socialmedian: Large Form iPod Touch To Launch in Fall ‘09

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Large Form iPod Touch To Launch in Fall ‘09

Source: TechCrunch

Dec 30, 2008

Summary

We’ve got this from three independent sources close to Apple: expect a large screen iPod touch device to be released in the Fall of ‘09, with a 7 or 9 inch screen. Prototypes have been seen and handled by one of our sources, and Apple is talking to OEMs in Asia now about mass production.

Apple has been experimenting internally with large form tablet devices for years, one source says, but there was concern that users wouldn’t like the device. The difference now is the iTunes app store, which has thousands of games and other applications that are perfect for a touch screen device with an accelerometer. Apple says more than 300 applications have been downloaded since the App Store launched in July 2008. Combine the App Store, iTunes and a browser and you have one heck of a device.

We don’t have any information on pricing. The current iPod touch, with a 3.5 inch screen, starts at $229. The 32 GB model is $399. We expect the price on the larger iPod touch to be significantly higher.

Apple rumors, particularly Apple tablet rumors, tend to come and go. I’m not saying

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Comments (15)

Kadesoto,

Dec 31, 2008

This would be INCREDIBLE!

Michaelfidler,

Dec 31, 2008

Good news, I hope it's true. For all the reasons Arrington mentioned, it makes sense.

Reaper ,

Dec 31, 2008

Look forward to its debut. A natural progression of the technology. Will be interesting to see what app developers will come up with when they have more screen space to play with

Thomaspower,

Dec 31, 2008

They're going after http://www.archos.com/?country=global&lang=en

Mugzy,

Dec 31, 2008

This could actually open a lot of possibilities. A 7-9 inch screen almost makes it equivalent to a netbook. Perhaps this is how Apple plans to enter the NetBook market instead of creating a smaller MacBook.

Wpbasti,

Dec 31, 2008

When they offer some kind of cool software for this, it might be a really cool product. The product needs to be better than the Tablet edition of Windows Vista which is not that bad after all.

Solacetech,

Dec 31, 2008

This will be a breakthrough platform for gaming...

Nigelwalsh,

Dec 31, 2008

why wouldnt I just buy an AIR?

Solacetech,

Dec 31, 2008

@nigelwalsh for gaming?

Solacetech,

Dec 31, 2008

@nigelwalsh but did you see how much the gaming industry made this year? most the apps sold on itunes are games...

Nigelwalsh,

Dec 31, 2008

@solacetech If there is one area that will beat the crunch - I guess its gaming...

Michaelfidler,

Dec 31, 2008

@solacetech It will be great for gaming, I just hope they go all out on the GPU and the display!(cost is the only thing limiting it)

Spuds,

Jan 01, 2009

How exciting. I love the touch I have the moment but a bigger screen would be cool.

Josh Miller,

Jan 02, 2009

I hate to go against you all but this is going to end up being lame and overpriced like the AIR. There's a problem with this being "Apple's Netbook" since the things probably going to cost 800 dollars or more.

Digiphile,

Jan 06, 2009

Oh, my. Confirmation. My prediction (vs. a fellow young tech pundit) is that this represents the first breakaway tablet device. It's a given that it will have wifi. Other radios, like the iPhone, may be a value add. If there's isn't an exclusive carrier deal, they could make different flavors with EV-DO, HDSPA & WiMax radios that enable iPhone-like capabilities, with a similar pricing structure. Include Bluetooth for peripherals (mice, haptic glove, keyboard, [X] Wii-like interface) and you're rolling. BK is right; this doesn't appear as instantly transportable. And of course devices that are embedded as films on clothing or are unrollable will be much more practical to transport. It's not hard at all, however, to imagine holding a 9" tablet in the small of my back that's linked to a pair of Bluetooth glasses with a picomic, picospeakers, digicam and a project headsup display. That, of course, is so sci-fi that I'll probably have to wait at least a *few* more years to enjoy its use.