Three major mobile companies have unveiled some interesting developments this morning.  Apple announced a new, cheaper iPod, while Samsung revealed a smaller S4 mini.  Lastly, Motorola drew back the curtains on its plan to bring smartphone assembly to the United States.

Apple unveils cheaper iPod Touch

A new iPod Touch popped up in the Apple store today.  Some may think that this is an upgrade of the fifth generation, but it’s actually a downgrade.  The 16GB iPod Touch is priced at $229 and only comes in black and silver.  Aside from lacking the bright colors that the fifth gen has, it also only comes with a front facing camera for FaceTime, the back camera has been discarded, probably to make the device cheaper.

So if you’re in the market for a cheaper iPod Touch, this might be something to consider if you’re okay with bland color and no rear camera.

Galaxy S4 mini

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S4’s little brother, the Galaxy S4 mini.  Much like the Galaxy SIII mini, it’s the less powerful version of its big brother.  The S4 mini’s 8MP rear camera, 1.7GHz dual core processor are quite underpowered compared to the S4’s 13MP and quad-core processor, but sources stated that the Jedi-like features such as the SmartScreen and Air Gesture will be available on the mini.

Samsung wants to capture more consumers, and its strategy of releasing a cheaper version of its flagship device could work.  Some are doubtful that the S4 mini will deliver astounding sales numbers since the SIII mini wasn’t well received.  The issue with the SIII mini was that it’s considered an overpriced, underpowered smartphone.

No news yet as to when the S4 mini will be available in the market, but sources stated that details of the device, launch and price will be revealed in an event next month.

Motorola to make smartphones in the US

At AllThingsD’s D10 conference, Motorola unveiled its plans as to where its next smartphone will be manufactured: Texas, USA.   Yup, you read that right.  Much like Google who has started releasing products made in the US, Motorola has caught the fever.

Taking the stage at D10 was Dennis Woodside, the head of Motorola, who stated that the Moto X, its first smartphone under Google’s leadership, will be manufactured in Texas as it would allow the company to “iterate and innovate much faster.”

Google and Motorola will be taking over a manufacturing plant previously used by Nokia, which housed 15,000 employees.  Motorola will hire 2,000 people and stated that the plant will be up and running by August.

Woodside also stated that components for the Moto X will come from international manufacturers, and only the assembly will happen in Texas.