Today's MWSF 2008 Announcements: The Untold Story
Here are some details that have come to light as the day has rolled along.
iPhone/iPod Touch Location Technology
While some had speculated that Apple would simply be incorporating Google's recently announced location services into the new software, Apple has actually used a hybrid technology that uses both Google's data (using cellular triangulation) and data from Skyhook Wireless (using a database of known Wi-Fi hotspot locations) to pinpoint the location. This enables the location feature to be used on the iPod touch, which cannot use Google's service due to lack of cellular capabilities, but can utilize Skyhook's Wi-Fi database.
iPod Touch Paid Upgrade
The $20 upgrade for the iPod touch software was met with a cool reception both by the keynote crowd and by MacRumors readers. While we have not received an official reason for the move, we remind users that only the iPhone and Apple TV are currently using Apple's "subscription revenue" accounting model. As such, Apple has explained that it can give software updates for those devices, when possible, for free. The iPod touch does not fall under this model, and therefore under Apple's reasoning, a major feature upgrade must incur a charge.
We have heard that all current iPod touch models already in the distribution channel without the new software have been immediately discounted by $20 to accommodate for the upgrade fee.
iPhone/iPod Touch Location Technology
While some had speculated that Apple would simply be incorporating Google's recently announced location services into the new software, Apple has actually used a hybrid technology that uses both Google's data (using cellular triangulation) and data from Skyhook Wireless (using a database of known Wi-Fi hotspot locations) to pinpoint the location. This enables the location feature to be used on the iPod touch, which cannot use Google's service due to lack of cellular capabilities, but can utilize Skyhook's Wi-Fi database.
iPod Touch Paid Upgrade
The $20 upgrade for the iPod touch software was met with a cool reception both by the keynote crowd and by MacRumors readers. While we have not received an official reason for the move, we remind users that only the iPhone and Apple TV are currently using Apple's "subscription revenue" accounting model. As such, Apple has explained that it can give software updates for those devices, when possible, for free. The iPod touch does not fall under this model, and therefore under Apple's reasoning, a major feature upgrade must incur a charge.
We have heard that all current iPod touch models already in the distribution channel without the new software have been immediately discounted by $20 to accommodate for the upgrade fee.
Top Rated Comments
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53 months ago
I think the 20 dollars is reasonable. I am not complaining. Even though some say those apps should have been their from the start, it is still a good deal and I am happy to pay for it if it helps the software developers build these apps. They are a business, they are supposed to make money. They arn't just gonna give out free stuff to all their customers just because they support them. A lot of the digg community was extremely mad about this it seemed. It's only 20 bucks guys.
Never been the first post either. Sweet.
Never been the first post either. Sweet.
53 months ago
I am so glad that I can use the locate me tool! It is way helpful for getting around!
53 months ago
Even though some say those apps should have been their from the start
If it was that much of a deal-breaker to anyone, then they shouldn't have bought the iPod Touch.
Many users won't even take advantage of the upgrade because they don't need those additional features. For those who need them, it's an entirely reasonable price.
53 months ago
So if I go to the Apple store this weekend to get the ipod touch, it should have the iphone apps on it. right?
53 months ago
I think the upgrade should be free, because I've already paid 400$ for a top of the line product and I don't see why I should pay more to get something another equally expensive product gets for free.
53 months ago
If you want that new Google thingamajig very soon, you need to pay $20 for it. However, these models are/should be discounted by $20, so you lose nothing.
However, iPod Touch models with the software already included will be in store shelves quite soon. This way, you don't need to go through the "hassle" of upgrading.
However, iPod Touch models with the software already included will be in store shelves quite soon. This way, you don't need to go through the "hassle" of upgrading.
53 months ago
I think the upgrade should be free, because I've already paid 400$ for a top of the line product and I don't see why I should pay more to get something another equally expensive product gets for free.
Do you think the word "should" means a damn thing to Apple? (Arrogant greedy twats that they are) Nope.
There's a lot of things that they should do but never will. Sad what's become of them.
53 months ago
The iPod touch does not fall under this model, and therefore under Apple's reasoning, a major feature upgrade must incur a charge.
So Macs are under the subscription model? Because they get constantly updated.
53 months ago
I was quite happy to pay the $20 for the upgrade. Didn't like jailbreaking my touch and the cat and mouse game with hacking. I believe Jobs was quite clear when the touch launched that it was an iPod first and not a smartphone.
With these new features it brings me that much closer to getting rid of my Windows Mobile smartphone. If only the iPhone was available worldwide I wouldn't have bought the touch.
If you're happy with your touch you don't have to upgrade, you bought it knowing it was an iPod. The hacking community has given people a sense of self-entitlement and self-righteousness.
With these new features it brings me that much closer to getting rid of my Windows Mobile smartphone. If only the iPhone was available worldwide I wouldn't have bought the touch.
If you're happy with your touch you don't have to upgrade, you bought it knowing it was an iPod. The hacking community has given people a sense of self-entitlement and self-righteousness.
53 months ago
I was happy to pay $20 to get the extra features. If you were unhappy buying the iPod in the first place for $300 or $400 without these features, you shouldn't have purchased it and expected them to show up for free later on.
I don't see how this is any different than buying a new computer with iLife '07 and then a few months later having new computers include iLife '08 for free while everyone else has to pay for it.
I don't see how this is any different than buying a new computer with iLife '07 and then a few months later having new computers include iLife '08 for free while everyone else has to pay for it.
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