Photo of the 4th Generation iPod Nano?

[MacRumors]

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


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/09/04/053447-Screen_Protector_for_iPod_Nano_4th_Gen_Welcome_OEM_ODM__400.jpg

Alibaba (http://www.alibaba.com/), a B2B marketplace, has a photo (http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/209498661/Screen_Protector_for_iPod_Nano_4th/showimage.html?) (via Zollotech (http://zollotech.com/content/true-picture-4th-gen-ipod-nano-revealed-no-traditional-usb)) of what appears to be the 4th generation iPod Nano that is expected to be released next week.

We can't be for sure if this represents a photo of the actual device, or simply a mockup based on circulating dimensions, but it does show what appears to be a dock connector on the bottom of the device.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/04/photo-of-the-4th-generation-ipod/)

[Markleshark]

I think that is undoubtedly what we are going to get.

It's not pretty though. Not particularly ugly, just not pretty. Mind you, I do like the form factor with the whole thing having a curve.

Also, FWIW, should the title not read 'Photo of the 4th Generation iPod Nano?'

[strikeinsilence]

Just looks like a 3rd gen nano that needs to go on a diet. How boring.

[JG271]

Looks like a mockup to me. The click wheel seems to be indented quite a lot and the click wheel is also out of proportion with the dock connector and headphone jack. Either that or this is going to be a large ipod nano!

[ezekielrage_99]

I think that is undoubtedly what we are going to get.

It's not pretty though. Not particularly ugly, just not pretty. Mind you, I do like the form factor with the whole thing having a curve.

Also, FWIW, should the title not read 'Photo of the 4th Generation iPod Nano?'

I think that's a good call, and I really do think they look cool even if they look like the Gen 2 iPod Nanos. :apple:

[Amoeba]

Looks pretty cool, nothing exceptional though. Still love the 1st gen nano

[strikeinsilence]

Looks like a mockup to me. The click wheel seems to be indented quite a lot and the click wheel is also out of proportion with the dock connector and headphone jack. Either that or this is going to be a large ipod nano!

Seriously, looks like a remote control. BTW I meant 2G nano, not 3. There's nothing wrong with having it look like the old nano, but then where's the innovation? It better be in the software.

[DoFoT9]

that thing is one of the most ugliest apple designs ive ever seen!!!

surely they wouldnt use an old design!!! surely!!!

[Markleshark]

I think that's a good call, and I really do think they look cool even if they look like the Gen 2 iPod Nanos. :apple:

I don't see a problem with the resemblance to the older models, I don't think there is a great deal more they can do with them really. They will sell well, as iPods always do.

I do however find it interesting that they would go back to the taller form factor after having changed it to short and fat. I think tall and thin sits better in your pocket. Personally I think I prefer the current model.

[Spizzo]

I like that look. It looks a little awkward at first, but I'd buy it. :D

[antielectrons]

Yuck. Looks like my air conditioning remote control....:rolleyes:

[Brianstorm91]

I must admit I prefer the current one.

[drummerlondonw3]

that thing is one of the most ugliest apple designs ive ever seen!!!

surely they wouldnt use an old design!!! surely!!!

i dont think its necessarily re-using an old design. When you get to the size of the nano you are limited by the features you want to put in rather than the design 'statement'

also- does it look like the screen is flat an the body is curved??

d:apple:

[Markleshark]

You know, the more I think about it the more I'm surprised they have moved the screen back to portrait mode. Unless... Basic sideways movement Accelerometer anyone?

Either that or it's possible that the Nano is loosing it's video. I wouldn't be too surprised about that either mind, It's a bit small for decent video viewing.

Also, Chris Stroud below me could be right. I guess we'll know soon enough.

[Chris Stroud]

Maybe we're wrong though? I think that this and other images we've seen are mockups because if you think about it, when the images of the current iPod Nano showed up, Apple Legal flipped it's ****. They don't seem to care about a weeks worth of pictures and mockups. This is why I think we are in for a bigger surprise than you think. :)

[DoFoT9]

i dont think its necessarily re-using an old design. When you get to the size of the nano you are limited by the features you want to put in rather than the design 'statement'

also- does it look like the screen is flat an the body is curved??

d:apple:

its a re-design.. all they have done is made it round and lengthened the screen.. the rest looks the same!

[MrCrowbar]

THe click wheel appears to lay flat in the curved chassis. Looks a little weird to me. On the other ide, a curved clickwheelt might be akward to us.

Looks like the lock switch got moved to the top again. The one on the fatty nano is very badly positioned and almost impossible to operate when holding the device normally.

I tend to believe the fatty was more like "looks, we can make it this small" and then go back to a more ergonomic shape.

[lifeinhd]

Whatever happened to rainbow colors????

[applelover91k]

I hope it looks sort of like that, but I am worried about the curvyness of it. I have the original iPod Mini, and it's very fat, and the sides are curved, but the screen isn't. I just hope it's amazing. I can't wait till September 9th to see! I want to buy one! :cool:

[champ01]

hmm don't like the look of this ipod nano also the curve is not my thing
i think apple is taking a step back if this is the design they are going for

why the wheel when touchscreen and one button is so much better (ipod touch and iphone backing this up)
was hoping the ipod classic to be just one button and a touchscreen also

oh yeah one more thing

please give us the itablet
the apps on itunes are so great (beatmaker and idrum being my favorites) and with a bigger screen i see mayor possibilities :)
i think loads of people are gonna buy one :apple:

[icepick1985]

WHY, oh tell me WHY do we need ANOTHER ipod revision? Isn't the current line up perfectly fine (except prices and capacity)?

What about the Macbook Pro!? That's what needs all the attention!

[O. Frabjous-Dey]

I don't like it, but it might be easier to hold this way.

[Tom B.]

Looks like the lock switch got moved to the top again. The one on the fatty nano is very badly positioned and almost impossible to operate when holding the device normally.

I would have hoped that the hold switch would stay on the bottom because it is far more useful and easy to use there, when the iPod is in your pocket, which is where it should be most of the time. But, I do believe these pictures, so it appears that it will not be.

What I want to know is, if Apple give the nano a wider screen, will they leave the classic with a worse screen?

[colourclassic]

What's going to happen to all the current iPod games? I'm pretty sure they wont work on a screen with that aspect ratio.

[aharon]

I never really had an interest in a nano until the 3rd gen. It certainly was a case of "looks can be deceiving". After buying one, the form factor of the 3g proved great for outdoor activity. Apple really nailed that design. Going back to a taller form factor is a bit baffling to me, but I guess I'll hold my judgement until I actually hold one.

[Insulin Junkie]

Seriously, looks like a remote control.

Agreed... like one coming with a high end plasma screen TV.

[PCMacUser]

If this is real, then Apple's really let themselves down.

It simply looks like a no-brand Chinese MP3 player designed to imitate an Apple iPod.

[koobcamuk]

Basic sideways movement Accelerometer anyone?

I thought they would be bringing this in.

My favourite nano is the 2G. In blue.

[madrag]

probably true, but the image seems fake.

OT: what's this fixation apple has with tuesdays?

[emdotdee]

Hmmm, if the screen is thinner then how will it look with the split screen style navigation?

I hope they keep the "fat"/credit card shaped nano and I'm hoping that these are all mock ups by people jumping on the "I know what the new iPods will look like!" bandwagon.

[MalcolmJID]

I actually quite like this design. It seems it has a lot less 'curve' than a few rumours in the past, and the screen looks a lot flatter, which is a good thing.

I won't be purchasing a new iPod as I'm very happy with my current one, though I can't wait for a new MBP to come out!

[bjorn989]

Apple legal haven't killed anybody yet...

That would indicate one of two things:

1. It is fake
2. This is the obligatory leak used to distract people from the real special product. We may see new MB/MBPs in a 'one more thing'...

I genuinely hope it is number 2...

[zedsdead]

Apple legal haven't killed anybody yet...

That would indicate one of two things:

1. It is fake
2. This is the obligatory leak used to distract people from the real special product. We may see new MB/MBPs in a 'one more thing'...

I genuinely hope it is number 2...

Both the Apple keyboards and the back of the iPhone 3g (this one was discredited) were leaked before release, and Apple legal didn't pull either.

The last thing Apple pulled was the photo of the last generation Nano that 9-to-5 Mac found.

Apple might be getting smarter in the sense that if an image is pulled, it only validates it's credibility.

[JoeDRC]

Hmmm, if this turns out to be real, then I'll buy the current gen Nano instead.

[andyjam]

Yuck, yuck, yuck. Here in Australia, the BTS promo is held January-March... I was hoping to get a cool new nano when I get a new (hopefully redesigned) MacBook then. But if it looks like this then I will either get a touch (and sell) or get this (and sell). I think it would be a bit better if there was less space around the clickwheel and the screen was not in portrait. I personally think that all these "leaks" are actually coming strait from apple. I am hoping that there is a new nano coming with touchscreen. Same size etc as the current onebut with a touch screen and a small button on the top (as the "home" button). Probably no WIFI, GPS etc - too much like a touch/iPhone but App store compatible (through iTunes) maybe bluetooth (for a new bluetooth nike+ system, headphones and wireless sync (a hopeful new feature of iTunes 8) and some fab new software... then i could keep my new ipod...

maybe then they will also kill the touch line?? Seems silly though. Ahhhhh... I need to know... Only a few more days...

[Pigumon]

My biggest question here is, if they are making the screen widescreen to accommodate movies better, then why not make the click wheel sideways, in fact, who's to say the thing stands vertical at all?


And please stop with the "MBP", this is a music-centric event.

[DaveTheGrey]

I like it! It looks so much better than the current one!

[andyjam]

My biggest question here is, if they are making the screen widescreen to accommodate movies better, then why not make the click wheel sideways, in fact, who's to say the thing stands vertical at all?


And please stop with the "MBP", this is a music-centric event.

agreed... but what's to say it cant also be a mac event... or related to one. iTunes 8 is a link to the macs... Jobs could announce the new iPods (which no-one really care about) then announce itunes 8 before saying, "And to run itunes 8 even better, were also giving you a new laptop..." etc etc... It's the way apple can work sometimes...

It doesnt effect me - imk just interested to see what apple have come up with... I'm not getting anything new till January 09.

[zedsdead]

agreed... but what's to say it cant also be a mac event... or related to one. iTunes 8 is a link to the macs... Jobs could announce the new iPods (which no-one really care about) then announce itunes 8 before saying, "And to run itunes 8 even better, were also giving you a new laptop..." etc etc... It's the way apple can work sometimes...

It doesnt effect me - imk just interested to see what apple have come up with... I'm not getting anything new till January 09.

Apple hasn't blended these iPod keynotes with Mac related news in a long time (if ever). All signs for the notebooks are looking to be in October.

This is also the first time in a while where so many of Apple's computers are due for an update. Next month should be interesting. Even the iMac is rumored to be updated.

What needs updating and redesigning the most are the Mini and the Cinema Displays, but there appears to be no signs of that until Macworld (I also suspect Blu-Ray will finally be announced in the Mac Pro then, since Apple's new displays should should the hardware needed to display Blu-Ray).

[duncyboy]

For what it's worth I think this is legit and am surprised they've gone "back" to the old Nano shape (well, almost). I do think if they're making a point of having a screen like that for sideways movie watching a basic accelerometer would be a good little feature. And if the screen is intended for landscape, widescreen movies then I'll be even more interested to see what capacities the range will have.

And please stop with the "MBP", this is a music-centric event.

Hear hear! Sick to death of the people who've been waiting since Moses wore shorts for the next Apple laptop whining every ten minutes.

[nomad01]

Personally I think I prefer the current model.

Hmm. Me too. I wasn't fond of the new design until I saw it in the flesh and then I loved it. Not sure how I've resisted buying one. :-)

This just looks okay. Nothing bad just a sense of deja vu.

[E.Lizardo]

Seriously, looks like a remote control. BTW I meant 2G nano, not 3. There's nothing wrong with having it look like the old nano, but then where's the innovation? It better be in the software.

Jeez!Does every product refresh now have to have some mind-breaking new space age feature?I think larger screen/higher capacity/better battery life would be nice.

[funkdis]

Could the new nano possibly have Bluetooth audio?. wireless audio :cool:

[NC MacGuy]

I've grown to love my "fatty." If the pic's &/or design speculations are true, it seems Apple is applying the tapered edges philosophy from the Imac, Air most recently iPhone to all their products. MB-MBP next??

[E.Lizardo]

Maybe we're wrong though? I think that this and other images we've seen are mockups because if you think about it, when the images of the current iPod Nano showed up, Apple Legal flipped it's ****. They don't seem to care about a weeks worth of pictures and mockups. This is why I think we are in for a bigger surprise than you think. :)

I think it's pretty well established that they've given up on that.They realized after that(the nano deal) and the "think secret"debacle that it can't be stopped once it's on the internet,and take down requests just prove they are real.

[Fidgetyrat]

I'm going to have to disagree with most people. I found the 3g (fatty) extremely uncomfortable to handle and preferred the 2g style.

I like this one, but am not that hot on the curved design. I can't imagine the interior being very efficient with curves like that, probably some wasted space inside the case parts can't fit inside.

[ju5tin81]

Fake...

Would Apple really design a video playing device that has the 'Back' and 'Forward' buttons pointing up and down while you're watching it?


The word 'Menu' on its side?

I'm sensing a distraction to make the one on the 9th seem better...:rolleyes:

[anotherarunan]

The picture actually looka fake to me - im sure a photoshop expert will proove it to be soon.

If this is the design, i wonder what the software will look like. Spilt screen menu's wil look incredibly thin!

Im not too fussed about design. As long as it looks ok, and its reasonably thin.

Personally though, i NEED a 16gb player! So a storage upgrade would be awesome. (A price drop wouldnt hurt either :D)

Btw, wil people stop saying nobody cares about the ipods, they sell more than the computer range do, and IMO is still apple's flagship product - maybe now 2nd to the iphone. So apple care, and so do i. Wait til macworld for your stupid laptops - this is an ipod event.

[ju5tin81]

^^^
I know the iPod Touch Photo app does. ;) But that's not the point.

[Santa Rosa]

OT: what's this fixation apple has with tuesdays?

Product testing takes place for one day on Monday :rolleyes:

[thegreatunknown]

look at the protective shield. Its the touch nano not something that is taking over the current nano.

[entropys]

I like the design, I think it will be easier to fish out of my pocket.

I am hoping that the screen is multi touch and the curved back hides an accelerometer, so that it can utilise the apps store.

[punkybadhip]

AWESOME!!

Check out that distorted screen size!

I love watching squeezed video's on such a teeny-weeny screen! 'cause I'm sooooo :cool: and too sexy for my lounge room!

[Derwood]

I just don't understand it at all. All the leaks thus far seem to demonstrate nothing more than a change of form factor.

To me, the much hinted at curved surface would be an aesthetic and ergonomic disaster. How to incorporate a flat screen and flat click-wheel without recessing them or having them protrude from the enclosure? If they put a flat display behind a curved piece of plastic, or even glass, it will look horrible.

Where is the added functionality? Still got a click wheel for navigation. It has to be the guts: new chips, better battery life, higher capacities. Maybe an accelerometer to allow for access to (some) of the iPhone/iTouch games through the AppStore? They could have already forewarned developers that this would be coming. This would admittedly require a major overhaul to what is currently under the hood in terms of available processing power. Would make sense in a way though, because the move back to a vertically oriented screen problematizes Apple's previous introduction of CoverFlow to the Nano - which requires a horizontal aspect. Hmmm...

Won't be any major software changes I wouldn't think as Apple couldn't possibly allow for the Nano to have a richer feature-set than the Classic (which, according to rumor build up, will not be seeing any major changes on Sept 9th).

I am flummoxed. Well and truly. Despite the fact that it's holiday season upcoming, this seems to me - at the moment - like a tough sell, especially if the remaining stock of Nano 3G's are discounted after launch. Unless, they somehow open up the AppStore to the entire iPod family.

My tuppence worth, Derwood

[wavelayer]

I know it's been said, but it is a fake. It's a classic 3d render. But...it will, most likely, look something like this. How many possible configurations can apple keep coming up with for their smallish mp3 player? Watching the current trend of the nano, each revision will be strikingly different than the last.

[Santa Rosa]

I know it's been said, but it is a fake. It's a classic 3d render. But...it will, most likely, look something like this. How many possible configurations can apple keep coming up with for their smallish mp3 player? Watching the current trend of the nano, each revision will be strikingly different than the last.

I would quite like to see a Nano the same size as the current generation but with no click wheel and a full multi touch screen taking up the entire front surface. Then on the top have a few small tactile buttons for play pause etc possibly (asthetically a problem for that one though).

[iGary]

Looks like they are running out of ideas if this is it.

[themoonisdown09]

I actually like the look of it (if this is real). The "fat" iPod's are nice, but I think going back to "tall and skinny" is better.

[Shagrat]

Where has anybody seen a curved LCD screen? Surely this will be a flat screen with a curved plastic (unless it's glass, of course!) window. Assuming that this is real, of course.

Maybe an OLED screen making it's debut? Who knows?

Not in the market for another iPod Nano, myself, but interesting to see what DOES happen.

In the meantime, I'm waiting for a ACD/MacPro refresh....:cool:

[bushido]

omg how ugly, i better hurry and get me the "fat" nano if this turns out to be true. a boring and way to long design. Looks like something Microsoft could come up with lol

[amammad]

omg how ugly, i better hurry and get me the "fat" nano if this turns out to be true. a boring and way to long design. Looks like something Microsoft could come up with lol

Reality check... one reality check for the gent please!!

[Lesser Evets]

I know it's been said, but it is a fake. It's a classic 3d render.

Definitely. The plastic screen cover pegs it as fake. It could possibly be an accurate representation done by a screen protection/coating company for expected Tuesday release.

[deplanque]

It looks like they used the shuffle for the bottom, and the new nano for the top. this won't be the new nano, why go back to the old....it's not microsoft

[1984]

Fake...

Would Apple really design a video playing device that has the 'Back' and 'Forward' buttons pointing up and down while you're watching it?


The word 'Menu' on its side?

I'm sensing a distraction to make the one on the 9th seem better...:rolleyes:

It appears to have the exact same screen as the current "fatty" iPod nano only turned on its side to fit the new slender case. Now we must turn the unit sideways to gain back the horizontal space we had before. Great. We finally had an iPod nano that could display song and album titles without scrolling only to lose it with this revision.

Anyone else miss the good old days when Apple used to make computers?

[iPhoneHome]

first of all it would be pretty darn hard to keep the screen protector in that position in the real world...mockup.

Secondly, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the new design of the nano but it does look Apple is taking a step back...

[sterlingindigo]

...curious as to why these pictures have not been pulled by Apple Legal by now.:confused:

[cv01]

The thing looks like a really cheap remote control for some useless device... :eek:

[happydude]

this looks like a mockup, but probably close to what it is going to be . . . and i'm not a fan

[liptonlover]

I don't like the look really, but it's a smart move to go back to this design.

1. Better in pocket
2. For movies hold sideways and you have widescreen
3. Clickwheel can be bigger than on current design (I like my 2gen clickwheel)
4. Curved design goes with the theme they seem to be moving to
5. Bigger screen than 3gen I believe

So if only they could do this and make it look better...

[Dagless]

I think this is growing on me. Much better than the "fat" 3G iPod Nano. The dimensions of this would be better for pocket use like. But I still wouldn't trade it in over my 5.5G.

However (and listen up Apple :p) a 250gb+ iPod Classic would.

But I'm just wishing now.

[Lyra]

SCREW THIS!

If this is the new Nano, I'm going out the day they announce it and hogging a Chubby Nano in 8GB right away!!!

[Porchland]

There appear to be artifacts around the lower left side of the wheel, but this looks consistent with the pics of the cases that have leaked out over the past few weeks.

I've got my fingers crossed for some new Nike+ features. I would love to be able to set speed zones and have Paula Radcliffe tell me when to speed up and slow down.

[NC MacGuy]

Fake...

Would Apple really design a video playing device that has the 'Back' and 'Forward' buttons pointing up and down while you're watching it?


The word 'Menu' on its side?

I'm sensing a distraction to make the one on the 9th seem better...:rolleyes:

Speaking of.... I would hope that there'd be a sensor to change button function with rotation from portrait to landscape.

[zeppiecr]

This is going to be the most boring event ever.

"here's your new nano...boom" isn't it great it looks like the one we already did

"here's itune's 8" its just like itunes 7 but one louder

"here's the new touch now with a curved back its the most beautiful touch we've ever made...."

crickets......

[Dagless]

Fake...

Would Apple really design a video playing device that has the 'Back' and 'Forward' buttons pointing up and down while you're watching it?


The word 'Menu' on its side?

I'm sensing a distraction to make the one on the 9th seem better...:rolleyes:

That only's necessary if the system can detect if its on it's side and adjusts the menu for the landscape view. But, seeing that it's a Nano it likely won't move the menu depending on how you hold it.

So it's allowed to have a static wheel. Whilst you're watching a movie or TV show on an iPod the next/prev buttons just move through chapters (or finishes the film). Volume up will always be a clockwise turn and down will be anti-clockwise.

The only problem is fast forwarding through a film which is a small price to pay to get a non-fat iPod Nano.

[Santa Rosa]

A little something I whipped up:

133080

[iZac]

Personally I much prefer this potential 4th gen nano compared to that ugly chubby thing. I still can't get over how disproportioned it looks. As for referencing old designs, the 2nd gen nano was a slim version of the mini, which was a lovely design. And this feels like an evolution of that sensibility, along with a parity to apples current design thinking.

In my head, I believe they shifted the 1st gen nano design to look very different from the mini, so it didn’t directly compare to the old model. The design also referenced its big brother iPod classic. The same thing happed with that nasty 3rd gen nano.

[netdog]

The thing looks like a really cheap remote control for some useless device... :eek:

I was actually just looking at it hoping that it does have a touch screen and wifi so that I could use it as my remote for iTunes, AppleTV, etc. I doubt it will, but this doesn't look like a cheap remote. It looks like the greatest remote control ever made for Apple media devices and Windows running iTunes.

[Chupa Chupa]

The screen does not look 16:9 when held in landscape. What's the purpose of a bigger screen if it's not the correct dimensions for video? That pic might be representative of the new nano but the real thing? I'm skeptical.

If it is then Apple has lost some of it's design acumen. It's bad design for so many reasons - non-conforming (video) screen dimensions, curved glass sure to attract glare, awkward use of click wheel in landscape (of course I'm assume there will be a landscape viewing mode). It's one compromise after another, form over function at its worst.

That said, I'll buy one b/c I still like the candy bar form vs. the whatever the fat nano was plus I'm hoping for a 16 or 32GB model. I sold my fat nano last week in anticipation. Whatever it is it will still be better than any other compact media player out there. I just think maybe Apple is either resting on its laurels or has $0 invested in the nano R&D team.

[MIDI_EVIL]

It doesn't look symmetrical enough for Apple. When watching video, the screen would be placed to either left or right... depending on which way is default.

Also, there is a lip where the scroll wheel is recessed. Every iPod ever made has been flush with the front fascia.

[Apple Ink]

Its Apple and SJ so Im betting its gonna be the same 'fatty' thing like last year and when SJ shows em on stage... people will clamor to get one with oomph!

But for sure the pic is a mockup (actual or not is to be seen on 9th)!

[spydr]

I like the design - and will buy one in a heartbeat if I want a nano. The design nicely complements the MBA design. How practical the curvy screen will be? — that question will have to wait until we actually see it.

[bdjones]

looks like a 3D render

[freeny]

Always been a fan of the extruded aluminum designs as far as durability. Its just smart. I like this one. If it plays video too ill grab one for my son.

[Loonytik]

I bought my 3G Nano the day it hit stores and I have loved it every since. The form factor is perfect for my active lifestyle and fits correctly in my gear when im running, hiking or snowboarding. The longer design seems like they are taking a step back. I purposely waited for the 3G because I wanted the shorter form factor so it wouldn't stick up out of some of the stow pockets I have.

-1 on design for me if that is the 4G Nano.

The render above of the Nano Touch is awesome though!

[unlokia]

There is NO way this is the real deal; it just doesn't fit in with Apple's form factors, and balance in their designs. I wish some of you rumour addicts would think a little about what you're seeing. NO way is this it. If I am wrong, I'll buy you all one each!.

[Apple Ink]

There is NO way this is the real deal; it just doesn't fit in with Apple's form factors, and balance in their designs. I wish some of you rumour addicts would think a little about what you're seeing. NO way is this it. If I am wrong, I'll buy you all one each!.

I want either a black or a cranberry!

[Santa Rosa]

There is NO way this is the real deal; it just doesn't fit in with Apple's form factors, and balance in their designs. I wish some of you rumour addicts would think a little about what you're seeing. NO way is this it. If I am wrong, I'll buy you all one each!.

I'll hold you to that one :D

[netdog]

There is NO way this is the real deal; it just doesn't fit in with Apple's form factors, and balance in their designs. I wish some of you rumour addicts would think a little about what you're seeing. NO way is this it. If I am wrong, I'll buy you all one each!.

Remind me to PM you my address on the 9th. All of the case leaks make it clear that this is the form that's coming.

Consider this an acceptance of your offer.

[unlokia]

I'll buy you all one each, just as soon as the sun turns to ice! ;)

[timimbo85]

There is NO way this is the real deal; it just doesn't fit in with Apple's form factors, and balance in their designs. I wish some of you rumour addicts would think a little about what you're seeing. NO way is this it. If I am wrong, I'll buy you all one each!.

-I'm holding ya too that. I think this is the real deal, to much evidence to say its fake. Apple, In my opinion is become just like every-other company out there, they are just pumping products to make fast revenue. I don't understand the design either, I don't really have a problem with it tho. Just doesn't seem right to switch from one style to the next. Maybe this is just hype because something bigger, better and bader is coming and they want to distract us. Could be good marketing ?

[TheSpaz]

"Let's Rock" means "Let's Rock back and forth on the table"

That's what the tagline means.

[NC MacGuy]

- Apple, In my opinion is become just like every-other company out there, they are just pumping products to make fast revenue.

Glad you finally came to the indisputable truth! Buggy Leopard, iPhone, MobileMe, Air... All released to make a buck in shortest time possible. Facts is facts. Actually the iPod products have probably been the most reliable of anything they've thrown out the door lately.

[Santa Rosa]

"Let's Rock" means "Let's Rock back and forth on the table"

That's what the tagline means.

Gotta be careful how you take that... :rolleyes: :D

[Vulcan]

Meh, no surprise there.

[Spagolli94]

I like it... The curve is cool. And it looks much easier to hold than the short, fat version.

[unlokia]

Glad you finally came to the indisputable truth! Buggy Leopard, iPhone, MobileMe, Air... All released to make a buck in shortest time possible. Facts is facts. Actually the iPod products have probably been the most reliable of anything they've thrown out the door lately.


NO new computer is without problems; don't be so naive. Bugs and glitches come to light PROPERLY, only with a userbase of millions. Do you think Apple are magic or something?. Lower your expectations, and you'll lead a happier life. People expect perfection; idiots.

[SBik2]

A little something I whipped up:

133080

man if only that would happen..:D

[brettbok]

Not to start a flame war, but unless Apple announces a nano with 32GB of storage, who cares what shape this device comes in? It would offer very little additional value IMHO

[Cameront9]

You know, I gotta love the apple community sometimes.

Remember last year? When the "fatty" shots were leaked, and everyone yelled and said it was fugly and that Apple would NEVER use a design like that, etc, etc, etc.

And now he we are, one year later, on the eve of another iPod refresh, and everyone said the leaked design is so ugly and that Apple would NEVER use a design like that, and the older nano "fatty" is SO much better, etc, etc, etc....

Not targeting anyone specifically...just a general observation. I love Apple and love the Mac community, but I sure am glad that you guys aren't in charge of the company...If Apple had really not done the things that were claimed they would "never" do, there wouldn't be an Apple, Inc. right now...

[Apple Ink]

Not to start a flame war, but unless Apple announces a nano with 32GB of storage, who cares what shape this device comes in? It would offer very little additional value IMHO

There'll only ever be a 32GB Nano if there's a 128GB iPod Touch!

[khunsanook]

If this is real, then Apple's really let themselves down.

It simply looks like a no-brand Chinese MP3 player designed to imitate an Apple iPod.

and living in Thailand, I'm looking forward to the Chinese copy of this. Should be about 20 bucks and sync just fine with iTunes :cool:

[unlokia]

To be completely honest about it, I couldn't care less what an iPod looks like. I can't see what the big obsession is about the LOOK of an MP3 player, as long as it works well and sounds good, and is robust. Apple's current iPods are fine - what's all the hoo-haa about?. Seems like the same current obsession the world has with mobile phones, and the RIDICULOUS money people spend on them. You could buy a laptop for the SAME price or LESS, than some iPods/phones.

People need to wake up - these are gimmicks, NOT necessities of life like a Mac or other computer which earns money. If you are constantly chasing "the next best thing", then you will NEVER appreciate the CURRENT "best thing" which you have - you probably ought to look a little deeper into emotional issues, not Apple design mockups. Be happy with what you have NOW, unless you specifically NEED better for a very good reason.

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

Albert Einstein

[angemon89]

I am so glad Apple is going back to the tall/skinny shape for the iPod nano. I really like how those feel in your hand compared with the fatty nanos.

[motulist]

A little something I whipped up:

133080

You're not the only one to have had the nano-touch idea (and not the first to have mocked one up!) While it's possible there may be a nano touch coming out, it wouldn't replace the regular nano, it would be in addition. Touch screens have advantages, but so to does the scroll wheel. One does not replace the other, they both inhabit different niches. Zillions of people need a device they can control without looking at, and as of today touch screens fail at that task.

If you look at the sales record of iPods, each new model introduced seems to ADD greatly to the total number of ipods sold. Each new model expanding the ipod line increases the total number of ipod units sold. So Apple would never eliminate any of its ipod model lines, it would only increase them. The only ipod line that apple has ever eliminated was the mini, and that's because it existed in the same niche as the nano which replaced it.

Note: in this image from wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipod) they've seemingly labeled the wrong product dates below in the wrong quarters, so disregard the products they've written in each column and square it up with the product release dates from the other image below.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/IPodsales_2008Q3.svg/541px-IPodsales_2008Q3.svg.png


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IPodsales_2008Q3.svg

[NC MacGuy]

and living in Thailand, I'm looking forward to the Chinese copy of this. Should be about 20 bucks and sync just fine with iTunes :cool:

Looking forward to it? I'm sure it's out already.;)

[jouster]

when the images of the current iPod Nano showed up, Apple Legal flipped it's ****. They don't seem to care about a weeks worth of pictures and mockups.

Apple legal haven't killed anybody yet...



...curious as to why these pictures have not been pulled by Apple Legal by now.:confused:


They have no power to attack mockups or renderings; only actual proprietary images. Since these remain online, they are almost certainly not official. Or Apple has chosen to allow them to remain, which seems less likely.

[Santa Rosa]

Glad you finally came to the indisputable truth! Buggy Leopard, iPhone, MobileMe, Air... All released to make a buck in shortest time possible. Facts is facts. Actually the iPod products have probably been the most reliable of anything they've thrown out the door lately.

Buggy Leopard: Have you tried using Vista lately, Leopard was an epic win in comparison and its not like Apple put it out and have left it as is. Has had many updates since launch, with another one just coming up.

iPhone: The first iPhone, epic win, obviously the second iPhone was going to be a big difficulty coming of the original, so far the only real major problem is the OS which can be fixed and the 3G issues (who knows whats happening there though!!) There is already many signs of improvement.

MobileMe: I would agree there, also Apple have agreed that was a balls up, again though its not like it cannot be fixed, the beauty of being able to update software on both ends.

Air: So far for me it has been an exceptional machine, sharp, fast, sleek, joy to use. The only problem really there was the core shut down issue (thankfully never had it) which has been more or less sorted with the recent software update.

Apple are suffering from heavy consumer demand, people wanting this that and the next thing and always thriving to be new and innovative as much as possible. Even if Apple do make a bit of a mess up of something at least you know they will be there working up a fix and will help you as much as reasonable possible. Thats not something you can say for many other companys of Apple's size.

[VACD]

"It simply looks like a no-brand Chinese MP3 player designed to imitate an Apple iPod."

it is a Chinese MP3 player: Alibaba.com only sells cheap Chinese crap per 1000 units.

[Fidgetyrat]

A couple people have mentioned the "lip" where the wheel meets the chassis. It is to be expected when placing something flat up against something curved. The only way to avoid it would be to produce a curved click wheel...

I agree that they better have something grand in store for the iPod touch to make up for the uninteresting nano.


Any word on cheaper shuffles by chance? I'd love one for the gym but they aren't priced right compared to similar sized units that even have screens.

[jessica.]

I don't like it, but like many I didn't like the look of many items when they first came out. Things apparently need time to grow on me.

[xix]

LOL @ "it does show what appears to be a dock connector on the bottom of the device."

Ohh, well then it MUST BE ACCURATE.

[BlackSp1der]

My biggest question here is, if they are making the screen widescreen to accommodate movies better, then why not make the click wheel sideways, in fact, who's to say the thing stands vertical at all?


I think the screen have the same aspect ratio of the iPhone/iPod touch because they want to use the iPhone SDK to develop software for the no-touch line iPods. Change the old OS with OSXphone and you will have a lot of development groups making compatible applications for all the next-gen iPods. :D

[Roessnakhan]

My biggest question here is, if they are making the screen widescreen to accommodate movies better, then why not make the click wheel sideways, in fact, who's to say the thing stands vertical at all?

I'd like to see a click wheel that can be rotated and locked into landscape mode for video / games, then changed back to portrait mode for music.

LOL @ "it does show what appears to be a dock connector on the bottom of the device."

Ohh, well then it MUST BE ACCURATE.

That's referring to previous renders which had a mini-USB on the bottom of the iPod.

[th3digitalmind]

for everyone out there who are complaining about the new design of the iPod nano. We should really go back and look at all of the posts about the 3rd gen fat nano. It was slammed into the ground with "HOW UGLY!" and "NO WAY ID EVER BUY THAT!!!"... now all you guys are like, the FAT NANO!!! and we don't want tall skinny nano anymore. Well you are getting what you wished for in the beginning. Personally, I trust Apple and their design team to where once you put this thing in your hand that you will instantly love it and want to buy 4 of them so you can have one in each place you will be every day. I personally think this new design is awesome and regret buying my nano just 2 weeks ago. It looks futuristic, movies will look better on it, and it is just plain stylish.

Now please, APPLE, please!!! use the mock-up of the black macbook-pro and MAKE THAT BABY! :apple::apple::apple:

[Santa Rosa]

I think the screen have the same aspect ratio of the iPhone/iPod touch because they want to use the iPhone SDK to develop software for the no-touch line iPods. Change the old OS with OSXphone and you will have a lot of development groups making compatible applications for all the next-gen iPods. :D

Unfortunately your understanding of the subject is very lacking.

[beeh]

Personally I was hoping for a Touch Nano or Nano Touch or whatever, although it looks like a fairly boring redesign, but, hopefully will have some really cool features that make us all want one!

And, who knows, maybe when we see it in person, it will look "cool"?

[darthraige]

I don't get it. Why would Apple go from their traditional smaller is better to something long and stupid? Not sure about this move. I've always liked ipods to be smaller and smaller, it seems they are going the other way again. This nano better have something cool in it to make it different.

[dvince2]

Seriously... If all I have to do to make front page news is make some mockup of an iPod in Maya then count me in. How many of these renders do we have to see being sold as the "real" 4g iPod? Even if that is what it's going to look like, I'm sick of seeing these.

[The Tall One]

Somehow, I'm not impressed nor excited about this. An ipod is an ipod, is doesn't matter how futuristic you make it look. We need actual fundamental improvements or changes in order for us to fork over the cash to "upgrade". I can't think of what I would want in an ipod nano that would be a drastic improvement to what already exists besides an internal FM broadcaster and/or internal speakers. :o

[Santa Rosa]

Seriously... If all I have to do to make front page news is make some mockup of an iPod in Maya then count me in. How many of these renders do we have to see being sold as the "real" 4g iPod? Even if that is what it's going to look like, I'm sick of seeing these.

So what do YOU want to see on the front page then? If anything I'm sick of reading comments from people complaining about what Arn puts on the front page. Its his website, his rules and I think, as well as I guess many others, he does a fantastic job covering all the mac news and rumors.

[pmzpocket]

I think its looks great.

I wonder if there are some misinformed accessory manufacturers who are cutting some plastic off the bottom of the new skins ;)


(see: mini usb openings on some possibly fake nano skin images)

[Clive At Five]

I personally find it mind-boggling that people have had such an adverse reaction to this design... THIS IS PRACTICALLY THE FIRST iPOD NANO FORMFACTOR!

"Eww, too skinny!" "It looks like Zune" "I'd never buy something that ugly!"

A) The way I recall it from last fall, the 3rd gen Nano was "too fat." Make up your minds.
B) The new Nano doesn't look like a Zune, the Zune looks like the original Nano.
C) You know that when your rich parents spoil you even more by buying you *another* new iPod for Christmas, you'll forget you ever thought this thing was ugly.

-Clive

[pmzpocket]

I don't get it. Why would Apple go from their traditional smaller is better to something long and stupid? Not sure about this move. I've always liked ipods to be smaller and smaller, it seems they are going the other way again. This nano better have something cool in it to make it different.

:confused:

The term "smaller" does not carry with it any added benefit as a characteristic. You have to first invent a reason why small is good. And when it comes to the 'iPod Nano, small indeed is good, except for the eyes.

The original nano was a great form factor. Tall, thin, and skinny was very comfortable to hold in your hand. (The same cannot be said for the current 3rd gen nano, even though it's nice looking.) But unfortunately the screen was too small and limited the device's capability.

The same can still be said for the 3rd gen. Video became possible, but not optimal. Now, with a return to taller form factor, and with a tall (and probably sharp as heck) screen, video will be awesome, and will impress the "nano" market to no end.

I think they hit the nail on the head with this one. No its not new and innovative, but if you think thats what is needed in the Nano market, you are mistaken. The Nano market is its OWN market, separate from the classic or ipod touch or iphone. Its a very simple market with simple needs. Simple, and HUGE. The single most popular media player, in the hands of the most inexperienced technology users. The nano needs to be GOOD in order to sell, but also needs to be BASIC in order to succeed.

cheers ;)

[deannnnn]

It's been said, but I think it's a mockup... although I do believe the final product will look something like that when released.

[Brien]

i dont think its necessarily re-using an old design. When you get to the size of the nano you are limited by the features you want to put in rather than the design 'statement'

also- does it look like the screen is flat an the body is curved??

d:apple:

Yeah, screen looks flat.

As for going back to the old formfactor, I think it has more to due with how easy the chrome back scratches, as well as to the usability of the device. Going widescreen with the current formfactor would result in a very wide nano, or something that isn't much smaller than the classic.

Plus I hear complaints all the time of how hard it is to keep hold of the current nano when running, cycling etc.
WHY, oh tell me WHY do we need ANOTHER ipod revision? Isn't the current line up perfectly fine (except prices and capacity)?

What about the Macbook Pro!? That's what needs all the attention!

Because Apple already saturated the market, and the only way to make money off the iPod line is continual innovation.

[mechasquid]

If this is a mock-up of what we are going to get... hmm.

Personally i am not a fan, i think it is a step backwards. Also, the screen looks very tight with the top of the case form factor. Where is your left-hand thumb supposed to go if you hold it width-ways when watching video?

[jk000]

It doesn't matter if this is real or not, this can EASILY be mocked up in less than an hour on a simple CAD application. The fact that it has a dock connector if NOTHING to talk about as well? It would obviously have a dock connector.

[peterlobl]

would be neat to have touch screen - and simple cell phone capabilities...

for those who may want to "slim down" from two devices into one... i can think of several i know for whom regular iPhone is overkill and daunting... they use std moto or nokia, and carry iPod as well.

introducing 8gb/16gb iPod with basic cell capabilites (pay as u go or thru at&t) and hmmm... how much would someone pay... $149-199+?

extra revenue for each monthly bill... & download songs thru cell network...

[unlokia]

You're all just putty in the hands of Apple; hypocritical putty at that!. If it's at the rumour stage then you have NOTHING to base your opinion upon, except for mere SPECULATION.


Funny thing is, whatever Apple's new design will bring, even those who "hate" it will convince themselves to love it, through sheer blind lemming-like loyalty to Apple.

I *HATE* and I mean *HATE* iTunes; the biggest POS Apple ever conceived, but that doesn't mean I am disloyal to them (wtf :D) or hate ALL their products. They won't disable your hardware because you bad mouth some of their design concepts - if you REALLY dislike something, say so, and don't be such sheep!.
:rolleyes:

I still can't understand all the fuss about a flippin iPod - go outside and gaze into the horizon... it's a big world, and iPods matter VERY VERY LITTLE!.

[madmaxmedia]

Thanks for posting the sales chart. FYI- the reason why the quarters seem off is because Apple's fiscal calendar don't mirror the calendar year. But that chart seems to be be correct, as it's likely based on Apple's fiscal calendar- that's why the huge holiday season sales are in Q1, instead of Q4.

Note: in this image from wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipod) they've seemingly labeled the wrong product dates below in the wrong quarters, so disregard the products they've written in each column and square it up with the product release dates from the other image below.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/IPodsales_2008Q3.svg/541px-IPodsales_2008Q3.svg.png


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IPodsales_2008Q3.svg

[ucfgrad93]

I think it looks pretty nice. Can't wait to see the real thing on Tuesday.

[madmaxmedia]

Hi Derwood,

Many seem to be flummoxed, but I think your post basically points at the answers. The physical shape of a device is only half of the equation. But everyone seems to be judging it solely on these mockups alone, without even considering what Apple might be doing with the interface, both software and hardware. I am personally fine with the shape (this photo is probably a mockup but also probably pretty close to the final product), but am waiting until Tuesday before throwing my arms up (in joy or frustration) or anything like that.

With all of the Apple hooplah in the press and all the great advances they've made with the iPhone and the iPhone OS, I really don't think Apple is JUST going to turn the Nano screen sideways and call it a day. If so, what are they going to call it? The iPod Nano Classic? Remember that the iPod line is still one of Apple's main cash cows, and will be for the forseeable future. It has represented half of Apple's profits for a long time, you don't dismiss that overnight.

I think we'll see something new in terms of interface or features for sure. They know more than anyone else, that just the physical shell alone looks just like the old 2G Nanos, and is also very reminiscent of the flash Zune. So I don't think they would introduce a product like this unless there were other significant changes under the hood. On Tuesday, I am pretty sure we are going to see a Nano that will be considered a new upgraded product by most people, regardless of whether you think this new shape is to close to the old one or not.

I just don't understand it at all. All the leaks thus far seem to demonstrate nothing more than a change of form factor.

To me, the much hinted at curved surface would be an aesthetic and ergonomic disaster. How to incorporate a flat screen and flat click-wheel without recessing them or having them protrude from the enclosure? If they put a flat display behind a curved piece of plastic, or even glass, it will look horrible.

Where is the added functionality? Still got a click wheel for navigation. It has to be the guts: new chips, better battery life, higher capacities. Maybe an accelerometer to allow for access to (some) of the iPhone/iTouch games through the AppStore? They could have already forewarned developers that this would be coming. This would admittedly require a major overhaul to what is currently under the hood in terms of available processing power. Would make sense in a way though, because the move back to a vertically oriented screen problematizes Apple's previous introduction of CoverFlow to the Nano - which requires a horizontal aspect. Hmmm...

Won't be any major software changes I wouldn't think as Apple couldn't possibly allow for the Nano to have a richer feature-set than the Classic (which, according to rumor build up, will not be seeing any major changes on Sept 9th).

I am flummoxed. Well and truly. Despite the fact that it's holiday season upcoming, this seems to me - at the moment - like a tough sell, especially if the remaining stock of Nano 3G's are discounted after launch. Unless, they somehow open up the AppStore to the entire iPod family.

My tuppence worth, Derwood

[alhasa]

Maybe we're wrong though? I think that this and other images we've seen are mockups because if you think about it, when the images of the current iPod Nano showed up, Apple Legal flipped it's ****. They don't seem to care about a weeks worth of pictures and mockups. This is why I think we are in for a bigger surprise than you think. :)

very good observation. but considering how leaky apple has become recently, maybe apple doesn't care anymore?

personally, i dont care about the nano... just waiting to see what they do with the ipod touch (ADD A MIC PLEAAAAASE)!

[qualidad]

Just so you all know, the new iPod will indeed have cellphone capabilities. That is the reason for the new shape.

[bluedog3401]

I know this is just a mockup, but while we are all speculating on the new designs, wouldn't this be something to "Rock On"?

http://www.bloedow.net/nano-mockup.jpg

The display could be touch, with a 'soft' touchwheel or simply use the interface from the iPod Touch. Anyhow, downloadable via wifi would be awesome across the board for iPods (and support their 'retail' business like at Starbucks).

[iMJustAGuy]

Looks like a mockup to me. The click wheel seems to be indented quite a lot and the click wheel is also out of proportion with the dock connector and headphone jack. Either that or this is going to be a large ipod nano!

What if there is a certain "department" or something where "apple people" are told to "leak" images. FAKE images. like mockups or something....just a thought....

LOL i just realized i quoted something 3 times...

[wavelayer]

Glad you finally came to the indisputable truth! Buggy Leopard, iPhone, MobileMe, Air... All released to make a buck in shortest time possible. Facts is facts. Actually the iPod products have probably been the most reliable of anything they've thrown out the door lately.

It's like you expect the miraculous around every corner. Come on! Apple has been engineering incredible hardware and software continually. I use their computers, software and tech gadgets everyday. Technology is buggy. Competition is fierce. I believe that Apple is a very smart company and they make great products.

I run my Mac heavily all week at work with graphic design, compositing video and 3D rendering. Barely ever do I have even a hiccup.

The ipod touch is how old? It's simply a breakthrough.

The Macbook Air is an engineering marvel. Because of Apple's success, they can take risks like this. It will only lead to far greater products in the future.

Nothing is perfect. Not Apple, not anybody. And yes they are in business to make money. Like everyone else.

[BRLawyer]

Just looks like a 3rd gen nano that needs to go on a diet. How boring.

It's kinda odd to see Apple coming back to previous designs...this looks almost exactly like a crossover between an iPod Mini and a 2nd generation Nano...Apple must have its reasons, for sure...:rolleyes:

[dam0dred]

I'm totally NOT sold on the proportions of this redesign, but then I was very dubious of the Nano fat until I got it in my hands so we'll wait and see before I make a judgment here.

[Virgil-TB2]

If this is the shape of the new nano, Apple *could* have, (knowing that the design would leak out from the case manufacturers), misled them without causing any serious damage to their business. By misled, I mean that the details might be different, as in the click-wheel might be not a click-wheel.

If in fact the click-wheel is not a click-wheel but rather the one in a recent Apple patent, it can also double as a phone dialer and thus could also be the shape of the nano iPhone. According to the patent this kind of click-wheel can change it's interface/button orientation by means of it being essentially a round screen and not a mechanical device at all.

We already know that this 4G iPod (again assuming it actually exists), has a sideways screen which would be difficult to use with the traditional click-wheel because it cannot change it's orientation. To be used really effectively, the click-wheel would have to rotate around 90 degrees when you are watching a movie or how could you scrub through the movie? You could of course, but wouldn't that be terribly awkward?

If the click-wheel is actually able to change (ie - it's a screen) then as well as changing orientation by 90 degrees, it could also change to a rotary dialer. So this may indeed be the new iPod *form* but the "surprise" will be that the click-wheel is the totally new changeable click-wheel and the iPod can possibly even make calls.

This would require more power for the screen(s), an accelerometre, and a cell antenna inside which kind of stretches the engineering spec and plays havok with the battery life, but it seems in the realm of possibility to me. It's something to hope for anyway, as opposed to this slightly boring reality. ;)

[beeh]

I know this is just a mockup, but while we are all speculating on the new designs, wouldn't this be something to "Rock On"?

http://www.bloedow.net/nano-mockup.jpg

The display could be touch, with a 'soft' touchwheel or simply use the interface from the iPod Touch. Anyhow, downloadable via wifi would be awesome across the board for iPods (and support their 'retail' business like at Starbucks).

This is what I was hoping for...it's just gotta have some awesome features.

[garyhoare]

Maybe the click wheel is slightly inset because it's a square of e-paper like in the Amazon Kindle. It's flexible enough to be able to click through it. The center button might be adhered to the surface of the e-paper and that's why it appears slightly raised.

Add an accelerometer and the play/pause/menu buttons can change when you turn it 90 degrees to watch a movie in wide screen.

[rhett7660]

Reminds me of a fat shuffle. I like the old nano thou.

[Roessnakhan]

Reminds me of a fat shuffle. I like the old nano thou.

Then don't buy the new one (if you're referring to liking the current gen.). :p

[freebooter]

All the Nanos have been great--I have owned all three gen.s and the Mini as well.
I think going back to tall format is a good idea--bigger screen, easier to slip into pockets.
I'll be buying one, most likely. I'll definitely buy one if they extend battery life and up the storage capacity. A 12 or 16 GB Nano would be very attractive to me.

ps: Sure a lot of whiners and knockers on this site. :rolleyes:

[Roessnakhan]

What I love about the fat nano is it fits in that small pocket in most jeans.

[mjtomlin]

I know this is just a mockup, but while we are all speculating on the new designs, wouldn't this be something to "Rock On"?

http://www.bloedow.net/nano-mockup.jpg

The display could be touch, with a 'soft' touchwheel or simply use the interface from the iPod Touch. Anyhow, downloadable via wifi would be awesome across the board for iPods (and support their 'retail' business like at Starbucks).


I think a touch screen is a little over kill for a simple media player, especially one as small as the nano. Touch is an input method, too complex to implement just to select items from a list and control the playback of media content. Besides, the nice thing about having physical buttons on a device is that you don't have to look at it to push the correct button.

I'm guessing designs aren't going to change much this time around. More than likely a lot more flash memory at reduced prices; 8GB nano @ $99, 4GB @ $79, 2GB shuffle @ $39, 1GB shuffle @ $29. Or something along those lines.

Also think the touch will receive GPS and possibly a 3G radio, more memory all for a cheaper price.

[madmaxmedia]

Maybe the click wheel is slightly inset because it's a square of e-paper like in the Amazon Kindle. It's flexible enough to be able to click through it. The center button might be adhered to the surface of the e-paper and that's why it appears slightly raised.

Add an accelerometer and the play/pause/menu buttons can change when you turn it 90 degrees to watch a movie in wide screen.

I had actually thought of that too.

But...all these various schemes to have an adjusting clickwheel- everything from epaper to physical rotation to touch display- seem like overly complex Rube Goldberg type devices.

It's a flash music player. Worse comes to worse, we'll all just have to suffer the agony of dealing with a sideways clickwheel now and then. But I think there will be some tricks to the software interface with this new design.

I guess we'll see on Tuesday. Even if this long Nano with taller screen is the real deal (I assume it is), there's still plenty we don't know.

[BettyBad]

These images of the Nano are fake. Apple throwing you off the scent. It is blatantly obvious by the amount of info out there about this new Nano.

[Aaron Zollo]

Just wanted to say thanks for the Link to Zollotech.com I appreciate it.

[surferfromuk]

This just looks like the cheap far-eastern knock-off imitation nano's that plague the shopping channels.

The wheel and the buttons sit flat and inelegantly in the curved body - the screen facia is curved ( which means plastic) while the actual LCD will be flat creating all kinds of distracting reflections.

[Millah]

I really hope all this speculation is fake and meant to throw us off, and I hope Apple comes out on Tuesday surprising everyone.

I mean this nano is just ugly, I don't know what in the hell Apples thinking if they release that design. I mean why even bother releasing a new nano if all they did is change the design to a worse design than the current one. Theres just gotta be more to it, at least I hope.

[sparks9]

I never really had an interest in a nano until the 3rd gen. It certainly was a case of "looks can be deceiving". After buying one, the form factor of the 3g proved great for outdoor activity. Apple really nailed that design. Going back to a taller form factor is a bit baffling to me, but I guess I'll hold my judgement until I actually hold one.

I dont see why the fat nano should be better for outdoor activities. I have the 1st gen nano and i think it has a great shape for running etc. I dont like the fat nano.

[Roessnakhan]

These images of the Nano are fake. Apple throwing you off the scent. It is blatantly obvious by the amount of info out there about this new Nano.

Why does everyone think its fake? The iPhone 3G, keyboard, and previous generation of the nanos all leaked before they were released.

[nick9191]

Am I the only one who likes this?

I hated the fattie, and I'm glad they are returning to the original design. And the rounded look makes it even better, and I suspect feels much nicer in your hand.

[Roessnakhan]

And the rounded look makes it even better, and I suspect feels much nicer in your hand.

That's what she said.
http://i.cnn.net/money/popups/2006/biz2/howtosucceed/img/scott.jpg

[Clayne]

I don't think it'll be AS curved as people think. I think it'll be more so the sides just being curved in a way that makes the whole thing look curved. The middle might be SLIGHTLY curved, but not too much.

I like the fat nanos, but I think these will be more ergonomic.

[Duke2]

Disappointed yes, but not with the new Nano design... On the contrary, this new sku will blow the market away both in terms of price point and new innovative functionality- hundreds of millions will be sold.

I'm just disappointed that no-one has figured it out yet. Sure, lot's of folks have danced around it with observations of what seemingly appear to be contradictive aspects of the device including a seemingly ergonomically challenged, odd shaped flat elliptical design, click wheel that will be awkwardly sideways when watching landscaped video, recessed / protruding wheel & screen on mock-ups that would be problematic to use base on case form-factor, etc.

And of course, the ultimate contradiction- what is so innovative about a Nano throwback to an earlier size simply with a bigger screen that would necessitate AAPL senior leadership to issue a warning concerning (historically) lower margins based on new technology and pricing strategy??

OK- STOP thinking traditional Nano. If you think it odd that Apple would marry touch screen technology with the traditional mechanical click wheel technology on the same device- you'd be on the right track. Remember, what you're looking at is nothing more than photos of a Nano *case* based purely on specs sent from corporate to 3rd party vendors (it's amusing but nothing Corporate Legal is concerned with). The traditional click wheel as you know it is a thing of the past as of next Tuesday. The wheel functionality as we've come to love it will stay intact, but will be converted completely to 'touch' technology- a virtual click-wheel if you will- and yes, even one integrated with accelerometer technology which auto-adjusts based on orientation.

In fact, what if Mr Jobs showed you how the *entire* surface area of the Nano was a single wrap-around SCREEN? There, NOW you know why the curved edge elliptical case came from. As to what you'd actually use the wrap around screen for? I'll leave that up to you to connect the dots. Let's just say, few will be spending hours deliberating which color Nano to go with. Choices are as varied as the rainbow- what the hell- MAKE it a rainbow if ya want!!

Cheers my friends

[unlokia]

Just wanted to say...

who cares?! :D

[cobalts]

I just don't understand it at all. All the leaks thus far seem to demonstrate nothing more than a change of form factor.

Where is the added functionality? Still got a click wheel for navigation. It has to be the guts: new chips, better battery life, higher capacities.

I am flummoxed. Well and truly. Despite the fact that it's holiday season upcoming, this seems to me - at the moment - like a tough sell, especially if the remaining stock of Nano 3G's are discounted after launch. Unless, they somehow open up the AppStore to the entire iPod family.

My tuppence worth, Derwood

My opinion is that the new Nano has an internal wifi antenna and will have some ability to interact with the iTunes library via local wifi network or internet. I"m really shocked that no one seems to have the same opinion based on the new design.

I doubt the iPhone OS will extend beyond the Touch and the iPhone, because the apps are too hardware dependent.

Look up the Simplify Media app and the Remote app for the iPhone OS, and you'll get an idea of what functionality wifi adds to a small capacity PMP.

[Koola]

Am I the only one who likes this?

Nope, I like it too.

[rhett7660]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rhett7660
Reminds me of a fat shuffle. I like the old nano thou.

Then don't buy the new one (if you're referring to liking the current gen.).

Don't get me wrong.. I will be a sucker and get one! Want to see one in person! :)

[Bregalad]

Nope, I like it too.

I still don't understand the appeal of the current fat nano. 2" is too small for video and a wide screen isn't as good for displaying lists (the traditional iPod menu system). To me a tall, thin nano has always made the most sense. Likewise I'm happy with the click wheel because you can do simple things by feel, you don't have to stop what you're doing and look at the screen to skip a song or adjust the volume. A touch screen only makes sense when the device has additional functionality like the Touch and iPhone have.

[twoodcc]

well, i guess we better get used to that new look, cuz i think the new nano will look like that

[SactoGuy18]

What I find interesting is that if this is a depiction of the new iPod nano, then Kevin Rose's sources are pretty close to the truth.

The big question now is what will be the storage capacity of the new models. I think 8 GB and 16 GB are given, and maybe Apple could squeeze in 32 GB if they had the right flash memory module.

[madmaxmedia]

What I find interesting is that if this is a depiction of the new iPod nano, then Kevin Rose's sources are pretty close to the truth.

The big question now is what will be the storage capacity of the new models. I think 8 GB and 16 GB are given, and maybe Apple could squeeze in 32 GB if they had the right flash memory module.

I think they will still want the $149 and $199 price points (if not cheaper), which would exclude a 32GB Nano (until next year.)

[Eric S.]

Looks like the old mini with a bigger screen. Video is great and all, but I'm sorry to see the true nano concept lost for those of us who really care only about a music player.

[johnasmith1914]

Man that plastic screen cover looks so realistic. Can't possibly be a mockup.

[Trajectory]

It's not really a Nano anymore, it's twice the size according to that design mockup.

[Clayne]

Man that plastic screen cover looks so realistic. Can't possibly be a mockup.

The screen covers for advertising are usually photoshopped by the company selling them.

[crass]

Disappointed yes, but not with the new Nano design... On the contrary, this new sku will blow the market away both in terms of price point and new innovative functionality- hundreds of millions will be sold.

I'm just disappointed that no-one has figured it out yet. Sure, lot's of folks have danced around it with observations of what seemingly appear to be contradictive aspects of the device including a seemingly ergonomically challenged, odd shaped flat elliptical design, click wheel that will be awkwardly sideways when watching landscaped video, recessed / protruding wheel & screen on mock-ups that would be problematic to use base on case form-factor, etc.

And of course, the ultimate contradiction- what is so innovative about a Nano throwback to an earlier size simply with a bigger screen that would necessitate AAPL senior leadership to issue a warning concerning (historically) lower margins based on new technology and pricing strategy??

OK- STOP thinking traditional Nano. If you think it odd that Apple would marry touch screen technology with the traditional mechanical click wheel technology on the same device- you'd be on the right track. Remember, what you're looking at is nothing more than photos of a Nano *case* based purely on specs sent from corporate to 3rd party vendors (it's amusing but nothing Corporate Legal is concerned with). The traditional click wheel as you know it is a thing of the past as of next Tuesday. The wheel functionality as we've come to love it will stay intact, but will be converted completely to 'touch' technology- a virtual click-wheel if you will- and yes, even one integrated with accelerometer technology which auto-adjusts based on orientation.

In fact, what if Mr Jobs showed you how the *entire* surface area of the Nano was a single wrap-around SCREEN? There, NOW you know why the curved edge elliptical case came from. As to what you'd actually use the wrap around screen for? I'll leave that up to you to connect the dots. Let's just say, few will be spending hours deliberating which color Nano to go with. Choices are as varied as the rainbow- what the hell- MAKE it a rainbow if ya want!!

Cheers my friends

Hmmm, your scenario does not sound very plausible to me, in the sense that this would render the Touch more or less, obsolete.

Perhaps, what we will see is a Nano with capacity ranges from 4 to 64 GB (or even 128 Gb with a hefty premium), so as to completely discontinue the bulky and old ipod classic. Flash memory is the future, imho. 4-16 GB Nanos will be the "cheap" ones. And the 64 GB (or 128 GB) will be the top of the line.
Perhaps WiFi will also be include, in order to buy OTA from iTunes.

I think the above might be quite possible, if you consider that Asus manages to offer a mini laptop with 20GB disk at 330 Euros.

I further believe that the above is possible, because Apple wants to sell more video via iTunes, and video requires more space.

[johnasmith1914]

The screen covers for advertising are usually photoshopped by the company selling them.

Ok, i guess that makes sense. Now that i think about it, sometimes the entire display screens look photoshopped on some TV ads. or they take one scene from a movie and paste it over the display in an ad.

but the body of this one looks kind of photoshopped too.

[mattbisme]

Why do I think it's fake?
Apart from the fact that this looks like a digital render, it looks way too much like the "iStage" I see all the time hung as the Major Prize in the Stacker (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stacker_(game)) arcade games I see down at the beach (Rehoboth Beach, DE and Ocean City, MD).

I found a picture of the item on google, take a look:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/mattbisme/istage.jpg

I hope this isn't old news. But it looks soooo close to this fake, that I have a really hard time believing that this is the next nano. Though, if it is, wouldn't this be a great opportunity for the maker of this "iStage" to claim their right to the design. Maybe the maker of this product is Psystar! Whomever it is, this iPod design looks like just (http://underbid.com/action/display/item/3951-2935/sku/IS-9006.html) one (http://www.grabcart.com/product/ele/cdplayers/teptronicsis5001/iStage-IS-5001-MP4-Player-1-5-Inch-LCD-Assorted-Colors) of (http://underbid.com/action/display/item/3951-2931/sku/IS-7003.html) many (http://underbid.com/action/display/item/3951-2936/sku/IS-9008.html) fakes (http://underbid.com/action/display/item/3951-2928/sku/IS-6002.html) they have on the market now. Anyone wanna pick one up for just under $100? Might be an inexpensive alternative to an iPod touch or PSP!

Thinking further...
Now for a reason more of logic and consistency (though still design too). I can't imagine that Apple is going to use another design for the nano with an offset dock connector. It wasn't terrible, but there were a few times when it got in the way. I thought that Apple had been restored to consistency with the release of the 3rd Gen nano.

On a personal note
I don't like it. Simple as that. Of course, I didn't like the "chubby" 3rd Gen either... until I got to spend a little time with one. So maybe Apple will prove all my theories wrong all in one shot. I have an iPhone anyway, so either way, it's not going to bother me too much!

-Matt

[MacTravelerBoi]

I've always liked my 2nd gen model - the slimming down of the case from gen 1 was nice. I wasn't that thrilled when in gen 3 I saw it shrink and get a bit fatter (although I did think the larger screen was nice).

I know there are quite a few who are pleased with gen 3, and even many converts who initially didn't like 3, but eventually came around once they owned one. I test drove 2 gen 3 models that were loaned to me for a few days by friends, but I never came around to completely liking it.

I'm wondering what kind of marketing research led to going back to the older taller version? Apple usually has good reasons (rightly or wrongly) for what they do. Time and sales will show if this decision was the right one.

If 4 is anywhere close to the picture I'll probably purchase one. I figured the larger screen would remain from gen 3.

Like someone else said, it fits nice in the pocket, and although it is taller, I'm hoping it goes back to being thinner again... that will seal the deal for me... and if the price happens to drop like some speculate... well nirvana.

[harshilharshil]

I think that is undoubtedly what we are going to get.

It's not pretty though. Not particularly ugly, just not pretty. Mind you, I do like the form factor with the whole thing having a curve.

Also, FWIW, should the title not read 'Photo of the 4th Generation iPod Nano?'

and how the heck are we supposed to watch video on it?? if we have to do it in landscape then wont the buttons need to change? think about that!! how will you skip to a new chapter. wont it be a bit odd at using it in landscape??

[tirerim]

To me, the much hinted at curved surface would be an aesthetic and ergonomic disaster. How to incorporate a flat screen and flat click-wheel without recessing them or having them protrude from the enclosure? If they put a flat display behind a curved piece of plastic, or even glass, it will look horrible.

Where has anybody seen a curved LCD screen? Surely this will be a flat screen with a curved plastic (unless it's glass, of course!) window. Assuming that this is real, of course.

Curved LCD (http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=8857)

I doubt that a curved click wheel would be a problem, either. The curvature is very slight, so you're not really going to notice much.

[iMacmatician]

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/09/04/053447-Screen_Protector_for_iPod_Nano_4th_Gen_Welcome_OEM_ODM__400.jpgI can't say I like the iPod nano 2G resemblance, especially the plastic bottom (and top?). I like the taper though.

Whatever happened to rainbow colors????Either that rumor isn't true, or there's a regular silver model in addition to rainbow colors.

Maybe there could be a split screen display like that of many graphing calculators. :p

Fake...

Would Apple really design a video playing device that has the 'Back' and 'Forward' buttons pointing up and down while you're watching it?


The word 'Menu' on its side?

I'm sensing a distraction to make the one on the 9th seem better...:rolleyes:That's what's weird. Either the click wheel would physically move (inelegant), the words would change based on orientation (I can't see that on this image), or they would just stay sideways. I'm interested to see how this turns out, but I don't want no video playback...

...unless there was an iPod touch nano too. :p

The picture actually looka fake to me - im sure a photoshop expert will proove it to be soon.The problem is that "photoshop experts" time and again "prove" a picture fake when it turns out to be real.

iPod shuffle - 1/2 GB - $49/$69
iPod nano - 4/8 GB - $99/$149
iPod air - 4/8 GB - $179/$229
iPod classic - 120/160 GB - $249/$299
iPod touch - 16/32 GB - $299/$399
iWrite - 32/64 GB - $599/$799

?

[macshill]

*sing-song voice*: It's gonna breaaaaaaaaaaak (easy)!"

[macshill]

If this is real, then Apple's really let themselves down.

It simply looks like a no-brand Chinese MP3 player designed to imitate an Apple iPod.

*yeah, that!* :cool:

[iMacmatician]

Just so you all know, the new iPod will indeed have cellphone capabilities. That is the reason for the new shape.Evidence/sources/rumors please.

These images of the Nano are fake. Apple throwing you off the scent. It is blatantly obvious by the amount of info out there about this new Nano.This could be possible, given that Apple did this with the first iPhone.

In fact, what if Mr Jobs showed you how the *entire* surface area of the Nano was a single wrap-around SCREEN? There, NOW you know why the curved edge elliptical case came from. As to what you'd actually use the wrap around screen for? I'll leave that up to you to connect the dots. Let's just say, few will be spending hours deliberating which color Nano to go with. Choices are as varied as the rainbow- what the hell- MAKE it a rainbow if ya want!!

Cheers my friendsI'd like that. I don't think it's plausible now though. Maybe in 5~10 years?

[GregoriusM]

Thanks for the laughs, kids!

When the "phat" nano was rumoured, and mock-ups and pics shown, SO MANY PEOPLE thought that, if it was true, that Apple had lost its mind. How COULD it make such a stumpy looking iPod.

Hmmmm........ it's been selling fantastically well, and everyone I know loves theirs.

We don't even know if this is real. Even if it is somewhat like the new nano, who's to say that once you get one in your hands that you won't just love it, like so many "phat" nano haters did??? Hated it when they first saw/heard the rumours and then absolutely loved it when they had it in their hot little hands?

Some of you are right on with your comments, and some of you make my day with some of your silliness.

In the end, thank you for some laughs!

Greg

[scouf]

Personally I prefer the look of the current nano.

[unlokia]

"(fan)boys will be (fan)boys..." :rolleyes:
:apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple:

[epictempo]

and how the heck are we supposed to watch video on it?? if we have to do it in landscape then wont the buttons need to change? think about that!! how will you skip to a new chapter. wont it be a bit odd at using it in landscape??

I think its an ingenious idea. Up would be next, Down would be back, Center button is the same, and Circle selection pad is still a circle no matter which way you turn it. I don't see how it can be that difficult.

Bring on the flames (and later praise :rolleyes:) but I love this design. The rounded body is better for one's grip (like the new iphone), and NO CHROME BACK (Thank you :apple:)...the full aluminum body allows me to rock my nano bareback, I hate condom covers, it takes the pleasure away.

[Roessnakhan]

Personally I prefer the look of the current nano.

Ditto, I can put it in my pocket and forget it (especially that small little pocket on some jeans.)

[Xtremehkr]

Phew, that's not bad at all, there's not too much you can do with the form really. Hopefully the shape makes it easier to get it in and out of cases.

I still have my black 3rd gen (not sure, it's the one made before they squared out the shape to fit a larger screen) and it works perfectly. It's tiny as well, which really helps with what I use it for, exercise mostly. I would buy another 3rd gen model new if I could, I don't need to be able to watch movies with it, it's more beneficial for it to be smaller. Apple seems to be insistent about having that feature on the Nano.

[jojo13]

iPod shuffle - 1/2 GB - $49/$69
iPod nano - 4/8 GB - $99/$149
iPod air - 4/8 GB - $179/$229
iPod classic - 120/160 GB - $249/$299
iPod touch - 16/32 GB - $299/$399
iWrite - 32/64 GB - $599/$799

?

hey tell me, what would be the difference between the ipod nano and the ipod air

and for the iwrite wich i guess is the macbook touch, add a one in front of your prices and it will be more realistic (1599-1799) :D

[jojo13]

Personally I prefer the look of the current nano.

so do i
its so sexy:D:D:D

[ipodtouchy333]

hey tell me, what would be the difference between the ipod nano and the ipod air

and for the iwrite wich i guess is the macbook touch, add a one in front of your prices and it will be more realistic (1599-1799) :D

I was wondering the exact same thing!? I don't really think we need 5 ipods....

[Kilburn22]

TL;DR warning:

I think that this is the design for a new iPod nano that Apple will be unveiling next Tuesday. The fact that's it's computer generated doesn't necessarily mean it's not real. It might be a bit inaccurate, but case manufacturers only have dimensions to work with; they probably know very little about the actual surface, design, or technology inside the new iPod. Minor details like the non-flush clickwheel could simply be mistakes.

The thing is, I don't think this is a "step backward" as many people are claiming. The change from a tall thin nano to the current wide nano was simply that, a "change." Whether it was an "improvement" is arguable. The screen was undoubtedly nicer and the interface revamp was much welcomed, but not everyone was happy with the new form factor. The click wheel was shrunk down and ergonomically, I still think the 1G and 2G nanos felt better in the hand. The notoriously corruptible metal back also made a return.

With this new refresh, I think Apple is trying to take the best features from each nano to create the best lightweight, flash based multimedia device to date. It has the large, sharp screen of the 3G with the superior ergonomics of the 2G. Although perhaps not as pretty as the 3G, I actually think the design looks very sleek, simple, and efficient. The curved faces are not that pronounced, but does differentiate it from the 2G. It's not going to rock back and forth on the table, or at least no more than the iPhone 3G does. The complete aluminum shell (if that's even accurate, considering this is just a mockup, it could still have a metal back) does give it more protection and makes the nano more "rugged", further separating it from the Classic and Touch lines.

Now the new design does raise some questions about functionality, but if we saw the issues, we can be pretty sure that Apple has figured them out as well. They even have a blueprint for what NOT to do (Zune, anyone?)

Improved capacity is like a no-brainer. An accelerometer that adjusts the screen layout as the device is turned seems basic enough.

Held the normal way (vertically) it shows a traditional menu style, with some improvements carried over from the touch, such as showing the artist name when viewing by album. With the taller display, you can see more items at once, ideal for quickly finding your music.

Held horizontally, it can display the 3G split screen menu, display video, and use the Coverflow interface.

But that still leaves the problem of the sideways wheel. There are multiple solutions to that: small OLED displays in each click direction that changes depending on the orientation and function of the device. Alternatively, the entire clickwheel could be made out of Electronic paper/bistable LCD. Whatever the case, I think that a dynamic clickwheel, possibly touch activated, will be important in delivering the ideal experience with this new iPod.

I could be wrong, but it seems like the logical step if this is in fact the actual design. It's simply not like Apple at all leave something like a sloppy sideways wheel on such a polished product. It is, however, just like Apple, to take a not-completely original concept such as a morphing control interface (LG Venus, Moto Rokr E8), apply it brilliantly to a new product (touch screen on a phone? Genius!) and create something really great.

[kabunaru]

This is what we are going to get now.
No more arguing about that it "is fake".

[lambo32490]

I really hope this and the other mockups that have "leaked" in the past week are just scraped designs by Apple, and thrown on the web to throw people off and cause hysteria when the actual ipod nano released on Sept. 9th is 100x nicer. This ipod nano does nothing for me and is no better than the current one, which is why I am doubtful that the nanos released on the 9th will look like this.

I would really like to see an iTouch Nano....WE NEED ONE OF THOSE!

[unlokia]

Blah blahdiddy blah... :D how tedious this is...

[APPLENEWBIE]

Just wondering...

Why would Apple go to the trouble to redesign the current phat nano, less than one year after it was completely re-engineered. And which has apparently sold well? And now they will bring back what seems to essentially be a gen II nano with video and a longer screen?

Could be a pretty short introduction by the Steve if that's all there is...

Or is there something REVOLUTIONARY? Or maybe Apple is running out of new ideas? Or maybe we expect too much?

[Eric S.]

Just wondering...

Why would Apple go to the trouble to redesign the current phat nano, less than one year after it was completely re-engineered. And which has apparently sold well?

It just pays to bring out new models periodically. After all, the iPod mini was the top-selling iPod when it was discontinued in favor of the nano.

I mean, do we really need new car models every year? :p

[GradientMac]

I guess I'm the only person that things it's beautiful.

[Mr. Giver '94]

I guess I'm the only person that things it's beautiful.

Yep. I think it looks UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[kabunaru]

Yep. I think it looks UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To each their own, I guess.
Personally, I like the look of the new iPod Nano more than the current one.

[ishopukisfake]

strange shape, I like the tapered edges, similar in style to what they are doing with the laptop edges now. When I think about it, not a bad idea to have the screen like that, viewing widescreen will then have you holding to the left or right. The image on this thread looks a bit "photoshopy" to me though

[andyjam]

That only's necessary if the system can detect if its on it's side and adjusts the menu for the landscape view. But, seeing that it's a Nano it likely won't move the menu depending on how you hold it.

So it's allowed to have a static wheel. Whilst you're watching a movie or TV show on an iPod the next/prev buttons just move through chapters (or finishes the film). Volume up will always be a clockwise turn and down will be anti-clockwise.

The only problem is fast forwarding through a film which is a small price to pay to get a non-fat iPod Nano.

What about an adaptive clickwheel (that's not really a clickwheel). The donut part of the wheel could be some sort of touch screen, the centre could stay as a button (or become part of the touch screen) then when the accelerometer senses the turn, the clickwheel adapts accordingly. Think of these new Samsung phones with the touch pannels.

Or we could (hopefully) all be wrong and apple will give us something nice.

OR... this entire product is actually way smaller and combines the shuffle and nano. the screen is 1 inch, the clickwheel is the same as current nano. You use it on its side?? Dock connector on the right side, phone jackand hold button on left?? No video capability. Then create a new nano?? Or a smaller touch??

[Digital Skunk]

I guess the fanboys/girls have reared their naive heads.

would be neat to have touch screen - and simple cell phone capabilities...

for those who may want to "slim down" from two devices into one... i can think of several i know for whom regular iPhone is overkill and daunting... they use std moto or nokia, and carry iPod as well.

introducing 8gb/16gb iPod with basic cell capabilites (pay as u go or thru at&t) and hmmm... how much would someone pay... $149-199+?

extra revenue for each monthly bill... & download songs thru cell network...

NO, that is just unbelievably idiotic to thing. NOT that you are an idiot, just that you are thinking like one. With all the problems the iPhone has being tied to an AT&T contract.... why make another phone/iPod contraption that is anything other than just an iPod. And how are you going to download songs "thru cell network..." on a pay-as-u-go plan?

I know this is just a mockup, but while we are all speculating on the new designs, wouldn't this be something to "Rock On"?

http://www.bloedow.net/nano-mockup.jpg

The display could be touch, with a 'soft' touchwheel or simply use the interface from the iPod Touch. Anyhow, downloadable via wifi would be awesome across the board for iPods (and support their 'retail' business like at Starbucks).

NO!

Just stop it!

[DoFoT9]

What about an adaptive clickwheel (that's not really a clickwheel). The donut part of the wheel could be some sort of touch screen, the centre could stay as a button (or become part of the touch screen) then when the accelerometer senses the turn, the clickwheel adapts accordingly. Think of these new Samsung phones with the touch pannels.

Or we could (hopefully) all be wrong and apple will give us something nice.

OR... this entire product is actually way smaller and combines the shuffle and nano. the screen is 1 inch, the clickwheel is the same as current nano. You use it on its side?? Dock connector on the right side, phone jackand hold button on left?? No video capability. Then create a new nano?? Or a smaller touch??

you mean kinda like this??

[deputylove8]

Hehe.Oh no! No offence to the desingers. It does look good but however, it doesnt attract me.

Why? When the 1st Gen Nano came up, "pirated" ipod nanos made from other countries we also being sold in my country. They were way cheaper than the original nano but of course not as sexy as the real thing.

Some of them looks the same as the design shown on the 1st post. Hehe.

But kudos to those who design it as well. For I for one know that I cant design anything at all. Haha

[iNassar]

it looks pretty good, i hope it´s not fake

[deputylove8]

Hey dudes and dudettes...read this...hehehe..it is about the
upcoming AppleShow
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080903/ttc-tech-apple-dc-96247d2.html

[Clayne]

Hey dudes and dudettes...read this...hehehe..it is about the
upcoming AppleShow
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080903/ttc-tech-apple-dc-96247d2.html

I like how optimistic that article sounds about new macbooks being a possible subject this coming Tuesday.

[qualidad]

[QUOTE=iMacmatician;6166921]Evidence/sources/rumors please.

I have a friend who was working on a commercial for Apple last week. He had signed a confidentiality agreement and was nervous about telling me too much detail but said that the commercial was for a new iPhone. I asked if it was for THE new 3G iPhone and he said that it was not. In fact, he told me that it was for a NEW product.

Reading between the lines one can only assume that Apple would not cheat its customers by upgrading the 3G within 3 months of its release, therefore it seems likely that it will in fact be a smaller version, with far less features.

I believe that this would explain why Apple are excited about the launch as they have, for the most part, managed to keep this very secret.

[Dreamail]

If it is indeed an 'iPhone nano' that's going to be announced, it cannot be based on the leaked photos.

iPhones need substantial parts of their casing in plastic for better signal strength and the leaked photos show a new nano with an all aluminium case.
So that one's not going to be the iPhone nano.


How about the current iPod nano shape transformed into an iPhone nano?
Regress the iPod nano to the old 'stick' shape (i.e. the leaked photos) and then use the current iPod nano shape for the new iPhone nano.
Remove its steel back and replace with a dome-shaped plastic one, like on the 3G iPhone, and turn the front into a full-sized touch display.

It might have to be twice as thick though to have any decent battery life. And likely have to be 2.5G/EDGE as well to save even more battery juice.


I wonder how well a 2.5G iPhone nano would sell. On the one hand it'll be smaller and cheaper, on the other hand it'll be last year's technology.
Yet being the smallest iPhone it would almost have to be the new high-end model, rather than low-end model.

But that would be typical Apple. Introduce a cool new 'high-end' design - and spec it below what it should be according to the design.

[andersbac]

This looks great to me! People were complaining a lot about the fatty Nano when it was first shown. Now everyone wants to stick to that bar-of-soap shape! It´s got widescreen! It´s got curves! Gotta like it! :)

[Detlev_73]

TL;DR warning:

I think that this is the design for a new iPod ...
to a new product (touch screen on a phone? Genius!) and create something really great.

Finally! A well written, well thought out, academically worthy commentary on the rumors of the 4G Nano. Well done. A refreshing note compared to the drivel that is common-place on the Internet. :cool:

[ra noodle]

pardon me to all of you who have posted as i have not read your posts and perhaps such could be used at me as well....but it has just disappointed me that the original 4G and latest regular gas iPod- such as the iPod Classic 160 which i have, that with this group of iPods that Him came out with the iTouch, then this phone, then the nano group has been expanded something that holds such a small amount of material that i cannot see why its bought even though i bought what had been the last of the particular red nano design...that true red is now gone and there are colors that at least to me are rather silly....then the other extreme where Him has introduced this iTouch and here is where i thought the iPod/iPod "classic" was developing towards only to find out once again the amount that item holds is again not worth the price-because i had thought an iPod Classic would have ended up being iTouch in appearance WITH 80 or 160GB! But there is simply not such logic from Him...Him and his crowd are out to make money....and they have covertly put over one thing after another to where a certain segment of Mac people are so brainwashed they constantly post this and that and i can't wait/must have and at first i thought it comical and fun...but hell you guys at some point you need to check yourself in the mirror and ask do you need it-of course there are many here who are very comfortable....i'm one who has no cellphone and was really disappointed in the design of the iPhone because I had thought a hinged cover of sorts would have been part of that item to protect its screen and thought it would have been smaller actually nano sized....but all this is planned and its meant to allow all the small businesses to come out with such addons at ridiculously high prices....it does not cost so much to produce to end up selling any cover for $25-30 that is a total ripoff but this is what its come to just as you go to an Apple store and immediately get asked do you have the one on one the priority card etc or the buyer card all three a total ripoff of what had been one service at a reasonable $99 a year yet this is what you are faced with and have no say. it stinks!

[JoeDRC]

pardon me to all of you who have posted as i have not read your posts and perhaps such could be used at me as well....but it has just disappointed me that the original 4G and latest regular gas iPod- such as the iPod Classic 160 which i have, that with this group of iPods that Him came out with the iTouch, then this phone, then the nano group has been expanded something that holds such a small amount of material that i cannot see why its bought even though i bought what had been the last of the particular red nano design...that true red is now gone and there are colors that at least to me are rather silly....then the other extreme where Him has introduced this iTouch and here is where i thought the iPod/iPod "classic" was developing towards only to find out once again the amount that item holds is again not worth the price-because i had thought an iPod Classic would have ended up being iTouch in appearance WITH 80 or 160GB! But there is simply not such logic from Him...Him and his crowd are out to make money....and they have covertly put over one thing after another to where a certain segment of Mac people are so brainwashed they constantly post this and that and i can't wait/must have and at first i thought it comical and fun...but hell you guys at some point you need to check yourself in the mirror and ask do you need it-of course there are many here who are very comfortable....i'm one who has no cellphone and was really disappointed in the design of the iPhone because I had thought a hinged cover of sorts would have been part of that item to protect its screen and thought it would have been smaller actually nano sized....but all this is planned and its meant to allow all the small businesses to come out with such addons at ridiculously high prices....it does not cost so much to produce to end up selling any cover for $25-30 that is a total ripoff but this is what its come to just as you go to an Apple store and immediately get asked do you have the one on one the priority card etc or the buyer card all three a total ripoff of what had been one service at a reasonable $99 a year yet this is what you are faced with and have no say. it stinks!

that was painful to read

[wbeasley]

pardon me to all of you who have posted as i have not read your posts and perhaps such could be used at me as well....but it has just disappointed me that the original 4G and latest regular gas iPod- such as the iPod Classic 160 which i have, that with this group of iPods that Him came out with the iTouch, then this phone, then the nano group has been expanded something that holds such a small amount of material that i cannot see why its bought even though i bought what had been the last of the particular red nano design...that true red is now gone and there are colors that at least to me are rather silly....then the other extreme where Him has introduced this iTouch and here is where i thought the iPod/iPod "classic" was developing towards only to find out once again the amount that item holds is again not worth the price-because i had thought an iPod Classic would have ended up being iTouch in appearance WITH 80 or 160GB! But there is simply not such logic from Him...Him and his crowd are out to make money....and they have covertly put over one thing after another to where a certain segment of Mac people are so brainwashed they constantly post this and that and i can't wait/must have and at first i thought it comical and fun...but hell you guys at some point you need to check yourself in the mirror and ask do you need it-of course there are many here who are very comfortable....i'm one who has no cellphone and was really disappointed in the design of the iPhone because I had thought a hinged cover of sorts would have been part of that item to protect its screen and thought it would have been smaller actually nano sized....but all this is planned and its meant to allow all the small businesses to come out with such addons at ridiculously high prices....it does not cost so much to produce to end up selling any cover for $25-30 that is a total ripoff but this is what its come to just as you go to an Apple store and immediately get asked do you have the one on one the priority card etc or the buyer card all three a total ripoff of what had been one service at a reasonable $99 a year yet this is what you are faced with and have no say. it stinks!

a

line

break

:)

(you know they're free, don't ya?)

[bushido]

from the IFA in Berlin, Germany ... i think its save to say we can expect a tall Nano again

http://www.ifun.de/images/stories/2008_08/casessmall.jpg http://www.ifun.de/images/stories/2008_08/nanocase3.jpg

specs of the 2G
approx. 895x395x6

specs of the 4G
approx. 907x387x6

[MrCrowbar]

from the IFA in Berlin, Germany ... i think its save to say we can expect a tall Nano again

http://www.ifun.de/images/stories/2008_08/casessmall.jpg http://www.ifun.de/images/stories/2008_08/nanocase3.jpg

specs of the 2G
approx. 895x395x6

specs of the 4G
approx. 907x387x6

Well, it sure matches the iLounge blueprint. The soft case is obviously bigger thant the iPod itself so it can wrap around it. But it all fits:

http://tinyurl.com/68psqyhttp://tinyurl.com/5o2ocr

[Duffinator]

I think that's a good call, and I really do think they look cool even if they look like the Gen 2 iPod Nanos. :apple:I liked the G2 Nanos better than G1 or G3.

[yorkshire]

I am slightly sceptical of this picture.

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but I think the nano looks curved lengthways. If you look closely At the bottom of the nano, it looks ever so slightly like the dock is pointing at a lower angle than it should when you look at the angle of the rest of the nano. It's quite hard to explain, but if you have a look, you might be able to make it out.

Also, the dock looks like it could be CGI. Other parts of the nano just don't seem to look like they're from a photo. Instead, they look like they're photoshopped.

[rhino102228]

At first glance it looks like it has been rounded possibly to contour and fit to your arm if you have it in a holster around your arm. But if you pay attention it looks like it is in an oval shape.. so then the question would rise.. why would you have an ipod that won't set evenly on a table or fit uncomfortably around your arm...