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3G iPod Touch rumor claims that Apple may launch in September, NFC iPod?

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July 09th, 2011 at 7:17 PM Filed Under Latest News, Rumor
3G iPod Touch rumor claims that Apple may launch in September, NFC iPod?

3G iPod Touch rumor claims that Apple may launch in September, NFC iPod?

Apple will launch a new 3G iPod touch in September, claimed a Dutch Apple blog named AppleSpot on Friday. Okay, let’s start off by acknowledging this is a long shot. If Apple did indeed bring a 3G iPod Touch to market, that could potentially cannibalize their iPhone market which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. That doesn’t mean Apple wouldn’t do it though. We will state we feel this rumor has a 20% change of actually happening in September.

Let’s face it, the iPod is reaching the end of its long and legendary road. What we used to need an iPod for, we now have smartphones that are more capable. Apple brought apps to the iPod touch, but if you wander out of your WiFi network, you are back to the iPod being a unconnected device. In reality, anyone older than 18 who can afford their own cell phone bill is probably not going to want an iPod these days. So, how can Apple make the device that turned its fortunes around relevant again today? It would have to make its 3G iPod Touch a connected device.

A 3G iPod Touch could make sense for NFC

A 3G iPod Touch could be valuable to younger users as it would allow them to stream their music on the go with the iCloud service and Pandora. It would allow more savvy users to place calls over Skype or a whole host of other VOIP based services. To those who argue that Apple would never make such a device because of the wireless carriers, they did it with the iPad didn’t they? We have another theory that would allow for something else too…

Could the 3G iPod Touch be the low cost iPhone?

A 3G iPod Touch could be used for payments if it has an NFC chip also

Yes, yes we are back on that old band wagon again. Allow us to take our place on our soap box. Like a broken record, we are going to again tell you that seeing as Apple is coming out of the normal schedule for both the iPhone 5 and iPad HD / 3 / 2 plus they must have a reason. That reason could well be that they wish to launch NFC with a bang in an effort to dominate this new industry that is probably the biggest opportunity that has arisen since Apple reinvented the smartphone. There be money in them there transactions. Gift cards, tickets, allowance for kids, coupons, payments, they are all possible from a 3G iPod that is connected. Parents may not pay for a smartphone for kids, but they would probably spring for a $10 or $15 data plan. Apple could even add a rewards program to these payments and allow parents to earn back the data costs associated.

Apple is said to be launching a low cost iPhone, could this in fact be a 3G iPod touch?

Rumors have been growing ever stronger that Apple intends to launch a low cost iPhone. Could this be the 3G iPod touch? It could make a lot of sense if what we are hearing being called a 3G iPod Touch was actually a refitted iPod Touch with a 3G connection marketed as a lower cost el’ cheapo iPhone.

As we have said a couple of times, we doubt this 3G iPod Touch rumor, and will continue to do so unless some hard evidence comes to the public domain that suggests otherwise. But on the other hand, an NFC 3G iPod Touch would make sense if Apple wants in on the mobile wallet profits.

Source: AppleSpot
Via: 9to5Mac
  • The.Joker

    Apple says they created the Shuffle to be the ideal iPod for people who like to exercise and work out. However, they then paired with Nike to create Nike+ for the Nano and the iPod touch. Is it just me, or do I find that completely idiotic?
    I want to get a lightweight & small iPod I can use for working out that ALSO has Nike+ with it. However, I hate the small touch-screen the Nano currently has. My thumbs and fingers are too big. I prefer buttons. So why can’t Apple create the ultimate runner’s iPod by putting Nike+ technology into the Shuffle while keeping the buttons? Or do the reverse, just bring back buttons to the Nano?

    So please Apple, can you find a way to keep the great design you currently have for the Shuffle, but also find a way to integrate Nike+ technology with it? Some people might say “It’s impossible to do that with the Shuffle technology.” I have 2 responses: 1) People said it was impossible to create a smart phone with all the capabilities that the iPhone has, yet Apple found a way to get it done, and 2) If can’t do it with the Shuffle, can you find a way to bring back buttons to the Nano and include Nike+ with it?

    All I’m asking for is a small, light-weight iPod with buttons that I can clip to my shirt while working out, but also has Nike+ technology built into it. Oh, and I think you’d be surprised at how many serious athletes / runners would buy such a device.