The Apple iPod touch 2nd Generation is effectively the iPhone 3G's counterpart, much like the original iPod touch was to the original iPhone. It provides much of the same iPod and handheld computing functionality but omits the "phone" features, mobile network connectivity (3G/EDGE), A-GPS, and an integrated camera.
The 2nd Gen iPod touch has a "thin contoured metal design" that echoes the iPhone 3G's shape, being slightly thicker (by 0.02 inches) but lighter than the original iPod touch, with a silver front trim instead of gray. It retains the 3.5" 320x480 "multi-touch" display—though of higher quality—an accelerometer for automatic screen rotation, an ambient light sensor, and built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g). It was available in 8, 16, or 32 GB flash memory capacities.
Compared to the original, this model adds welcome external volume controls on the left side, an integrated speaker (with external mic support via Apple's remote-equipped earphones), built-in Nike + iPod Sport Kit support, a "Genius" feature for automatic playlist creation, and a "shake to shuffle" function.
Battery life was also improved, offering 36 hours of music and 6 hours of video, up from 22 hours of music and 5 hours of video in its predecessor.