As expected, Apple announced new iPod models yesterday as well as iTunes 8. The new iPods require that iTunes 8 is installed which also corresponds with an updated version of QuickTime and Front Row.
Now I'm a pretty simple guy, easy to please, not "high-maintenance" by any stretch of the imagination. So when I saw the 'Genius' feature in iTunes 8 I didn't think much of it. I activated it, but most likely won't use it. Frankly, I like to listen to what I want to, when I want to. That's the beauty of the iPod. I'm sure many people will really enjoy the 'Genius' feature though.
What really grabbed my attention yesterday was the new iPod Touch. Sure, its smaller and lighter than the original, it has the Nike + hardware built in and is more environmentally friendly in terms of manufacturing and recycling.
That's not the reason why I'm interested in it. I'm intrigued by the optional headphones with the built in microphone.
The fact that the Touch has the option of audio input via a microphone opens up VOIP options (via WiFi only; AT&T contractually won't allow VOIP over their EDGE and 3G networks with the iPhone.) Recently, Apple was allegedly looking for WiMax engineers. WiMax is a broadband wireless protocol that connects wireless devices in a similar manner as WiFi. The difference is that WiMax can have up to a 4-5 mile diameter range (line of sight), and can be extended up to 30 miles if the signal is repeated.
Applications such as Skype and Gizmo can create VOIP applications that can work on the new iPod Touch immediately via WiFi. These applications can make and receive calls on personal computers to phones already.
If WiMax is eventually built-in to iPhones and iPod Touch models, it will open up a entirely new way to stay connected whether it's to the Internet or to a phone.
Erik