New iPod Touch data strings found in online logs suggest an iPod Touch refresh is coming soon

Recent data strings found in online logs by the analytics firm Pinch Media is just the latest evidence that a significant iPod Touch upgrade is right around the corner

Recent data strings found in online logs by the analytics firm Pinch Media is just the latest evidence that a significant iPod Touch upgrade is right around the corner.

Pinch Media had reportedly found numerous instances of a device labeled "iPod 3,1" running a variety of popular iPhone apps in its online logs.  While the data string "iPod 3,1" might seem ambiguous, it actually refers to an internal numbering system that Apple employs to keep track of its various hardware models.  Specifically, when Apple introduces a significant upgrade, the first number in the data string increases.  In contrast, minor upgrades result in the second number in the data string increasing.

As an example, the first iPod Touch was referenced as "iPod 1,1". Subsequent minor upgrades were referred to as "iPod 1,2", while significant hardware upgrades were referenced as "iPod 2,1".  Needless to say, "iPod 3,1" implies that the next iteration of the iPod Touch will constitute a significant upgrade over its predecessor.

While evidence of the above data string was initially found in the iPhone 3.0 firmware a few months ago, the fact that its now appearing in online logs implies that Apple is testing the device for any final glitches as a release date presumably grows closer.

Apple is believed to be planning an iPod refresh sometime towards the end of September, and more likely than not, the iPod Touch will receive the same 3 megapixel camera currently available in the new iPhone 3GS.  Not only would adding a camera to the iPod Touch be the next logical progression for Apple's flagship iPod, but it would also be significant enough an upgrade to warrant the "iPod 3,1" moniker.

Moreover, it was reported yesterday that Apple had placed a tremendously large order for camera modules from Asia.  And as a final piece of evidence which points to a camera-enabled iPod Touch, an iPod accessory website recently displayed pictures of a new iPod Touch case which had a hole in the back to accommodate the placement of a camera.

If the next iPod Touch does indeed have a camera, you can bet that Apple will make a significant dent in the sales of camera manufacturers who simply won't be able to compete with the multi-functional and comparably priced iPod Touch.

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