Apple gives iPod touch a speed and storage boost – but no camera

Apple kept the announcements coming at its Rock and Roll event with an updated iPod touch lineup. The entry-level 8GB touch has received a price drop, while the previous 16GB and 32GB models have been replaced with 32GB and 64GB versions that are selling for the same prices as their predecessors. The two larger capacity models have also received a bump in performance that Apple says will be up to 50 percent faster than the previous touch and support for OpenGL ES 2.0, which suggests the new models are sporting the same CPU as the iPhone 3GS.

Those people holding their breath for the announcement of the addition of a camera to the touch can continue to turn blue in the face. In fact, aside from the bump in capacity and performance, Apple hasn’t added any new features to the touch. Instead Apple claims to be focusing on getting the price of the touch down to push the device as a gaming platform and give users a low cost option to access the App Store – where Apple can really make some money.

The entry-level 8GB iPod touch is now available for USD$199, while the new, faster models are USD$299 (32GB) and USD$399 (64GB).