Camera equipped iPods an all but done deal…
The rumors are flowing fast and free, and coalescing around a new iPod touch built with the same camera module as the iPhone 3GS, though the lens will be differently positioned. Thereupon, various sources indicate that Apple has ordered tens of millions of the modules, and third-party case makers have let the size and shape of the new models slip, as well. Aside from placing an order, what else is left to know or do?
MacRumors started the iPod with a camera rumor rolling again over the weekend. Thereupon, both TechCrunch and TheAppleLounge have picked up the cudgel, with each presenting enough color so that a distinct picture of Apple’s next generation iPods begins to form.
“One of our sources in Asia say that Apple has placed an order for a massive number of camera modules of the type that they include in the iPhone,” says TechCrunch’s Michael Arrington. “These are inexpensive cameras, in the $10 range. And, the size of the order, our source says, means they can only be used for one thing—the iPods.”
Portuguese-language TheAppleLounge dug the following image on the Chinese ecommerce site DealXtreme, which has been the source of both real and and bogus new product rumors in the past.
Similarly, Engadget has dug up an iPod nano case that has camera lens cut out, as well.
One trick ponies no more…
As noted by Arrington, the addition of still and video capable iPods will suck all of the oxygen out of the entry-level digital camera market. Further, assuming that the iPod nano is included in these plans, which may or may not happen as part of Apple’s traditional September media player refresh, death for the various entry-level digital camera and camcorder makers (ie Kodak, Flip) could be almost instantaneous…
What’s your take?
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