Two recent rumors have drawn the same conclusion, that Apple is preparing a line of iPods with cameras.
TechCrunch reports that Apple has ordered "massive" amounts of camera modules at a price of $10 each. Their anonymous sources say the order was so large, it may encompass not only the iPod Touch, but every iPod model except the Shuffle. It's not clear whether the cameras would shoot video or just photos.
Meanwhile, MacRumors uncovered alleged photos of iPod cases with camera holes, including one for the Touch and one for the Nano. Both sellers of these cases are taking orders now. For what it's worth, both of these products look terrible in pictures, and I find it hard to believe that a seller with inside Apple knowledge would so blatantly reveal the company's plans
That leaves the TechCrunch rumor. The Web site was famously skewered by The New York TImes for running with a false rumor on an Apple takeover of Twitter, and it has tangled with Last.fm over allegations that the site hands user data to the RIAA. These stories don't ruin TechCrunch's credibility -- it's a huge site with lots of industry sources -- but it's enough to throw a tiny grain of salt into this iPod story.
Nonetheless, a camera-ready iPod makes sense, especially for the Touch. The original device launched in September 2007, so the timing is right for a revamped version this holiday season.
