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New iPod touch '3GS' model features Bluetooth, faster graphics

32GB and 64GB handsets now available

New iPod touch '3GS' model features Bluetooth, faster graphics
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As expected, Apple unveiled a new line of iPod touch handsets today at its It's Only Rock and Roll press conference in San Francisco.

Available immediately, 32GB and 64GB iPod touch devices join the previous 8GB and 16GB variations, but despite all the rumours, they don't feature a camera.

The new handsets come with the obvious boost in storage, but also support for peer-to-peer gameplay thanks to the addition of Bluetooth.

Other improvements made in this third generation line up include support for Open GL ES 2.0. This graphics rendering technology makes it possible to create more advanced 3D visuals using shaders.

In other words, prettier games.

Apple also claims that Open GL ES 2.0 gives a performance boost to games played on the new iPod touch devices: 50 per cent to be precise.

Effectively then these are iPod touch '3GS's, which match the extra processing of the iPhone 3GS model.

As a note, purchasing a new 32GB or 64GB iPod touch nets you firmware 3.1, which as well as OS 3.0, has additional music-related features including the Genius recommendation service.

The updated software is pre-installed on the device.

Missing from the new devices is the widely rumoured camera. Instead, it's iPod nano that has been given the camera treatment with full video and still features.

The 32GB model is priced at $299, whereas the larger 64GB edition comes with a $399 price tag.

Apple has also lowered the second generation 8GB model to $199.

Tracy Erickson
Tracy Erickson
Manning our editorial outpost in America, Tracy comes with years of expertise at mashing a keyboard. When he's not out painting the town red, he jets across the home of the brave, covering press events under the Pocket Gamer banner.