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Apple iPod Touch 3G
Disses the DS, passes water on the PSP
The more powerful processor also allows the 32GB/64GB models to use the Voice Command feature that was recently introduced on the iPhone 3GS. This means that the standard tinny-sounding iPod earphones still sound tinny but now include a built-in microphone too. All three have Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, though only wireless stereo headphone connections are supported.
The 32GB and 64GB models support voice control... but so what?
Stereo Bluetooth is at least useful, saving you cable snags that pull your earphones out when you're walking around. But Voice Control? It works, but we can't see too many folk making use of it. It's certainly not something to steer clear of the cheap, 8GB model for.
Like the 3GS, the Touch comes with Google Maps, but there's no GPS pick-up here to increase the accuracy of the Wi-Fi hotspot triangulation system. Think of it more as a digital A-Z than a gadget to tell you exactly where you are.
Long treks just fly by
Verdict
There's no doubt the 8GB iPod Touch is a great games machines, and at a new low price of £149, with a wealth of decent yet cheap games just a download away, it's a great choice for gamers who don't feel the need to brag of their allegiance to a gaming brand. It's especially good value when you consider you get a class-leading media player and excellent browser thrown in too, and a stack of other useful tools.
The 32GB and 64GB model are really for video fans rather than gaming buffs, since they're all about capacity for now. We'll have to see whether developers create games with the facilities of these two models in mind or opt for generic Touch releases, in which case you may as well have the 8GB version and spend the price differential on some games. ®
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