The season for new iPod announcements is arriving, with manufacturer Apple traditionally launching new versions of the gadget in September, and rumours are already beginning to surface about what new features are in store.
According to Wired magazine, a “well-connected source” has said that Chinese factories that build iPods are currently manufacturing models that contain both cameras and microphones.
The source said that the new gadgets will be going on sale in the next “two to three months”.
The addition of a microphone and camera to the iPod Touch would be a significant move by Apple. It would close the gap between the features on an iPod Touch and the iPhone.
A microphone could allow the Wi-Fi enabled device to use Skype, turning the iPod Touch into a “phone” that could be used when connected to wireless networks.
Another rumour, posted by the China Times, says Apple will be releasing a tablet-like device, in an effort to break into the low-price laptop market currently dominated by “netbooks”.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
