The Channel Wire

July 06, 2009

Apple may be preparing to add new functionalities to an existing product that could revolutionize the industry while ruining low-end companies that already exist in that space. Sound familiar?

The latest iRumor circulating is that Apple may embed a camera capable of video -- similar to the one on the iPhone 3G S -- on the next generation of its iPod Touch. The evidence is beginning to mount, with the blogosphere buzzing over what could be a game-changer in the low-end videocamera market.

Speculation about the addition of a camera to the iPod Touch began to simmer in May when HardMac first reported that Apple might refresh the iPod Nano and iPod Touch in September.

Since then gadget Web site DealExtreme posted images of a protective silicone case for the iPod Touch -- with an interesting hole in the center back part of the case that appears to be ready-made for a camera.

Today, TechCrunch reported that a source heard that Apple has placed a massive number of orders for $10 cameras, similar to the ones embedded in the iPhone 3G S. The source believes that the cameras can only be destined to end up in the refreshed version of the iPod Touch which, as HardMac points out, may arrive as early as September.

With the iPhone continuing to evolve and gain new, attractive features, it makes sense for Apple to take a look at its line of iPods. The iPod Touch, in particular, is probably in the most need of a distinguishing feature that makes it worth purchasing the music player instead of an iPhone.

A videocamera with basic editing tools, like the one Apple is currently touting in its iPhone 3G S commercials, might just do the trick.