Analysis: Wi-Fi aside, iPod Touch not built for communications

Every new device launch these days brings with it at least some anticipation over whether it will be the device to route around traditional carrier networks using Wi-Fi, VoIP or other “bypass” technologies. The latest candidate: the new Touch version of the Apple iPod.

Launched Wednesday to much fanfare, the Touch looks like the Apple iPhone but doesn’t include voice or data services from partner AT&T. It does, however, include integrated Wi-Fi, possibly positioning it as much a communications device as a mere music player.

But while you can browse the Web using the including Safari Web browser—and buy music via a new mobile iTunes store interface—that’s about where the communications capabilities of the Touch come to an end, despite the dreams of some influential users.

For instance, unlike the iPhone, the iPod Touch doesn’t include native email, instant messaging or Google Maps applications. Such apps can be accessed via a Web interface using the included browser, but that approach is a less palatable option than the pre-integrated native application route. The iPhone and iPod Touch do run the same OSX-based operating system, however, so the missing apps should work on the Touch. In the end, the fact that they are missing at all may be a design choice by Apple that enterprising users could soon work around.

As for voice-over-IP, users are more likely to try out VoIP on the iPhone than the Touch for one simple reason: The iPod Touch does notinclude a microphone or external speaker, making it unlikely one could use it as voice or video communications tool (though it’s theoretically possible to add such hardware via the iPod connector port, if the device has audio-in capabilities). It also does not have announced support for Bluetooth, though one Web report apparently saw a Bluetooth logo on a Touch screenshot, though its veracity is up for debate. Even if it does get Bluetooth support, it will be interesting to see which profiles the iPod Touch supports. If it supports dial-up network (DUN), a user could use that to connect via an EVDO-equipped cell phone, significantly increasing the device’s “connectability” factor.

So have we seen a viable “telco bypass” device yet? The Nokia 770/800 Internet Table is certainly a contender (read this detailed Touch/Nokia compare and contrast for more on that angle). It too does not include carrier-provided voice or data service, but it includes Wi-Fi plus built-in email, RSS, Skype and Google Talk (IM, voice and video) clients. There’s even a link for 600 free Skype minutes on its UK product page.

Up next on the bypass rumor trail: the Google Gphone. The search giant will have a lot of incentive to keep that device mainly Internet/Web-only and could offer free calling in exchange for displaying its Web-ubiquitous text ads on mobile phones. Whether it goes that route remains to be seen. The gPhone isn’t expected to appear until early next year.