Next-Generation Apple iPod touch Launching Next Week

Apple's CEO has just officially unveiled the fourth-generation iPod touch. As many had expected, this handheld computer is going to sport many of the features that debuted in the iPhone 4, including a very high-resolution display and dual cameras.

The next iPod touch will have a 3.5-inch, 640 x 960 "Retina" touchscreen. This will be the same size as its predecessors, but about 4 times the number of pixels.

It will be the first in this series to include a rear-facing camera, which will be capable of taking high-definition video.

But it won't stop there. This handheld computer, like its smartphone equivalent, will allow users to make video calls with an app called FaceTime and a front-facing camera.

The next iPod touch will debut with the newly-announced Apple iOS 4.1 running on the high-speed Apple A4 processor that's in Apple's latest smartphone.

Gaming is a major use for Apple's handheld, and this model will launch with the new Game Center, a social networking service that will allow mobile gamers to play head-to-head games, challenge friends, etc.

In addition, it will have all the hardware and software features of the iPhone except the cellular-wireless networking. This means it will include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as the Safari web browser, and a suite of communications software.

Users will have access to the App Store with many thousands of software titles, in categories ranging from games to productivity.

Pricing and Availability
The fourth-generation iPod touch is available for pre-order today, and will start shipping next week.

As always with Apple's computers, the price will depend on the storage capacity. An 8 GB version will sell for $230, a 32 GB version will cost $300, while a 64 GB is going to go for $400.