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iPod Touch (3rd generation)


The back of the iPod touch 3rd-generation (32GB). Model A1318

The third generation iPod Touch (marketed as "the new iPod touch", and colloquially known as the iPod Touch 3G, iPod Touch 3, or iPod 3) is a multi-touch mobile device designed and marketed by Apple Inc. with a touchscreen-based user interface. On September 9, 2009, Apple introduced a technically modified, externally unchanged iPod touch,[2] which was sold as the "iPod touch late 2009." It is the successor to the 2nd-generation iPod Touch and supports up to iOS 5.1.1, released on May 7, 2012.

History

The 3rd-generation iPod Touch was announced alongside the revised version of the (2nd generation) iPod Touch (8 GB MC model), and it was initially only sold in 32 GB and 64 GB models.[3] The iPod touch 3rd generation (32 GB and 64 GB) shares the same specs as the iPhone 3GS and came with a variety of new features that weren't offered in previous models, such as voice control (which can only be accessed using a remote control mic), accessibility, and a faster processor. Jumping from 128 MB to 256 MB of RAM, graphics are enhanced for a better gaming experience.[4] Due to the quiet unveiling and confusion, some resellers later sold and mistitled 8 GB iPod touches (2nd generation) as the iPod touch (3rd generation), but this was neither done nor condoned by Apple.[5][6] Just like the iPod Touch (2nd generation), the 8 GB "iPod touch (2nd generation)" (late 2009 models) was only supported up to iOS 4.2.1, whereas the 32 GB and 64 GB (3rd generation) iPod touches were supported all the way up to iOS 5.1.1.[6][7]

Features

Software

It originally shipped with iPhone OS 3 and fully supports iOS 4 as well as iOS 5 (up to 5.1.1)[8] and did not receive support for Siri. [9]

Reception

On launch, the 3rd generation iPod touch was generally praised for its technical features, but was believed by some reviewers to not differ significantly from the previous generation iPod touch.[10][11]

References