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Some things I found out about iPod Touch from Apple Chat(on their site)
Written By LancerReiNi on Oct. 18, 2007.
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The iPod Touch has been out for quite some time now. Beating their competitors(i.e Microsoft Zune2, Archos 604, etc...) at bringing innovative design and products to consumers.
I have personally never owned an apple mp3 player(which means none of the previous gen ipods). What's about to change this, are some of the features that were recently incorporated into the iPod Touch(seemingly ported over from the iPhone).
-Full Touchscreen Display
-Wifi Connection
-Youtube viewability
-Scratch Proof Display?
Although if/when I do own an iPod Touch I wouldn't try scratching it up, its nice to know that someone's tested it Scratch Proof Display?
Okay, so I contacted an Apple's rep via their website. What I found was a bit disappointing. I don't have the exact converation saved but I'll share the gist of it and hope to get some input. I asked the rep 4 important(to me) questions.
1.) Are the iPod Touch Displays truly scratch proof?
I presented the question by stating that I had seen numerous clips on the net(mostly youtube) with people scratching their ipod touch displays with keys, pins, and even razorblades. I explained that I would probably not go through that kind of testing but would obviously hope that if it were resting in my pocket, my keys won't damage or scratch the screen. "Caroline"(the supposed name of the rep) says, she would imagine scratching the display would scratch up the display somewhat. And proceeded to tell me that there cases to be made available soon. If you check Apple's site, the only case that's available are the iSocks and even those according to Caroline are not protective.
2.) Is the iPod able to listen to streaming audio/video?
Since the only options at the moment are 8gigs or 16gigs, I wondered if it would be possible to use the ipod to listen to a music server I manually set up from my home pc. I had to explain twice as I don't believe she understood what I meant. Ultimately it proved to be too technical for her. She tells me that the iPod Touch is fully capable of internet access. Which still didn't answer my question. I have however found a few websites on the net showing tutorials on how to use the Ubuntu OS to stream music to iPod Touch. I believe a Windows alternative is probably available. This is a bit disappointing that Apple Reps aren't trained to answer somewhat technical questions. I mean with such little storage space I would think streaming audio and video would be a possible workaround. Maybe she didn't get the internal memo. Moving on...
3.) Is the iPod Touch able to view video sites other than YouTube?
Again, this might have proved too technical for her to answer. I rephrased the question twice and again she didn't quite understand. She literally had me wait about 10 minutes, so she could check around. I finally explained, that I understand iPod Touch utilizes the Apple Safari browser and that I know some sites, i.e Collegehumor, Break.com or other video sites have video that require plugins. She finally gets back and states that plugins are not able to be installed onto the browser. I've heard rumors that Adobe & Apple are working cooperatively to correct this issue.
4.) Will the iPod Touch be able to view .pdf files?
To me, this is an important feature as is the radio(which still isn't available on the latest ipod touch). I have a lot of e-books, and I like to read on the occasion that I have time to spare. She answered shortly by stating that pdfs' online are viewable. That will be something I'll need to work on. Caroline also aptly states that this is not a mini computer and I should be aware of it. I took some offense to it but didn't say anything as I knew she was just doing her job. But I know its not a mini computer, but I'd think that apple would bring us(consumers) a feature rich product not something that's lacking it.
Other thoughts:
Surprisingly, the ipod touch after its 6th or 7th incantation still does not have a radio functionality. Why is it that Zune, Archos, iRiver and other mp3 manufacturers all have this builtin but Apple has not wised up on it? Is this to boost iTune sales? For people to use the Starbucks functionality? If anyone knows or has an idea please let me know.
oniTony
Written Oct. 18, 2007 / Report /
So wait... Flash doesn't actually work on iPod Touch, unless it's YouTube? That doesn't make much sense... Well unless it's a special Touch player, and not actually Flash at all.
LancerReiNi
Written Oct. 18, 2007 / Report /
From what I've found(since I don't own an ipod touch) on the web, is that YouTube is playable on the ipod Touch(as per their website). However, other sites such as CollegeHumor, Break or other sites utilize different subsets of flash extensions/format that are not available by default Safari(the browser Apple provides) standards and require plugins. Which makes them unviewable to the ipod touch. I've read(from many sites) that these type of flash extensions/formats will be seen as blank aspects to the site. Which means that the ipod touch can view sites with flash but the flash portion will be blank. What happens when a site is fully flash?
Dunno yet. I'm planning to visit an Apple store(I just hate that they are miles & miles away), since that'll be the only way for me to be fully sure of what I'm planning to buy or not.
LancerReiNi
Written Oct. 20, 2007 / Report /
I am now a proud owner of the iPod Touch(16GB). At this point I have yet to put any MP3s in it, reason being all my music is being streamed via a home server I set up, so I have access to over 180GB+ songs,videos(.mp4 & .mov format) and yes, .PDF files. I'm quite satisfied with this solution as I still have a fresh approx. 14.9GB of free space. Apple isn't the only company that embellishes the actual storage space(in fact all harddrive/ssd manufacturers are doing it). Anyway, just thought I'd share the info with anyone that might be one the fence about purchasing an iPod Touch. If you have any questions feel free to post.
So looking back, I'll go ahead and answer my own questions. Some of which left me confused by the apple rep from their website. After closer inspection at my local apple store all my needs were met.
1.) Are the iPod Touch Displays truly scratch proof?
I have to say, the Display is quite sturdy. In fact I have yet to see any way of scratching it(not that I'm looking to do so). The Back however, is another story all together. The shiny chrome is easily scratch able. In fact, I believe it has already been tarnished and its been less than 48hrs.
2.) Is the iPod able to listen to streaming audio/video?
By default, yes. However, there are security issues especially if your running an Apache server like myself. MacOSX users can use Dot.Tunes at a price($20 at the moment) but I don't own a MacOSX desktop so I won't bother. Additionally, Unix/Linux users have free alternatives as well. Video,Audio & PDFs are streamed perfectly.
Sidenote: I am using WPA2 Personal Authentication and the iPod Touch actually connects quite flawlessly.
3.) Is the iPod Touch able to view video sites other than YouTube?
No, as already established by most of the media coverage. iPod Touch will not allow you to view sites like CollegeHumor, Break, or Vimeo videos these are flash based. Apparently Adobe(rights owner of Flash technology) is working in conjunction with other PvP(Portable Video Player) manufacturers, leaving Apple out of the loop. This is according to the Sales person at the Apple Store. There's rumors that Apple is working with Adobe to correct this, but I hope it doesn't take the next gen of iPod Touch to correct it.
Sidenote: When using the iPod Touch to access YouTube, it appears to be redirecting me to another address: http://m.youtube.com, this is basically a link to their mobile version of the site. The videos also don't appear to be flash based but rather .mov files. This could explain why other sites won't work. Lack of Flash support.
4.) Will the iPod Touch be able to view .pdf files?
Yes, as answered in question#2. I am able to view the pdf files via Safari(OSX browser built into iPod Touch). I was told this is the only way to view them. I have not tried any other methods. This is very convenient as I have a large collection of ebooks.
Well. I hope this helps answer some questions about the iPod Touch.
winnopeg
Written Oct. 21, 2007 / Report /
The iPod Touch is a first generation product; it's not the new standard iPod (which, counting the iPod Classic as one, is at it's 6th generation). ;)
But yeah, I must say the screen isn't what you want to worry about scratching. With my iPod Touch in a Ziploc bag (makes a good temporary case) inside a special iPod pocket in my backpack, mine has already managed to produce several scratches on it's back, and I literally don't even set it down on tables / desks without it being set on it's polishing cloth. It's retarded.