as they can monitor their workout pattern and at the same time enjoy music.It creates a sense of being in track with the fitness regime.
Audio Feature:
The key selling aspect of using Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation 8GB Capacity Player is the listening experience. Apple always exceeds the standards to retain the audio quality. The audio quality and the frequency range is good, and additional features such as Shake to Shuffle, Volume Limit, and Sound Check creates good audio effect. It supports the audio file format similar to previous model such as AAC (protected and unprotected), HE-AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV.
Bluetooth:
iPod Touch Fourth Generation Portable Media Player is equipped with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, though 802.11n operates on the 2.4GHz band. The 3rd generation iPod Bluetooth is traditionally carried down to the fourth generation as well. It supports peer to peer connectivity for applications, Audio / Video Remote Control to control devices when connected to Apple TV and Hands free. The AVRCP supports pause, play, next track and previous track functions. The user can overcome the limitation of AVRCP remote control by including a third party Bluetooth helper. It can be purchased from the App store and provides an additional benefit of controlling the track and with increasing the volume and so on.
Encryption:
The iPod Touch can be protected through Data protection feature that offers a secure hardware encryption.The user needs to provide password to safe guard email, attachments or any confidential matter. On occasions of misplacing the iPod at public places and do not want anybody to access any details from your iPod Touch ; the Remote wipe deletes all the data provided. At the same time it is advisable to include a iPod Touch back where from the data can be restored. The Touch iPod also permits the user to set passcode through remote access. Likewise, the parental controls can restrain kids to access you tube, camera and other services as applicable.
Locate iPod:
Misplacing is a common occurrence with device like this. The iPod can be breezily located, through find my iPod Touch facility. The procedure is simple, the user needs to enable ”Find my iPod Touch” in the settings menu. At instances of misplacing the iPod, the user needs to log on to me.com from any web browser or iPhone or iPad and key in the details. An approximate destination of the iPod Touch can be located on the map. The user can send a test display on the screen with the user’s contact number on occasions of misplacing it. The user can even activate a sound to locate the lost iPod.
VoiceOver screen reader:
Voice Over is the world’s first gesture-based screen reader. This fantastic feature enables the visually impaired individuals to use the iPod at ease. Unlike conventional voice over functions, the communication gap between the user and the device is largely reduced. The voice over includes contextual information about the objects adjacent to it. Hence , the user need not struggle to locate. On employing a Bluetooth keyboard; the user can control the iPod without even Touching the screen. The voice over goes global with In built 25 languages and provides words and suggestions while texting or drafting a Email. The virtual control tool rotor is highly beneficial while proof reading a document. The voice over can be activated through iTunes. The drawback faced in the previous model is the reduced clarity in magnification feature. The 4th gen is really backed up with HD pixel size and retina display technology which takes care of the clarity even during magnification.
Miscellaneous Features:
Certain miscellaneous features such as contacts, calendar, calculator, weather reports, investments etc.. are available. Maps enabled iPod Touch assist in locating places of the user interest as the user needs to type the requirement. The Wi-Fi connection gets across directions in finding Address and Suggests the best mode of transport. By planning ahead using this Facility the user can be relieved from getting stuck in traffic. Similar to google maps, the iPod Touch gives a satellite image, and the user can Zoom or pan.
Battery Life:
The battery life is greater than the previous model and can render 40 hours of music and 7 hours of video on a single charge, solely attributed to the usage A4 chip processor. This is one of the selling factors and quite an improvement from the previous models.
Memory:
The iPod Touch 8Gb has 6.83Gb free space due to the iOS and formatting. It can hold up to 1,750 songs,10,000 photos,10 hours of video. Since HD video recording is involved, it might take some more space than the usual case.
Accessories:
iPod Touch 4th Gen,with additional accessories would be beneficial in many ways. If you already posses these items, then go ahead and unleash the advantages! Below is the listed accessories that would give extra benefits to your iPod.
Airport Express
There are definitely some good surprises when you employ the iPod Touch with Airport Express. Airport Express is an extreme base station and permits almost 10 networked users to work and inclusive of a feature called AirPlay. The speaker connected to Airport express gives a rich sound output. The procedure is simple as you have to tap the DJ wireless with airport express menu in the iPod. AirPort Express enables wireless printing option too.
Airprint
Airprint is a wireless printing technology from Apple , and can print with just a Touch of the iPod screen.AirPrint enables to print email, photos, web pages, and documents from the iPod Touch 4. The iPod Touch detects and connects to the Airprint enabled printer in the wireless network. Aiprint is a multitasking application. The user can continue with printing and parallel listen to music or browse the net as it supports multitasking function. Airprint is compatible with number of wireless printers from HP; however the airprint software is compatible with e-print machines. Apple AirPrint prints more than one item at a time. The Print Center queue flawlessly carry out the printing job.
Box Accessories:
In the package along with The Apple iPod Touch 4th generation (8GB) device the buyer gets a USB 2.0 cable, a dock adapter, a pair of earphones and a Quick Start Guide.
Warranty:
The Apple iPod Touch 8 GB third generation device comes with a standard one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Summary:
From the user’s perceptive, a music player will be advantageous if it could incorporate a set of mixed features available on other gadgets such as phone, computers etc.. But just mere dumping the features to give it a great look might make the product a junk. The features are added in a manner that compliments the basic requirement of the iPod viz listening to music. Features such as Face time ,Web safari, Nike plus perfectly synchronize your overall hearing experience.Social networking is further enhanced by the above said features. Locate iPod and the security encryption are added as solutions to recurring problems with gadgets getting lost. The speed and the multitasking efficiency is high when compared to any other model in the market. Additionally, the Voice Over feature used in the 3rd gen is enhanced in the 4th gen model and makes it a unique device that can be used by visually challenged people. Well, the Touch iPod 4th Gen has it all except the calling facility.
Apple iPod Touch 8GB Fourth Generation – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Model Name | iPod Touch Fourth generation |
| Device type | Digital portable media player |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 4.4 x 2.3 x 0.28 inches |
| Weight | 3.56 oz |
| Color | Black with Polished Aluminum rear |
| Display | 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display |
| Display resolution | 960-by-640-pixel resolution at 362 pixels per inch |
| Memory Capacity | 8GB Flash memory |
| Other Capacities available | 32GB and 64GB |
| Supported audio formats | Audio formats supported: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV |
| Playback modes | Playlist, One track repeat, Shuffle |
| Response Bandwidth | 20 – 20000 Hz |
| Other media features | JPEG photo playback, variable bit rate compatibility |
| Supported video formats | H.264, MPEG-4 |
| Additional Features | Face time, Retina Display, Calendar,HD recording Notes, Cover flow, Phone Book, Voice Memo, Date display, Web Browsing, Nike + iPod support, Multi-Touch interface, USB 2.0. |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) Nike + iPod support built in Maps location-based service7 Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR |
| TV | Support for H.264 video up to 720p component TV out |
| Input and output | Dock connector 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack Built in speaker Microphone |
| Headphone Type | Binaural ear-bud |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm |
| Battery Type | Music playback time: Up to 40 hours when fully charged Video playback time: Up to 7 hours when fully charged |
| Battery charge time | Fast-charge time: about 2 hours (charges up to 80% of battery capacity) Full-charge time: about 4 hours |
| iTunes version | iTunes 9 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac : Mac computer with USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later Windows: PC with USB 2.0 port, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later |
| Box contents | iPod Touch Apple earphones Dock connector to USB cables Quick Start Guide |
| Warranty | One year |
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