iPod Nano Case Leaks, iPod Touch to Have GPS?

[wizard]

GPS

First; GPS itself has nothing to do with WiFi, 3G or any other form of technology. So would everybody that just doesn't understand what GPS is just step away from their keyboards! Already at the app store their are GPS apps that never make use of any networking to deliver useful info to the user. As to the utility of GPS on a Touch like device well that will vary with the user. I can say this much though if you are a user it would be a big deal. It would be even a bigger deal if Apple would provide for background apps in the OS.


Ports

Has anyone considered that the traditional iPod connector might be at the other end of the device. As to an additional USB connector I could see such on Touch though I would prefer it to be full size. The idea of course is that the Touch devices are really micro computers an as such can benefit from standard connectors. Two usages come to mind real quick. One would be adapters for mass storage devices an the other for serial port adapters. Such would really inflate demand for Touch devices. Interestingly I could see Apple implement USB On The Go signalling over the current iPod interface connector giving people USB host capability to some extent or simply another port there that Is true USB host.

That would lead to an alternative use for the port and here I have a suggestion (think video). That is right a custom video out possible providing HDMI signalling. This would make hooking up to a larger display a snap.


Shape Form Factor

My guess is that the current round of pics are all based on whispered descriptions and thus are interpetations. ThAt being said a wider screen works with more source formats well. I would not be surprised to see the screen take up nearly all of the face on a Nano like device. The interface could easily be a virtual click wheel with tactil feedback offered up via the curved screen. What these devices really need though is a manual volume adjustment, a slider or +- buttons. This is hugely important.

I would not be surprised to find that the devices actual volume is less than the current Nano. That is if these are indeed Nano pics. I still see Apple offering up a larger iPod Touch that is optimized for video/multimedia. Yeah the current Touch fills this role somewhat but let's face it comes up short by many measurements.


Hardware

What will be possible on the next Nano depends greatly on the readiness of the PA chips. It is basically possible today to put a very large portion of all of the future Nano's required circuitry one one chip. This provides room for more storage, smaller size or more functions. It would not be impossible to see WiFi and GPS in the Nano given enough integration in the PA SoC. At the very least WiFi is a key stradegy in Apples iTunes program so I would not be surprised to see at least that on Nano "next yen".


Storage

Expect at least 16GB on one model. The biggest problem with storage is that Apple wants to lower costs on Nano as much as possible for the introductory machine. The possibility exists for a wider spread in capacity and price. I would love to see 32GB in the Nano but have to be realistic. All that memory is desired of course to better exploit the units video capability.



Well that is my take. What is possible on the new Nano will be tied directly to how much integration they can achieve.


Dave

[Antares]

The problem with "offline" GPS is that it would eat a lot of capacity. My almost 4 year old car GPS has a 10GB Hard Drive. For a 16 GB Touch...there would go almost all of your storage space. Apple would have to add a "maps" option to iTunes where you would load regional maps. Then again, the Touch may just have maps and none of the normal "points of interest" that full GPS systems have. That would save on quite a bit of space....

Anyway, GPS would be cool...but not critical enough for me to get rid of my first gen iPod Touch.

And I kind of like the look of these "leaked" Nano images.

[bushido]

do u really think the Touch will have a better GPS as the iPhone? i highly doubt it unless they update it on the iPhone as well.

i for one think they'll just change the back (no metal and round curves) and add some volume buttons but i guess we'll find out in a few weeks

[wizard]

Chances are if you're lost in the wilderness, you probably wouldn't have reception anyway to connect with Google Maps... but that's given you have access to AT&T's network, and we're talking about the Touch. Good luck with WiFi.

I guess my point is, imo, GPS isn't the end-all-to-be-all. That's just my feeling.

I think the only point you are making is that you don't understand GPS. Niether WiFi nor 3G are needed for it to be useful. That really is an important concept to grasp.

For example there is already an app on the app store for delivering numerical position data. Such is suitable for use with paper maps. More traditional GPS functionality can be had via locally stored maps, this taking less than 1/32 of a 32GB iPods storage.

More so GPS can enable location aware apps even where WiFi is not available. Such apps could be a huge part of software base of an iPod especially if Apple hatches a way to do background processes.

Gps certainly has it's place atleast on some variants of Touch.


Dave

[citi]

The problem with "offline" GPS is that it would eat a lot of capacity. My almost 4 year old car GPS has a 10GB Hard Drive. For a 16 GB Touch...there would go almost all of your storage space. Apple would have to add a "maps" option to iTunes where you would load regional maps. Then again, the Touch may just have maps and none of the normal "points of interest" that full GPS systems have. That would save on quite a bit of space....

Anyway, GPS would be cool...but not critical enough for me to get rid of my first gen iPod Touch.

And I kind of like the look of these "leaked" Nano images.

You guys are using crappy gps. Both my tom tom and my garmin only use about 1gb for the maps. Also, do you really need maps for the entire world or just maybe the state you live in?

[Snowcat001]

do you know where this came from?, i hope it's not a mockup

It came from a Mac version of Photoshop CS3 :D
Just downloaded the image and then checked properties...:cool:

And the colors of the inner cirkels don't match the color of the ipod itself!

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3531/ipodnanozr9.jpg

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

geez, he's been right in the past ya kno, if you dont belive him you dont have to be mean,if fact, nobody REALLY knows the truth, so he COULD be right
His track record regarding Mac predictions suggests that he pulls data out of his a$$ for purposes of click-through traffic. :D

[iReality85]

First; GPS itself has nothing to do with WiFi, 3G or any other form of technology. So would everybody that just doesn't understand what GPS is just step away from their keyboards! Already at the app store their are GPS apps that never make use of any networking to deliver useful info to the user. As to the utility of GPS on a Touch like device well that will vary with the user. I can say this much though if you are a user it would be a big deal. It would be even a bigger deal if Apple would provide for background apps in the OS.

Umm, I know very well how GPS works... I have used one for years as I have one in my car, thanks. And I'll keep using my keyboard.:rolleyes: Your arguement assumes (1) that people have bought/downloaded such 3rd party apps from iTunes, or (2) that people have gigs upon gigs of geo location data stored on their devices, which I'm sure is not that case. My point was that Apple (thusfar) has provided GPS in conjuction with Google Maps, which in most cases are pulled by accessing a cellular or WiFi network. I'm not talking about the GPS signal; I'm talking about the maps. Without a map, GPS is useless, imo.

[wizard]

do u really think the Touch will have a better GPS as the iPhone? i highly doubt it unless they update it on the iPhone as well.

i for one think they'll just change the back (no metal and round curves) and add some volume buttons but i guess we'll find out in a few weeks

What do you mean by better? I'm not sure what is the problem is in this thread but I'm almost sure of two things. One is that people don't grasp what GPS is an the difference between it and the software that uses GPS. Second people don't seem to grasp that we are talking about computers here that run Apps!

Think about GPS as a service run by the government that sends out data, very precise data. A GPS chip uses the data from a number of GPS satilites to come up with time and position fixes. That is a nut schell description of GPS.

That GPS info is only as useful as the ability or the user or a selected app to use it. Since both the iPhone and Touch can run the same apps there would be little difference between the two. The iPone might be faster only due to having more data to work with.

If nothing else check out the app store for GPS aware apps and position aware apps. Google maps is just one example of a solution that makes use of position data. Frankly what is there is just a beginning there are all sorts of possibilities.


Dave

[dasikes]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/08/24/200743-for_iPod_nano_4G_Silicon_Skin_Case_400.jpg


More evidence is appearing that supports the taller iPod Nano design with a curved screen. Case designs (seen above) at Alibaba (http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/208758243/for_iPod_nano_4G_Silicon_Skin.html) (via Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/24/supposed-4th-gen-ipod-nano-case-designs-slip-out/)) depict new cases for an iPod Nano 4G. The 4th generation iPod Nano has been rumored to have a taller design with widescreen to allow for video playback. The rumor was first reported (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/30/next-generation-ipod-nano-to-be-taller/) in July, with additional claims (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/22/new-ipod-nano-ipod-touch-itunes-8-0-blu-ray-in-10-6/) a few days ago from Kevin Rose.

Meanwhile, iDealsChina (http://www.idealschina.com/Insider/NewsDetail.aspx?ArticleID=28) has posted renderings of the 4th Generation iPod which also match the rumored description:


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/08/24/200750-7_400.jpg


iDealsChina was previously responsible (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/28/more-confirmation-of-3g-iphone-case-design/) for leaked iPhone 3G case moldings that turned out to be accurate.

Separately, and perhaps more interestingly, iDealsChina claims that the next generation iPod Touch will contain GPS (http://www.idealschina.com/Insider/NewsDetail.aspx?ArticleID=29). The iPod Touch is expected to see a revision in the next few weeks.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/24/ipod-nano-case-leaks-ipod-touch-to-have-gps/)

As many have pointed out, there is a blatant USB port.

[.Chris]

Yup. Complain and debate all you want people. I have a strong feeling that those leaked mockups and photo from Kevin Rose is the real thing. The only thing to debate now is why they went with that design. Will a curved screen be a problem?

it wont. Plus its not even curvered. its the body that is...

GPS with the iTouch... you have no WiFi to always connect to so it's pretty much impossible to use while you're out, unless you subscribe to WiFi internet (if they have that in your area) that's all over your town.

Its called the iPod Touch NOT the iTouch. Second its been said you dont need wi-fi for GPS...


Here's a side-by-side I just made:

http://i38.tinypic.com/nvdv28.jpg

http://www.studiolavoro.nl/apple/ipod_nano.jpg

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=8cVNGw1hy9o

Now THAT looks real. The last ipod with the "rainbow" colors matches the colored nano rumor.

do you know where this came from?, i hope it's not a mockup

Same here. Looks prety darn real to me. if not then good job to who ever made themm better then that crappy mock up on page 1.


the last nano in this the pic look :eek: it wont be an Apple's product :p

Agreed...the Touch seem not going to have GPS built-in while Apple stick with google map :o

The rainbow nano matches the rainbowe nano rumor

and? doesnt mean things can change... or they keep both...

[iReality85]

I think the only point you are making is that you don't understand GPS. Niether WiFi nor 3G are needed for it to be useful. That really is an important concept to grasp.

For example there is already an app on the app store for delivering numerical position data. Such is suitable for use with paper maps. More traditional GPS functionality can be had via locally stored maps, this taking less than 1/32 of a 32GB iPods storage.

More so GPS can enable location aware apps even where WiFi is not available. Such apps could be a huge part of software base of an iPod especially if Apple hatches a way to do background processes.

Gps certainly has it's place atleast on some variants of Touch.

I think its more evident that you really didn't read my post.

Note that nowhere did I say GPS connects through cellular or WiFi networks, obviously, because thats not what GPS does. I was talking about Google Maps, which act as the "de facto" for Apple's GPS function. Please be less arrogant and read peoples' posts more carefully in the future.

[illegallydead]

whos to say they arnt going towards a diferent connector this time around? You people NEED to stop living in the past and look towards the feature.

haha and whos to say that :apple: will actually let you use a universal cable to connect with the iPod? That would mean that when yours broke, you could get another one for like $1 from your local Wal-Mart, instead of for $30 from an :apple: store. We wouldn't want that now would we? :rolleyes:
It just doesn't fit with :apple:'s philosophy.
Not to mention, so many accessories rely on the dock connector. There is a reason it has 30 pins instead of usb's 4. My vote is that this is just a really quickly put together mockup from someone's basement with a decent CAD program.

[wizard]

Without a map, GPS is useless, imo.

Well this is where I disagree with you and is what prompted my response.

First the map doesn't have to be on the Touch device there are such things as paper maps. GPS on a Touch based device can be useful if it does nothing more than deliver numerical data.

Second the Touch based devices can load the program of your choice to offer up on screen maps. Just because such are not available yet doesn't mean they are not coming. If you don't like what does come you can sways write your own apps.

Third you make a assumption that the only useful apps that combine with GPS are ones that offer up maps. I'd suggest that that is also wrong. There are many possibilities for position based apps many of these have very little to do with navigation. It is a matter of stepping away from your perception of what GPS is useful for based on pass experience an look at what it could be used for in a very portable computer. If you think a bit I'm sure you can come up with ideas that have nothing to do with maps.


Dave

[illegallydead]

I think its more evident that you really didn't read my post.

Note that nowhere did I say GPS connects through cellular or WiFi networks, obviously, because thats not what GPS does. I was talking about Google Maps, which act as the "de facto" for Apple's GPS function. Please be less arrogant and read peoples' posts more carefully in the future.

I think that part of it is that the iPhone uses edge,3g, and wi-fi to supplement its tiny GPS receiver. Obviously it does not NEED internet to do GPS, I am just saying that cellular triangulation and network location would bring you from an accuracy of like +-100 feet or more down to a more respectable level. There is a reason that dedicated GPS units can get down to sub-9 foot accuracy, since they have all sorts of dedicated GPS circuitry and a bigger antenna. Yes, Google Maps may be the "de facto" way that iPhone does it, but that means nothing for a future product in which such a connection might not be possible.

[wizard]

I think its more evident that you really didn't read my post.

Note that nowhere did I say GPS connects through cellular or WiFi networks, obviously, because thats not what GPS does. I was talking about Google Maps, which act as the "de facto" for Apple's GPS function. Please be less arrogant and read peoples' posts more carefully in the future.

I've read every single post in this thread and frankly find it important to respond to yours. Not so much to respond to help you out but rather the casual reader that may be left with what I consider to be the wrong impression of what is possible with GPS. That mainly because you tie the utility of GPS, on iPhone or Touch, to closely with Google maps.

It is not like Google maps don't work well as they obviously do. The problem is that GPS offers up a lot of possibilities outside of mapping.

Dave

[cmichaelb]

The case looks like it would fit something like THIS (http://www.chinagrabber.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1121)

except for the tapered edges, that's EXACTLY what the render looks like, nice find.

[iReality85]

Well this is where I disagree with you and is what prompted my response.

First the map doesn't have to be on the Touch device there are such things as paper maps. GPS on a Touch based device can be useful if it does nothing more than deliver numerical data.

Second the Touch based devices can load the program of your choice to offer up on screen maps. Just because such are not available yet doesn't mean they are not coming. If you don't like what does come you can sways write your own apps.

Third you make a assumption that the only useful apps that combine with GPS are ones that offer up maps. I'd suggest that that is also wrong. There are many possibilities for position based apps many of these have very little to do with navigation. It is a matter of stepping away from your perception of what GPS is useful for based on pass experience an look at what it could be used for in a very portable computer. If you think a bit I'm sure you can come up with ideas that have nothing to do with maps.


Dave

I'd say we've hammered out the differences, and I'll agree with the points you brought up. Ultimately though, GPS is a location provider, whether its to track your position, or to track something else's position (like a stolen laptop, the closest WiFi hotspot, the list is endless). It does not tell you, however, how to get from one point to another (that's where your own brain, or software from TomTom, Garmin, Google Maps, etc etc come into play). While GPS isn't used soley for the purposes of navigation (although, as I just said, GPS doesn't "navigate" anything for you, it provides location), its ability to assist with navigation are what the vast majority of people use it for. Based on that, I think its justified to say that without a maps (or voice) component of some sort, GPS is limited in functionality, at least at this stage in the game. Knowing points A and B is good (GPS), but if you can't quickly and accurately navigate between the two (maps), I don't see the benefits. Again, I'm speaking from a navigational point of view...


Anywho, I think this is wandering away from the topic of the thread. I'm all for the 4G Nano design. Mmm, curves.:D

[cmichaelb]

maybe kevin rose was right all along...:rolleyes:

He did get the prediction about the first gen nano was right on the money.

His iPhone predictions were off, but that's not to say his source didn't describe a prototype idea that was later nixed.

[madmaxmedia]

I think that part of it is that the iPhone uses edge,3g, and wi-fi to supplement its tiny GPS receiver. Obviously it does not NEED internet to do GPS, I am just saying that cellular triangulation and network location would bring you from an accuracy of like +-100 feet or more down to a more respectable level. There is a reason that dedicated GPS units can get down to sub-9 foot accuracy, since they have all sorts of dedicated GPS circuitry and a bigger antenna. Yes, Google Maps may be the "de facto" way that iPhone does it, but that means nothing for a future product in which such a connection might not be possible.

I don't think cellular triangulation significantly improves tracking for units with dedicated GPS chips (at least decent ones.) The original iPhone relied on cellular triangulation, and thus was not nearly as good as the new iPhone. That is, I suspect the new iPhone's GPS tracking would work roughly just as well with the cell radio shut off (the software side is a different issue of course, since currently you need Google Maps.)

I don't know how much accuracy 'dedicated GPS circuitry' adds to a standalone unit. A bigger antenna obviously can help, but for using outside and in your car, most cell phones with dedicated GPS chips perform very well.

I think it can be assumed that if GPS is coming to the iPod Touch, a dedicated GPS app (either from Apple or from TomTom, Garmin, etc.) will come to the Touch/iPhone platform. You would be able to select maps/regions to download via internet, so you would have say the greater Los Angeles area in memory if that's what you wanted. If it's done that way, I think the iPod Touch and iPhone have more than enough storage, especially going forward.

[madmaxmedia]

The main thing with these 'insider tips' is not judging whether the tips are accurate- who can really say since they're anonymous - but whether you believe the person reporting the tip (Kevin Rose) is acting in good faith.

I don't think Kevin Rose is making up these tips, I believe this is what he is hearing from his sources. If that's the case, then I'd rather him give us this information, then get all worried about whether they're wrong or right, etc...This stuff isn't that important, these rumors just make the speculation more fun in the days leading up the next Apple special event.

[sfh]

GPS on an iPod Touch would be almost pointless at it's current stage considering you need internet/edge/3g coming in to download the Google maps data.

This would have to be some sort of admittance that either Apple is going to let TomTom/Telenav come out with their own apps or Apple is going to release their own.

There's nothing to say that it couldn't store waypoints to then later map out when you are connected to a data connection.

and...
It still could tell you how far in what directions you have traveled... which can be useful to hikers and other off road / trail riders.

[ebouwman]

I don't get the GPS on the touch... What's the point if you can't use it while ur out?

You can, if you are in a wi-fi hotspot you can use the directions function, then when you leave the wi-fi area it keeps the part that includes your directions in the memory. So as long as you've decided where you wanna go before hand, you're fine.

[cmichaelb]

I don't get why people are complaining about the sideways video though. The iPod TOuch and iPhone do that, too. You can't even choose the direction, you HAVE to turn it to the left.

Not true, my iPod Touch can be rotated left or right and the video will orientate properly.

[Hugh]

wqhos to say its a new feature or a crappy mockup? dont be so fast there ..



maybe because thats how all designs go through in the second stage? First is pen and paper then is CGI. They cant just magicly create something l;ike that. it takes design and thought.




thats the point. You use it while your out :rolleyes:



whos to say they arnt going towards a diferent connector this time around? You people NEED to stop living in the past and look towards the feature.

This so true. When it comes to tech stuff, some people are willing to move on. They start to complain about the new looks or how it works. Some times change is good.

As for the update of the new iPod Nano, I don't know if I like it my self. In a way it looks sleek, and others it looks like something thrown from the past.

Hugh

[iMacmatician]

His track record regarding Mac predictions suggests that he pulls data out of his a$$ for purposes of click-through traffic. :DHis record isn't that bad, although some of them are obvious.

Rose's record:

Right
- 3G iPhone with GPS (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/26/more-confirmation-of-3g-iphone-in-june/)
- 15" Intel MacBook, iPod FM receiver, iWork/iLife, New Remote etc.. (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/01/10/intel-laptop-ilife-06-new-remote/)
- iPod Nano (http://www.macrumors.com/2005/09/05/ipod-nano/)

Partly Right
- $200 iPhone pricing (but called it "low end") (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/01/200-low-end-iphone/)

Wrong
- Front sided camera of iPhone (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/22/3g-iphone-front-sided-camera-for-video-chat/)
- Dual battery, iPhone rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/12/03/iphone-4gb-and-8gb-coming-in-january/)

[!¡ V ¡!]

the shuffle is for the budget buyer, i can afford a shuffle. just cause the imac sales the most dosent mean they're killing the mini, some people just dont have that type of money

annd, im sorry i didnt join the forum as soon as everybody else, and dont call me kid.

Hate to break it to you, however Apple is slowly killing the MacMini with no updates or updates that make it look like a joke when comparing it to the MacBook or even some generic PC. I believe Apple knows there is not much of a profit margin with the MacMini and is only keeping it alive because of "suggestions" and the product fan-base. When you look at the MacMini it looks outdated and overpriced no matter what spin you put on it. The Shuffle has already reached it point of small, thin and light. No other improvement can really be made unless you are look at nano-tech and that is still some years away (iPod Invisa) :D

Shuffle is seems to be EOL, at this point.

Face it reality kicks in. ;)

The shuffle is also for people who want music in places that they don't want to take there laptop, phone or iPod.

Last time I checked the Shuffle was an iPod. ;) On a serious note, the Shuffle is pointless, the marketing gimmick that fueled its introduction has fizzled out awhile ago. Merging the Shuffle and Nano line is the only next logical step. It would reduce cost, marketing, shipping and I can go on and on and on. :D

I believe Apple has found a solution to the screen durability by making it a little curved and possible OLED. :)

I can't see Apple disposing of their dock connector. Not only would they lose a source of income from the royalties, but they would essentially lose the trust of accessory manufacturers as well as their customers. All for what benefit? None.

That 30-pin connector was built with expandability in mind, so it could remain constant through all of the various iPod models and revisions, even as the inferences changed (usb, firewire). It's all about Apple wanting and needing control; removing it would be an absolutely catastrophic business move.

And arguing that the iPod shuffle doesn't have a 30-pin connector is a moot point. There's no reason why it should; it was never meant to interact with the 1,000s of accessories built around the iPod ecosystem.

Want to apply your logical thinking when Apple dropped PPC for Intel. Sure now you look at it is a good or even great thing, however a year or so more and people here were complaining what would happen to all the PPC SW developers and hardware manufactures.

Face it this is Apple, they do not care if 3rd party iPod add-on manufactures get cut out of the deal since they do not control Apples design and vision practices. Sure Apple obtains some royalties however its not going to bankrupt the company by developing a product that will sell even more. If you have not learned anything about Apple thus far, it is that they are not controlled by 3rd party as Microsoft is. This is the difference. I am sure those 3rd party developers will adapt to the constant changing gizmo market or close shop for good. This benefits us all. ;)

And yet your comment on the Shuffle connector, I see many add-on available for it, just means more money for developer to squeeze out of the iPod user base. :)

[iMacmatician]

Hate to break it to you, however Apple is slowly killing the MacMini with no updates or updates that make it look like a joke when comparing it to the MacBook or even some generic PC. I believe Apple knows there is not much of a profit margin with the MacMini and is only keeping it alive because of "suggestions" and the product fan-base. When you look at the MacMini it looks outdated and overpriced no matter what spin you put on it. It was rumored in March that the Mac mini would get a Penryn update. What happened to it? Maybe it got cancelled.

The Shuffle has already reached it point of small, thin and light. No other improvement can really be made unless you are look at nano-tech and that is still some years away (iPod Invisa) :DAnd I don't think capacity can be increased too much more.

Merging the Shuffle and Nano line is the only next logical step. It would reduce cost, marketing, shipping and I can go on and on and on. :DYeah, that looks like the only way to go, unless Apple wants to make the iPod shuffle dirt-cheap. The iPod nano would have to get smaller though, and that could be accomplished by differing display sizes, as well as the click wheel being on the other side of the iPod.

[macshill]

IDealsChina.com's "leaked new real version" sure looks like a cut-rate Photoshopped version of the real knock-off models sold.

http://i34.tinypic.com/5lyqet.jpg

[clu10]

It came from a Mac version of Photoshop CS3 :D
Just downloaded the image and then checked properties...:cool:

And the colors of the inner cirkels don't match the color of the ipod itself!

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3531/ipodnanozr9.jpg

ya'h kno you couldha just said photoshop intead of getting all visiual with me

[clu10]

His track record regarding Mac predictions suggests that he pulls data out of his a$$ for purposes of click-through traffic. :D

i only though he had a track record for the iphone??????

[clu10]

except for the tapered edges, that's EXACTLY what the render looks like, nice find.

the render looks like a ipod............is that it??

[asleitz]

This is too ugly for Apple to make. I feel like it's from the 70's; almost like an old TV remote control. Wake up - it's a bad dream.

[HitchHykr]

why would you want to have GPS on your ipod?
seriously, think about it.

you would need a wifi connection at all times unless you could fit all the data on your touch, so you would basically need a 32gb touch.

it seems pointless to me, or am i missing something?(Please, enlighten me.)

OMG, if I read another post claiming that "GPS on the touch is useless because it needs internet to load Google maps" or words to that effect, I'm just going to go postal. I can't believe people can't think outside of the box or even take a peek outside of it. How do you people, the GPS touch naysayers, think that stand alone GPS devices work without internets? Some newfangled technology? a thingamajigy loads the maps through the ether? MAPS ARE PRELOADED!!!!!!!

[Arran]

...MAPS ARE PRELOADED!!!!!!!

Indeed. My TomTom GPS fits a complete map of the US onto a 1GB SD card.

[macshill]

OMG, if I read another post claiming that "GPS on the touch is useless because it needs internet to load Google maps" or words to that effect, I'm just going to go postal. I can't believe people can't think outside of the box or even take a peek outside of it. How do you people, the GPS touch naysayers, think that stand alone GPS devices work without internets? Some newfangled technology? a thingamajigy loads the maps through the ether? MAPS ARE PRELOADED!!!!!!!

And true GPS doesn't require an Internet connection, since it uses the positions of the satellites.

OT: Why do people use the term "going postal"? There's been far more school shootings that post office workplace shootings. They should call it "going River City Ransom" (calling it "going Columbine" is a little too raw). ;) I suppose I'm more sensitive about this because my dad was an employee for 2 decades w/ not one workplace shooting.

P.S. If I don't get a new MacBook update, I'm going River City Ransom! :p

[Loge]

Want to apply your logical thinking when Apple dropped PPC for Intel. Sure now you look at it is a good or even great thing, however a year or so more and people here were complaining what would happen to all the PPC SW developers and hardware manufactures.

Apple dropped PPC largely because they had reached a dead end as far as notebooks were concerned. There is no comparable reason for losing the dock connector in favour of a mini-USB.

[madmaxmedia]

And true GPS doesn't require an Internet connection, since it uses the positions of the satellites.

OT: Why do people use the term "going postal"? There's been far more school shootings that post office workplace shootings. They should call it "going River City Ransom" (calling it "going Columbine" is a little too raw). ;) I suppose I'm more sensitive about this because my dad was an employee for 2 decades w/ not one workplace shooting.

P.S. If I don't get a new MacBook update, I'm going River City Ransom! :p

'Going academic' ???

[macshill]

'Going academic' ???

THAT, I like! I was grasping for a word and that could be it.

[Bigdaddyguido]

P.S. If I don't get a new MacBook update, I'm going River City Ransom! :p

Wow, that's just awesome, I'm totally using that. Although I'm holding out on beating up high schoolers for no MBP case redesign.

[GregA]

i don't think Apple would add a feature in the hope that TeleNav, TomTom or Garmin were to use it for their Application. if Apple were to create their own maps for a turn-by-turn solution than it would put them in direct competition with existing GPS navigators where they have no experience at all creating software for (and many would ponder why there is a second application for google maps).

Having used Google maps a bit recently, and seeing how much work Google is putting into their system, I wouldn't be surprised if Google is working on vector based street maps, so that they send much simpler street information which is then converted into a useful visual. Zoom would work much more cleanly ... and the maps could be stored locally without taking much storage space.

The hybrid satellite maps might already use vectors for the street details.

I believe Google is doing this anyway, and I agree that an iPod with GPS would need offline maps (as does my iPhone when in remote areas too!). TeleNav, Garmin etc may also be doing turn-by-turn navigation for the iPhone. It's certainly something Apple will have considered... hopefully they have an interesting solution to compete with the in car nav systems.

[macshill]

Having used Google maps a bit recently, and seeing how much work Google is putting into their system, I wouldn't be surprised if Google is working on vector based street maps, so that they send much simpler street information which is then converted into a useful visual. Zoom would work much more cleanly ... and the maps could be stored locally without taking much storage space.

The hybrid satellite maps might already use vectors for the street details.

I believe Google is doing this anyway, and I agree that an iPod with GPS would need offline maps (as does my iPhone when in remote areas too!). TeleNav, Garmin etc may also be doing turn-by-turn navigation for the iPhone. It's certainly something Apple will have considered... hopefully they have an interesting solution to compete with the in car nav systems.


Then I think Google Android phones will be getting first crack at it.

[GregA]

have you ever been lost in the middle of a huge city, or worse, in the middle of the wilderness?

GPS is incredibly useful.

Google apparently recently upgraded their mapping to help pedestrians move around in cities. One way streets don't matter, malls are fair game, and there are other walkways that can be used.

I think that's a great improvement. I'd like to see them integrate entirely with public transport too. I rarely use buses for several reasons
1) I don't always know which routes I need
2) I don't always know where to change buses
3) I don't know whether it's worth going to the express stops or just use my local stop
4) I don't know what I'll be charged (and many buses require you to buy your tickets before boarding)

There are websites that help us sort this out - but imagine if our iPhone/iPodTouch maps could walk you to the stop, tell you the bus, costs, where to change to a train, etc. It could tell you what time you'll arrive, or when you'd need to leave. Better still if it notices the bus I'm on is late and updates (or even knows your NEXT bus is late).

My wife and I don't have a simple to-from work need, our destinations and timing change frequently... but we might be able to sell a car if we had a better idea of public transport. Save money, save environment, use a taxi occasionally.

Of course... the more it does, the more chance it requires internet access. (We need Apple to make EVERY Mac on earth an iPodTouch access point for minimal data updates!)

[Muncher]

OMG, if I read another post claiming that "GPS on the touch is useless because it needs internet to load Google maps" or words to that effect, I'm just going to go postal. I can't believe people can't think outside of the box or even take a peek outside of it. How do you people, the GPS touch naysayers, think that stand alone GPS devices work without internets? Some newfangled technology? a thingamajigy loads the maps through the ether? MAPS ARE PRELOADED!!!!!!!

I don't want maps preloaded for the following reason:

Indeed. My TomTom GPS fits a complete map of the US onto a 1GB SD card.

1GB gone? That's a movie, almost. I might go for 1/2 a GB, or around there, but that's seriously a lot to ask.
EDIT: With a capacity bump (16GB min.) I wouldn't mind.

'Going academic' ???

LMAO! Best post of the day! :p:D

[Dudeman486]

maybe kevin rose was right all along...:rolleyes:

noooo! that would make him more right than not instead of on the fence! then people would start believing his suggestions about dual-battery iphones and blu-ray!

jk

I don't think that this is the ipod nano. the omission of a dock connector makes it almost non-apple. apple reaps tons of profit through that dock connector, and it is an "ipod feature." much similar to that infuriating backing that apple refuses to get rid of and the lack of an am/fm tuner.

IMHO i think apple would be reluctant to drop the fatty design so soon after its introduction. unless there was MASSIVE opposition to it and love for the previous design.

gps for the ipod touch would be sweet. I think they'd have to add an external speaker to enable voice-guided directions, but i personally doubt it.

[Dudeman486]

umm, how hard is it just to call nike up and just say "yo Nike, where makin a new ipod, you should make new assesories with mni usb"

and nike would say somethin along the lines off "totally dude, mini usb is a totally awsome choice seeing as the can use it for OTHER devices that dosent happen to use ipods patent dock connector"

PROBLEM SOLVED:D

but then apple would have to call up EVERY ipod accessory manufacturer and tell them to make new accessories with mini-usb. and i doubt steve jobs has that many minutes on his iphone! :D

[GregA]

I don't want maps preloaded <snip>
1GB gone?

That's on machines that never update their maps. They stick the whole country on the navigator. I'd be happy with my current city cached and a couple of favourites - much less space!

Of course occasionally it would fail, and need to load up the cache when it next gets the opportunity. If it was really smart, then when you look up an address it'd make sure it cached that city/town for a while.

[macshill]

That's on machines that never update their maps. They stick the whole country on the navigator. I'd be happy with my current city cached and a couple of favourites - much less space!

Of course occasionally it would fail, and need to load up the cache when it next gets the opportunity. If it was really smart, then when you look up an address it'd make sure it cached that city/town for a while.

Oooooh... I like that. I mean, how often are new subdivisions or new streets added anyway? Cached would be good. I sure don't need the maps Vancouver, BC or PEI or stupid Torontocentric TO (Toronto Ontario to you non-Canadians) in it if I'm in London and never plan on going there (although never say never).

[GregA]

Oooooh... I like that. <snip> Cached would be good.

Even if it cached EVERY map you ever looked up (or went to) and kept it for 2 years, it would take up a much smaller amount of space than a system that records all of North America (etc).

That's assuming a vector map, not a graphical representation (like google has now) or satellite pictures - of course. They could still be cached but would need much more space.

[kabunaru]

What is up with these leaks?
Is Apple not good at "hiding" their upcoming products any more? :confused:

[TheCrazyOnes]

I have seen these before.
eBay is littered with iPod knockoffs that resemble Zunes, ie with the long screens and mock - click-wheel
These players cannot have the ipod connector [obviously] and sub in a mini-usb port for connectivity.
There's even a possibility that this is one of the fake iPods that Apple itself floats around the office to ensure secrecy of the real model.
Personally I can't see why apple would go with that d***head design that looks like the crap-tastic Zune. Yeah, ok I can watch widescreen video but the implementation is Very average.

[Mr. Friday]

I think that GPS would be a great idea to catch criminals on the run.

[clu10]

but then apple would have to call up EVERY ipod accessory manufacturer and tell them to make new accessories with mini-usb. and i doubt steve jobs has that many minutes on his iphone! :D

apple dosent benifit from every 3rd party assesorie, but only the nike partnership, so why should they be concerned

[bobertoq]

That's interesting. I hope that's not a final model, though. Maybe matte silver all around (including the back) rounded edges. I like the idea of the rounded screen. It's unique. Something new to try. Maybe a matte screen because people don't like the shine. And fully LED! (not LED LCD or whatever they use) with backlit click wheel.... oh boy... One can only dream :)

oh, plus the flip it and it's widescreen like the iPhone. And you would be able to turn the automatic sensor of and manually switch between upright and sideways display. I would love to use my iPod sideways the whole time. If the iPod Classic will be similar to what I have said I will be excited. I like the big screen.

[macwall]

what good is gps if all you have is wifi for data connect? would gmap be archived on the touch?

[SiriusVector]

Clearly from here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-4GB-1-8-Video-TFT-slim-MP3-MP4-LCD-FM-Player-NEW_W0QQitemZ220272545277QQihZ012QQcategoryZ73839QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohost ing). :eek:

[wbeasley]

Anyone got an idea what screen res this "new" nano would run at?

The "pics" don't look all that widescreen (some of them at least).

It's hard to imagine Apple cramming a 480x320 screen into something that size. Samsung do a 3" 480x272 screen in their format-unfriendly (ie no AAC, dreadful video transcode required on their P2 player). If they kept the 240 high it could go to 360x240 (1.5 Touch ratio). I guess that's not going to look much wider than a regular screen.

So, anyone else wondering about this or have some suggestions?

Having used my Sony A818 Walkman alongside my 2 iPods for a while now, I really think iPods should have external volume switches. So easy to control even in your pocket or while driving...

[clu10]

Clearly from here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-4GB-1-8-Video-TFT-slim-MP3-MP4-LCD-FM-Player-NEW_W0QQitemZ220272545277QQihZ012QQcategoryZ73839QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohost ing). :eek:

GOD, DOES ANYNOBDY READ PREVIOUS POST, IM FREKIN TIRED OF REPEATIN MYSELF

[sparkyms]

For turn by turn they'd need to put a speaker in the touch too.

I can't see it happening myself..

[nickhj]

GPS on Touch would be great. I use a TomTom sat nav in uk, which has maps preloaded - it works great, picks up location within seconds and does not need any data connection. I dont get why people think to use GPS you need some sort of data link ?

[Clayne]

I think that GPS would be a great idea to catch criminals on the run.

That's gross. A complete invasion of privacy. GPS isn't worth letting the FBI know everything about you, whether or not you actual commit anything.

[diamond.g]

That's gross. A complete invasion of privacy. GPS isn't worth letting the FBI know everything about you, whether or not you actual commit anything.

In case of the FBI, GPS should be the least of your concerns..

[GregA]

I think that GPS would be a great idea to catch criminals on the run.

All we have to do is ask them to not steal a phone, and not to buy a prepaid with fake id.

As long as our criminals are honest it'd be a great tracking system :)

[macshill]

All we have to do is ask them to not steal a phone, and not to buy a prepaid with fake id.

As long as our criminals are honest it'd be a great tracking system :)

;) This could also get you off the hook if you're accused of a crime. I think Scott Peterson got tripped up by cell phone towers beacons, though. So stay on the straight and narrow. ;)

[kitki83]

If the touch has the GPS and has fast reaction speed such as auto reroute and street name announcement like "make right on maple st" instead of
"make right in 300ft"

I do not have an iPhone with me currently but how is the GPS features?

[Aaron Ingo]

mini USB port? ;)


yea i agree , i think apple is going to update there 30 pin connector on these new ipods , i could be wrong of course

[Roessnakhan]

yea i agree , i think apple is going to update there 30 pin connector on these new ipods , i could be wrong of course

That wouldn't be smart considering the iPhone still uses the dock connector.

[jmustretch]

Check out this image I found for a China made Mp4 player being sold on uBid. Looks pretty much like the rendering with mini USB and protrusion between it and the ear phone jack.

[.Chris]

Check out this image I found for a China made Mp4 player being sold on uBid. Looks pretty much like the rendering with mini USB and protrusion between it and the ear phone jack.

that explains the leaked case deal.....

now can we all stop winning about the case and the dock connectors :rolleyes:

[Philberttheduck]

Check out this image I found for a China made Mp4 player being sold on uBid. Looks pretty much like the rendering with mini USB and protrusion between it and the ear phone jack.

Bravo good sir.

I'm still intrigued by the iPod Touch with GPS rumor and hoping it becomes true. Digg's Rose DID mention something about the iPod Touch receiving a firmware BEFORE the iPhone (weird, because the iPhone is like the flagship), the so called "2.1" firmware. Now turn-by-turn (aka TRUE) GPS would definitely go along with Rose's prediction of the Touch receiving the firmware update before the iPhone. If the GPS rumor is true, this would definintely boost iPod Touch sales through the roof. Throw in a in-car mount, dashboard and/or window (which I DEFINITELY could see Apple making an expensive although popular $19-$29 add-on), and you have a pretty awesome UI for a GPS. I'd be glad to pay $10 for GPS by Telenav or whoever is offering.

[Philberttheduck]

If the touch has the GPS and has fast reaction speed such as auto reroute and street name announcement like "make right on maple st" instead of
"make right in 300ft"

I do not have an iPhone with me currently but how is the GPS features?

In one word? Under-utilized. SOO much potential being wasted on "assisted" aka here's-where-you-are-that's-it GPS

[macwall]

Check out this image I found for a China made Mp4 player being sold on uBid. Looks pretty much like the rendering with mini USB and protrusion between it and the ear phone jack.

that ipod mini style clone has been around for awhile... it'll be funny if apple has a design similar to that.

[iNfowarrior]

Please oh please Touch GPS...

And make that pre-loaded maps that require no internet connection.

And add volume buttons, a camera, and external speakers as well. Touch owners want what the iPhone has, just without the phone and $2000 phone contract.

I beg to differ greatly with that statement. They want the iPhone, not what it does. Half the people that own have no idea how to use it beyond playing music (that what they bought it for + the "cool touch screen")

[illegallydead]

I don't think cellular triangulation significantly improves tracking for units with dedicated GPS chips (at least decent ones.) The original iPhone relied on cellular triangulation, and thus was not nearly as good as the new iPhone. That is, I suspect the new iPhone's GPS tracking would work roughly just as well with the cell radio shut off (the software side is a different issue of course, since currently you need Google Maps.)

I don't know how much accuracy 'dedicated GPS circuitry' adds to a standalone unit. A bigger antenna obviously can help, but for using outside and in your car, most cell phones with dedicated GPS chips perform very well.

I think it can be assumed that if GPS is coming to the iPod Touch, a dedicated GPS app (either from Apple or from TomTom, Garmin, etc.) will come to the Touch/iPhone platform. You would be able to select maps/regions to download via internet, so you would have say the greater Los Angeles area in memory if that's what you wanted. If it's done that way, I think the iPod Touch and iPhone have more than enough storage, especially going forward.

ya, fair enough. I was kinda pulling that stuff out of my @$$ from what I heard very early on about the iPhone 3g.
Oh, and all I was saying with the "dedicated circuitry" is that you will obviously have better accuracy when you spend most of the money for the device on just the GPS chip, not the cellular, multimedia, multitouch, and HDD aspects, not to mention you aren't cramming all that stuff into a small package. You have all the room you need (and the ability to eat all the battery power for that one function, without leaving it for others)...