IOS 4 software ALL features should work on ALL devices

Question

It's really not fair. I bought an iPod touch when they were about $300 canadian. (tax included) and i have the 2nd gen touch. ive wanted to change the homescreen background ever since i got it. So all the people who bought the newer iPods and iPhones (also cheaper than mine) get that software and i dont. i just dont think thats fair, considering i paid more than them for my device. I really think that ppl with older models of iphone and ipod tough should have options such as multitasking and changing the home screen background available to them aswell, and i yearn for an update in the future, where we can do so also.

Answer 1

Both of you make good points. It is a normal part of the product cycle to phase out older hardware. It has to be, especially in cutting edge technology markets that the ipod touch and iphone occupy. Advances in technology simply moves too fast and the market is so cutthroat that every little advantage helps outperform your competitor. It can be frustrating for consumers but I think if one is going to jump into the purchase of this type of device, it should be with the understanding that it's not the same as buying a dishwasher for your kitchen. Buy the dishwasher, and it'll be fine for years without becoming obsolete. This is a whole different ballgame.
That said, the older ipod touches are in fact capable of the multitasking, wallpaper, etc that are in iOS4. There are plenty of sites that will show you how to enable them. Believe me I've done it, and they do work. But like me you may find that the performance hit with all the whistles and bells turned on is not worth it. There is a noticeable difference between "working" and "working well", and I think this is a case of Apple choosing to disable certain features deliberately to provide a better user experience, even if that experience does not include each and every thing that the device is capable of doing.