In just over two weeks until its WWDC, Apple uncharacteristically announced a new 16GB iPod Touch for $229. The iPod Touch will be available online, according to The Verge, though no word yet on when brick & mortar Apple stores will carry the new music player. Historically Apple keeps new product announcements under lock and key until showcase events like the WWDC, so its unclear what Apple’s motive is for releasing the new iPod Touch so early.

The 16GB device, roughly 4,000 songs, will boast a 4-inch Retina display, sport a front-facing Face Time HD camera, and run on a dual-core A5 processor. The 6.1mm thick player will come in black and silver, and will likely ship within 24 hours. There’s no word yet on an operating system but seeing as how iOS 7 isn’t expected to be announced until June, it will probably ship with iOS 6 with the consolation of an upgrade when available.

Apple’s WWDC is just over two weeks away so its certainly an odd move for the Cupertino-based electronics giant to announce a new product so hastily. Last fall Apple announced its updated iPod alongside the highly-anticipated iPhone 5 which helped to bring together a huge audience and generate significant buzz.

Perhaps Apple is trying to similarly pique the interest of techies, trying to have the limelight shone on it and its impending WWDC without having to show any other product specs and photos it may be hiding up its sleeve.

Apple has also reportedly begun developing a lower-end iPhone so an iPod Touch without a rear-facing camera, comparatively limited storage, and an un-Apple-like affordable $229 could mean the company founded by the late Steve Jobs is testing the waters for more price-friendly devices and a much larger market.

But what do all of you think? Why would Apple be trading in a few specifications for a lower price tag? What does it have in store for the WWDC?