When Apple introduced the 2nd generation iPod touch one of the features was built-in Audio In support. However, even with the current (3rd generation) iPod touch there is no built-in mic. So you have to get a 3rd party microphone if you want to use Apps that bring audio in. One of my favorite apps is Shazam which can listen to a song that's playing say at a party or on the radio, or even in a movie and then "Tag" it via the internet and tell you what the name of the song, artist and even provide a link to buy it right in iTunes. Well now this kind of app can be used on the iPod touch.
I found this great little Mic
This mike looks like a push pin that goes right into the bottom of your iPod touch. That's it. No software to install or configuration necessary. At this point you can use any 3rd party app that allows you to bring in or record sound. The protective cap is a nice touch and there's also a small loop so that you can string this on a key chain or other type of strap like a Thumb Drive.
What's even more amazing is the price! You can get these for just a couple of bucks here.
What about VoIP Apps?
This mic is not really suitable for VoIP because while it's a great Mic (I just tried a Skype call with it using the Skype App), because it plugs into the same port that the iPod uses for headphones you can't hear the person on the other end of the conversation. It's a mic, not a speaker. Also while it's plugged in it disables the internal speaker. So if you want to do VoIP you're better off getting Apple's Headphone, Microphone and Remote combo here.
Could this work as a crude 2nd mic besides using the built in mic in my d-90?
I don’t see why not.
that is the exact mic I have for my iPT.
also, I was under the impression that Skype fixed this issue by figuring a way to enable the speaker while the mic was plugged in…I thought i even tried this once and it worked as I described (not much of a skype use).
Pretty neat little utilitarian mic for when you don’t have a headset. While I love the iTouch and the features it has – I am disappointed that they left the camera feature off and only incorporated that into the iPhone. With so many apps that are geared toward photography, it’s just a shame that they are pointless on the Touch.
Hi Terry,
I read you blog every morning in bed or with coffee. Today i’m reading it on my MacBook Pro. Thing is, when i read it on my iPhone, the text is so darn small. And I have your optimized for iPhone. Is there a way to install a widget on the WordPress blog for iPhone that allows users to enlarge the text. It’s soo hard to read on my iPhone, which is were it typically visit you from. P.S. Love your blog and your reviews. A great resource for all thing tech.
Marc, thanks!
I’ll see what I can do. In the mean time you can scroll to the bottom and turn OFF the mobile theme. Then you will be able to pinch/zoom as you will be in regular Safari mode at that point. You can also try an RSS reader like Byline for your blog reading in general that will display the text larger and let you zoom up a little.
Skype works on speaker phone with the Switcheasy Thumbtack microphone.
I use my ipod touch 3g and skype for my only phone, and I use the Textnow app to send and recieve text with my google voice # I also use my google voice # for skype. so it works great as a real cell phone. I HAVE a verizon mifi card that allows me to have internet all the time, no matter where i go. my total bill for the month using skype and verizon for internet access is
55 dollars. and I basically have an iphone without the camera. AT&T could never offer me this deal. My problem is the same as others. I CAN’T HERE IT RING WHEN THE MINI MIC IS PLUGGED IN. If anyone finds a solution please e-mail me. someone should make a ipod holder with a mic and speaker built-in that plugs in like the head phones.