Apple to Introduce an iPod Stick?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/17/apple-to-introduce-an-ipod-stick/)

Stuff.tv reports (http://stuff.tv/blogs/future/archive/2008/11/17/is-apple-making-an-ipod-quot-stick-quot.aspx) a questionable rumor from a tipster they claim had "given us the goods on the PAYG iPhone before everyone else."

The claim is that Apple will be introducing an iPod "Stick" potentially at Macworld with the following features: "WiFi, Multitouch flex display and, er, a 7MP camera."

We're not quite sure what a "flex display" exactly is (aside from the obvious (http://www.pcworld.com/article/115963/will_your_next_display_be_flexible.html)) and why you'd want one in an iPod "Stick".

Article Link: Apple to Introduce an iPod Stick? (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/17/apple-to-introduce-an-ipod-stick/)

[Knolly]

Yeah, gonna go with this one being false.

The "er" isn't comforting at all. Plus I'm mainly basing it off of these being dream-like specs. There is no practically priced flexible display, much less a multitouch one.

[fleshman03]

More proof Apple has no idea what to do with the iPod line?
7mp camera sounds sweet.

[nick9191]

Is it April 1st already? :D

[masse]

hmm wonder why this is on page 2. Clearly seems accurate.

[xUKHCx]

We already had an iPod stick

144618

Perhaps this stick would be a little bigger to accomodate a 7mp camera worth getting excited about. Odd choice mix of specs, I am not sure what the hell this device would actually be for.

[themoonisdown09]

Will the virtual reality goggles come out with the iPod stick?

[Blue Velvet]

Will the virtual reality goggles come out with the iPod stick?

No, you gotta buy those and put them on before you even can see the iPod stick. ;)

[mkrishnan]

"WiFi, Multitouch flex display and, er, a 7MP camera."

This is the dumbest set of specs evar. I need a 7MP camera with fixed optics like I need an octo-core computer with 16GB of RAM and three Velociraptors running Windows ME.

[themoonisdown09]

I think this thread needs to go to the Wasteland. :D

[PowerFullMac]

Yeah, at about the same time they release the iCar and their own brand of AI. :rolleyes:

[Santa Rosa]

iPod Stick - Poke other people with your music

iPod Stick - The first iPod to double as a self defense weapon, Steve: "Can I ask Phil to take the stage, demonstration time..."

[thejadedmonkey]

First, it was a music player. Then, it was a music player and photo viewer.
3rd, it was a music, photo and video player. Then you could install applications on it, just like a PC.

and now it's a twig?

[TMay]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0811/08111701sony12mpsensorcamphone.asp

These appear to be major upgrades,

...and when will I get a camera and GPS in an iTouch Mr. Jobs?

[miketcool]

Hey! You leave my wifi-shuffle-camera alone! Every pic you take randomly shuffles the f-stop. Then when you are done, you hold forward down for 5 seconds and it randomly sends your photos to an open wifi station. GENIUS.

We stopped deciding things on our own anyways; the TV, news and government think for us. We might as well just let Apple shuffle for what is best. As soon as I get my tax rebate next year I am buying 3 product (RED) versions of these, because I care about the world.:cool:

[Yvan256]

Forget about the 7 megapixels camera and the flex touch-screen display. Let's just go with the "iPod stick" name.

We currently have the 2nd generation iPod shuffle. It's a clip and it's much smaller than the 1st generation iPod shuffle (especially if you don't count the volume taken by the clip and the space between the actual iPod and the clip itself).

Now, think back at how some people thought the 2nd gen. shuffle was an on-cord controller/radio for the full-sized iPod.

And now look at the new Apple headphones (the ones they still need to launch, the ones that were due back in october). Those have a really tiny controller built into the cord itself. Now imagine an iPod roughly larger than that.

Could this idea be the next iPod? An iPod stick, that kinda just dangle from your headphone cord? :confused: :p

[BornAgainMac]

It won't happen. Steve said that 2 Mega pixels is all you need.

[LloydBraun89]

I'm still kinda confused on this one...this really is one of the most stupid rumors i have read. its like a bunch of manatees just took a bunch of idea balls and got this...

[plumbingandtech]

It won't happen. Steve said that 2 Mega pixels is all you need.

Until apple can get 4+ meg chips sets for the same or less price.

Then 4 mega pixels will be all you need.

[phairphan]

Yeah, we need a "Page 3" for these items.

[miketcool]

I'm still kinda confused on this one...this really is one of the most stupid rumors i have read. its like a bunch of manatees just took a bunch of idea balls and got this...

Thats a brilliant way to design! I never really thought of it, but manatees are the only mammals unmoved by terrorist.

[zombitronic]

I get the idea behind the name, (I think,) but maybe it should be iPod Scroll. It's a "stick" until you pull out the display in "scroll" fashion. Maybe you could even pull a stylus out of the middle and "write" on it. It sounds weird and highly unlikely, but if Apple were to deliver, it would be nothing short of (r)evolutionary.

http://www.electronicsweekly.com/assets/getasset.aspx?ItemID=50247

[heaven]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F136 Safari/525.20)

I am still wondering how this could make it on page 2! I just can't see anything like that coming out in the next couple of years with a reasonable price tag..

[danaris]

And now look at the new Apple headphones (the ones they still need to launch, the ones that were due back in october). Those have a really tiny controller built into the cord itself. Now imagine an iPod roughly larger than that.

Could this idea be the next iPod? An iPod stick, that kinda just dangle from your headphone cord? :confused: :p
http://pics.sluggy.com/images/comics/050621.gif

....Just don't swallow it.

~danaris

[timothyjay2004]

I call BS. Wouldn't the iPhone get the 7mp camera before an iPod? And, wouldn't the iPod touch get a camera before any other iPod in their lineup? It just makes no sense. I think someone got bored with wishful thinking....:rolleyes:

[The Killer Fuzz]

I'm still kinda confused on this one...this really is one of the most stupid rumors i have read. its like a bunch of manatees just took a bunch of idea balls and got this...

ha, south park

[H$R]

Yeah, we need a "Page 3" for these items.

actually, page 3 already exists: http://www.macrumors.com/page3/

[phairphan]

actually, page 3 already exists: http://www.macrumors.com/page3/

Ha! Sadly, this rumor would fit in on page 3.

[creator2456]

First, it was a music player. Then, it was a music player and photo viewer.
3rd, it was a music, photo and video player. Then you could install applications on it, just like a PC.

and now it's a twig?

Funny stuff.

I can't see another addition to the iPod line without losing something we have already...and I don't see that happening.

[dvince2]

It won't happen. Steve said that 2 Mega pixels is all you need.

And 640K ought to be enough for anyone

[dernhelm]

Stupidest. Rumor. Ever.

[BRLawyer]

This is the dumbest set of specs evar. I need a 7MP camera with fixed optics like I need an octo-core computer with 16GB of RAM and three Velociraptors running Windows ME.

What a ridiculous rumor...this should be on MR's page 4 even before April Fool's Day comes...

[dubhe]

If this is meant to be the poor mans iPod touch then the iStick would be based on the nano, that is already £110 so you would have to add multi touch, a camera :rolleyes: for less than £90 to make it worth producing.

[jahsavi]

Flex would be needed for wrapping the ipod around your arm.. maybe.

[BrockW15]

I'm pretty sure that putting a 7MP camera on an iPod would be the biggest waste ever. People who need a 7MP camera will carry a real camera with them.

[iMacmatician]

I can't say I consider this rumor to be likely, but...

Stuff.tv reports (http://stuff.tv/blogs/future/archive/2008/11/17/is-apple-making-an-ipod-quot-stick-quot.aspx) a questionable rumor from a tipster they claim had "given us the goods on the PAYG iPhone before everyone else."

The claim is that Apple will be introducing an iPod "Stick" potentially at Macworld with the following features: "WiFi, Multitouch flex display and, er, a 7MP camera."

We're not quite sure what a "flex display" exactly is (aside from the obvious (http://www.pcworld.com/article/115963/will_your_next_display_be_flexible.html)) and why you'd want one in an iPod "Stick".If this is true, it's the perfect product for a MWSF intro.

The specs definitely seem higher than an iPod touch. Maybe this device is what AppleInsider's "return of the Newton" rumor ended up as. A device with a fairly large display that can be folded or rolled up into something closer to the size of the iPod touch or iPod nano. That'll solve the size problem (not too big for a pocket anymore).

I can also see the ability to roll/fold out part of the display if you still want a reasonably small device, but that's even less likely.

And the article says it's codenamed "iPod stick." So it may be released as something different (maybe not even an iPod per se).

[zombitronic]

I get the idea behind the name, (I think,) but maybe it should be iPod Scroll. It's a "stick" until you pull out the display in "scroll" fashion. Maybe you could even pull a stylus out of the middle and "write" on it. It sounds weird and highly unlikely, but if Apple were to deliver, it would be nothing short of (r)evolutionary.

http://www.electronicsweekly.com/assets/getasset.aspx?ItemID=50247

Here's a better image of what they may be talking about:

http://www.macsimumnews.com/images/uploads/iPodPencil.JPG

[Delicious-Apple]

I can't say I consider this rumor to be likely, but...

If this is true, it's the perfect product for a MWSF intro.

The specs definitely seem higher than an iPod touch. Maybe this device is what AppleInsider's "return of the Newton" rumor ended up as. A device with a fairly large display that can be folded or rolled up into something closer to the size of the iPod touch or iPod nano. That'll solve the size problem (not too big for a pocket anymore).

I can also see the ability to roll/fold out part of the display if you still want a reasonably small device, but that's even less likely.

And the article says it's codenamed "iPod stick." So it may be released as something different (maybe not even an iPod per se).

Nice to see an optimistic and considered analysis ;) I think it could work as a product but I'm not sure the technology is ready, not yet.
It also seems a little too soon for Apple to release something of this magnitude. Flexible MultiTouch displays!!! Crazy!

If this was to appear at Macworld 09 however, I am buying at least 7!

[Zimmer62943]

More proof Apple has no idea what to do with the iPod line?
7mp camera sounds sweet.

Or, More proof apple doesnt have anything to do with this rumor and the person who made it up has no clue

[zap2]

Haha, no.....try again please!

[sfh]

um no don't see it happening ... we already have a the nano

[haravikk]

If it also has a built-in pez dispenser then I'm sold on the idea.

[Schtumple]

It almost sounds like a really bad april fools, but utterly wrong time of year...

[derryquinn]

If it also has a built-in pez dispenser then I'm sold on the idea.

Epic.

[Biolizard]

We might be fanboys, but we're not stoopid.....

[bengal85]

More proof Apple has no idea what to do with the iPod line?
7mp camera sounds sweet.

What they will figure it out there has never been an ipod that flopped before and I doubt that there ever will be

[twoodcc]

this does sound interesting, but i doubt this will be happening

[SwiftLives]

Perhaps "stick" does not refer to the form factor?

It's an iPod with velcro on the back?

It's got the same backside as a post-it note?

It's magnetic?

Yeah. I'm not buying it either.

[olternaut]

SHUDDUP you evil shortsighted people! The ipod "stick" is the same thing I thought of a while ago. How do you have a larger screened iphone/mac tablet that is still pocket sized? You make it small and big at the same time!
In other words, you make the device with a flexible screen!!

There are already prototype screens like this that can be made cheaply enough and with enough color resolution.
Don't say it won't happen cause Apple will just prove you wrong and redefine the industry while doing it!

[iMacmatician]

SHUDDUP you evil shortsighted people! The ipod "stick" is the same thing I thought of a while ago. How do you have a larger screened iphone/mac tablet that is still pocket sized? You make it small and big at the same time!
In other words, you make the device with a flexible screen!!

There are already prototype screens like this that can be made cheaply enough and with enough color resolution.
Don't say it won't happen cause Apple will just prove you wrong and redefine the industry while doing it!I couldn't have said it better. :D

Here comes the mini-tablet...

Maybe AppleInsider's original rumor was about a device physically the size of a larger iPod touch. That device was supposed to be released in 2008. But then Apple switched gears and chose to take the roll/fold up display path (due to size?) and that meant a delay of six months or so. Now it may be ready for MWSF 2009. Just another thought...at how this relates to the AppleInsider rumor.

I can easily see this device having different display sizes, with the larger displays rolling up more, so all devices have the same or similar size collapsed. But I am worried about the price, I can't see it being cheap.

[olternaut]

I couldn't have said it better. :D

Here comes the mini-tablet...

Maybe AppleInsider's original rumor was about a device physically the size of a larger iPod touch. That device was supposed to be released in 2008. But then Apple switched gears and chose to take the roll/fold up display path (due to size?) and that meant a delay of six months or so. Now it may be ready for MWSF 2009. Just another thought...at how this relates to the AppleInsider rumor.

I can easily see this device having different display sizes, with the larger displays rolling up more, so all devices have the same or similar size collapsed. But I am worried about the price, I can't see it being cheap.

I can. I can see it being relatively cheap....at least the screen part. They'll price the product right of course and we will all be willing to pay three times the retail to get it!
They were probably waiting till the manufacturing process on the screen was cheap enough before they would begin production.
The future is not coming......its here! Hell, with apple what we think of as the future is the past for them!

Bow down in awe suckas......MACTOUCH FTW! :D

[iParis]

I would lose all respect for Apple if they released this.
The specs don't make any sense at all.

[olternaut]

I would lose all respect for Apple if they released this.
The specs don't make any sense at all.

Specs are probably off but if its even in the freakin ballpark......hell the same STATE as the ballpark then I will pay triple the price for it!

[Saladinos]

God, this is so fake. This isn't just a slow news day, the news has died and had it's carcass pillaged by a pagan family.

Here's where they took the idea from, a PSP2 mockup:

http://dvice.com/pics/sony_psp2_front.jpg

[firsttube]

Ummm yeah....

Why is this on the front page?

[rneglia]

These are sooo obviously fakes.

Nice try, Rneglia!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2946839317_ac5cb6264f_o.jpg

[olternaut]

God, this is so fake. This isn't just a slow news day, the news has died and had it's carcass pillaged by a pagan family.

Here's where they took the idea from, a PSP2 mockup:

http://dvice.com/pics/sony_psp2_front.jpg

They didn't "steal" the idea from that. The idea itself is several years old now. It would be fascinating to take a tour of Apple's top secret prototype labs to find out what they are working on. Even if most of their prototypes never see the light of day the tour itself would probably be mind boggling.

[zombitronic]

God, this is so fake. This isn't just a slow news day, the news has died and had it's carcass pillaged by a pagan family.

Here's where they took the idea from, a PSP2 mockup:

http://dvice.com/pics/sony_psp2_front.jpg

While it may be the same concept, I doubt anyone took the idea directly from that mock-up. I remember seeing prototypes of these on YouTube a few years ago.

Here's a video from last year:

http://revver.com/video/373961/flexible-display-by-eink-at-siggraph-2007/

[EgbertAttrick]

Is the iPod Stick really better than a Stick Stick?

[spaceballl]

this is why "page 2" exists

[SandynJosh]

You all jumped to thinking that the iStick would be something tiny like a Nano. The world is a far more dangerous place and this calls for rethinking what you need when someone tries to rob you of your wonderful little iPod.

It will be available in Classic White, as shown here, Celadon green, and everyone's favorite, Zune Brown. "May the iStick be with you!"

[johnnyjibbs]

Sounds like utter drivel to me, but then we have been surprised before. Surely, they would put a 7MP camera in the iPhone first? ;)

Still, the iPod 'stick' may actually be a forthcoming product, but I think flexible is a long way off yet and I suspect this would be a small, low end product, possibly as a replacement to the Shuffle. (Wasn't the iPod Shuffle 1st Gen technically an "iPod Stick"?)

[MacTraveller]

lolz factor is high in this one

"Speak softly. And carry a big iStick!"

[olternaut]

Naysayers all of you! You guys watch. The ipod stick's existence will be confirmed and vindicated and you all will end up being forced to bow down and worship it! This I so sware this day that it shall come to pass as I have forseen!!
So shall it be written....so shall it be done!

[kingtj]

If you plant it in your back yard, it helps increase Apple's credentials as an evironmentally "green" company, as it grows tasty, DRM-free "song fruits".

Or, uh... maybe not...

First, it was a music player. Then, it was a music player and photo viewer.
3rd, it was a music, photo and video player. Then you could install applications on it, just like a PC.

and now it's a twig?

[TJunkers]

I just want that 7mp camera in the iPhone and I'll sell my current cybershot camera!

[wizard]

The first thing that is startling is that many posting here don't have the vision or forethought to realize that Apple has to come out with new products. Second one needs to realize that we are for the most part on ten one touch devices, there is still a lot of potential upside with respect to innovation on this platform. Note that I realize that the recent Touch and the 3G represent new models but the basic electronic platform is generation one.

In any event if you guys realized how much research is going into display and cell phone camera technology you would not be so dismissive. While the specs quote for the camera are a little excessive for a conventionally place camera, resolution will go up in the future. Maybe not 7Mp but that depends very much on how thick Apple is willing to allow IPhone to become. But this isn't iPhone, if Apple takes a different approach with the optical system a very high quality camera could be had in a small device. Think about a piece of hardware where the camera optics is turned length wise. Even as little as 10mm of length could result in a vastly better camera. It is all about the optical path and the ability to project a big enough image circle to make for full coverage. That is coverage on a larger sensor with bigger light sensors.

As to the negativity about a fixed focal length. First who said that this is a given. Second even if it is a given a higher quality camera with more resolution would still be welcomed. The important thing to do is to provide a camera that shoots a better picture over a much wider range of conditions that the user might find himself in. High resolution that only works in bright daylight is pretty much useless, give me a camera that works from dusk to dawn and that fixed focal length lens would mean nothing. Even so I don't see Apple being held to fixed focal lengths.

As to folding / rolling screens it is a chicken and egg sort of thing. The tech is pretty much ready but the manufactures need demand. This means a high volume customer that can deliver enough orders to get the manufacturing line up and running. Apple is a very good example of a manufacture that could justify setting up a production line for new technology.

So in a nutshell I think it is silly to dismiss the thought of new devices or devices that make big strides over the current. One can fold an optical paths these days as easily as folding a screen. What is interesting is not what is possible but what can Apple deliver at a reasonable price. The start of next year ought to be very interesting.



Dave

[Lray3152]

well put dave. I just sold my first generation iPodtouchon ebay and was going to use that money to buy the 2nd generation one but now i will hold off until january.

[iMacmatician]

They were probably waiting till the manufacturing process on the screen was cheap enough before they would begin production. The first thing that is startling is that many posting here don't have the vision or forethought to realize that Apple has to come out with new products. Second one needs to realize that we are for the most part on ten one touch devices, there is still a lot of potential upside with respect to innovation on this platform. Some sensible and informative comments here.

Although I am not putting all my eggs in the "iPod stick" basket, I wouldn't count it out either. I think Apple's claim at the Q3 conference (whatever it was called) where they said they would introduce new technologies at high prices and wait for large sales to drive prices down could happen with this device. I do note that there is quite a big gap between the iPod touch and the MacBook, and even a ~$700 device (I was thinking more like $500) would comfortably fit in the middle. I would also assume that the lowest-end model of this device would have 32 GB (same as high-end iPod touch) or maybe even 16 GB to hit a low price, although 16 GB may be limiting for mobile iLife.

Note that I realize that the recent Touch and the 3G represent new models but the basic electronic platform is generation one. I have always thought that the Apple PDA/mini-tablet AppleInsider predicted would be the 2nd gen iPhone OS platform. Now with the possibility that the mini-tablet will turn out to be this "iPod stick," the OS generation would carry over quite well with the significant hardware change.

"Speak softly. And carry a big iStick!"This should be your signature, olternaut. :D

[bobertoq]

Will the virtual reality goggles come out with the iPod stick?no you'll have to buy them seperately.

[SSmit]

iPod Stick? or iPod Schtick?

[olternaut]

Some sensible and informative comments here.

Although I am not putting all my eggs in the "iPod stick" basket, I wouldn't count it out either. I think Apple's claim at the Q3 conference (whatever it was called) where they said they would introduce new technologies at high prices and wait for large sales to drive prices down could happen with this device. I do note that there is quite a big gap between the iPod touch and the MacBook, and even a ~$700 device (I was thinking more like $500) would comfortably fit in the middle. I would also assume that the lowest-end model of this device would have 32 GB (same as high-end iPod touch) or maybe even 16 GB to hit a low price, although 16 GB may be limiting for mobile iLife.

I have always thought that the Apple PDA/mini-tablet AppleInsider predicted would be the 2nd gen iPhone OS platform. Now with the possibility that the mini-tablet will turn out to be this "iPod stick," the OS generation would carry over quite well with the significant hardware change.

This should be your signature, olternaut. :D

hmmmmm....*ponders on suggested signature*

[Alexanderre]

http://pics.sluggy.com/images/comics/050621.gif

....Just don't swallow it.

~danaris


damn, i can't stop laughing for about 10 minutes already, especially about the web browser :D:D:D

[MacsBestFriend]

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/01/e-paper_bracelet.jpg

Could this be the iPod Stick, or, iPod Flex????
This was developed by the Chocolate agency and people were talking about this when the iPhone debuted. Can anyone tie Chocolate Agency with Apple? If yup, it's possible!
:D

:apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple:

Oh, by the way, this has an ePaper screen! Could this be the future of Apple displays???

[okrelayer]

i can picture Apple getting into the digital camera area. I see consumer digital cameras they hall have 9 buttons. I could see Apple make one with really good UI, and ONE button on it.

maybe i just miss quicktake!

[olternaut]

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/01/e-paper_bracelet.jpg

Could this be the iPod Stick, or, iPod Flex????
This was developed by the Chocolate agency and people were talking about this when the iPhone debuted. Can anyone tie Chocolate Agency with Apple? If yup, it's possible!
:D

:apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple:

Oh, by the way, this has an ePaper screen! Could this be the future of Apple displays???

I'll take two! :D

[maestro55]

Introducing the iPhone Shuffle. Press dial and it just randomly calls someone.

[borjasanz]

Introducing the iPhone Shuffle. Press dial and it just randomly calls someone.

Lol!!!

[bengal85]

How would the screen work you can not roll a screen in or out with out breaking it. I think this is false becuase really who wants a roll out screen on an ipod

[zombitronic]

How would the screen work you can not roll a screen in or out with out breaking it.

Not true (http://revver.com/video/373961/flexible-display-by-eink-at-siggraph-2007/), bengal.

[zombitronic]

How would the screen work you can not roll a screen in or out with out breaking it.

And if you still have doubts, watch this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDuP8PtDJbE).

[PowerFullMac]

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/03/11/084542-shuffle2.jpg
iPod stick.

[zombitronic]

iPod stick.

That crossed my mind since it has been noted (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6620816#post6620816) that we've had a stick-like iPod before.

The "stick" in this claim, however, seems to refer to a rolled-up scroll design with a pull out flexible screen. Maybe even a flexible touch screen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVJCOAFLHJA).

I'd love to see this technology put to use in an iPad. I would be a bit shocked if Apple doesn't have some experimental flexible screens in their labs.

http://dvice.com/pics/lgphilips_epaper.jpg

[PowerFullMac]

That crossed my mind since it has been noted (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6620816#post6620816) that we've had a stick-like iPod before.

The "stick" in this claim, however, seems to refer to a rolled-up scroll design with a pull out flexible screen. Maybe even a flexible touch screen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVJCOAFLHJA).

I'd love to see this technology put to use in an iPad. I would be a bit shocked if Apple doesn't have some experimental flexible screens in their labs.

http://dvice.com/pics/lgphilips_epaper.jpg

That'll happen eventually when the technology is cheaper.

[lostprophet894]

Introducing the iPhone Shuffle. Press dial and it just randomly calls someone.

So ORIGINAL!!! LOLZ!@

:rolleyes:

[gan6660]

YUP the ipod "stick" was released today at just $79 and comes in 4gb in either silver or black.

[JG271]

YUP the ipod "stick" was released today at just $79 and comes in 4gb in either silver or black.

No it wasn't, the original rumor said it would have wifi and a flexible screen. Also, we can read the front page thank you.

[SFStateStudent]

Picking one up for the grandson's birthday in November...:)

[CalPoly10]

I don't think I like the new iPod shuffles. I have an iPhone, and a shuffle (the last generation before this one), and I don't see the advantage of the new 3G Shuffle.

I usually clip my shuffle on my shorts, and just go. Changing songs is easy, as it's right htere on my belt. Now you have to find the controls on the wire? What happens when you're running and the headphones are looped in your shirt?

Bad design.

[zombitronic]

YUP the ipod "stick" was released today at just $79 and comes in 4gb in either silver or black.

Picking one up for the grandson's birthday in November...:)

I don't think I like the new iPod shuffles. I have an iPhone, and a shuffle (the last generation before this one), and I don't see the advantage of the new 3G Shuffle.

I usually clip my shuffle on my shorts, and just go. Changing songs is easy, as it's right htere on my belt. Now you have to find the controls on the wire? What happens when you're running and the headphones are looped in your shirt?

Bad design.

Guys, please do not hijack the thread with off topic posts. It degrades the usefulness of the thread for members who are looking for information about the original topic. Read the first post. This thread is not about the new iPod Shuffle (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=665746) nor any existing Apple product. This is about a hypothetical iPod with a multi-touch flexible display.

[dernhelm]

Guys, please do not hijack the thread with off topic posts. It degrades the usefulness of the thread for members who are looking for information about the original topic. Read the first post. This thread is not about the new iPod Shuffle (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=665746) nor any existing Apple product. This is about a hypothetical iPod with a multi-touch flexible display.

And this hypothetical device is so important to you that you can't weed past a couple of harmless posts without commenting on them? Please. This is such an obvious joke that I can't even comprehend how this thread has lasted this long.

Multi-touch flexible display? Sounds cool, but does anyone have any idea how it might work? Thought not. The best part is the 7MP camera. I suppose they chose such a stupid number because "why would you make up a number like that? It must be true!"

:rolleyes:

[zombitronic]

And this hypothetical device is so important to you that you can't weed past a couple of harmless posts without commenting on them? Please. This is such an obvious joke that I can't even comprehend how this thread has lasted this long.

Apparently, you can't weed past my comment without commenting on it, either. It's not the hypothetical device which is important, but the very real technology behind it. I suppose this thread has lasted so long because a few of us on this technology forum are actually interested in the way new and uncommon technologies may change things. Thanks for the patronizing response, though.

Multi-touch flexible display? Sounds cool, but does anyone have any idea how it might work? Thought not.

C'mon, man. Did you even read the thread before commenting? Thought not. If you had, you'd see several posts, pictures and links to videos demonstrating how this idea might work.

[gan6660]

No it wasn't, the original rumor said it would have wifi and a flexible screen. Also, we can read the front page thank you.

UHHHH.... I was being sarcastic.

[MattyK]

http://www.ilounge.com/gallery/2010_concepts/Ipod-Stick.jpg

[zombitronic]

[...]

Nice mock-up! That's definitely the "stick" that this claim suggests. Complete with the 7 MP camera. I'd still market it as the iPod scroll, though. It sounds more elegant to say you've got a scroll in your pocket rather than a stick in your pocket.

[PowerFullMac]

[...]

*gets wallet out*

[Bye Bye Baby]

ipod stuck

[sushi]

Nice mock-up! That's definitely the "stick" that this claim suggests. Complete with the 7 MP camera. I'd still market it as the iPod scroll, though. It sounds more elegant to say you've got a scroll in your pocket rather than a stick in your pocket.
Agree. I like the scrolling screen concept.

*gets wallet out*
Same here. :)

[olternaut]

iPod stick huh? Well here is something to get the rumor juices flowing:

http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Home_Office/Notebooks_And_Tablets/N7G3R8C9

Perhaps it won't exactly be a stick but even still I think a revolution in mobile devices is coming. So again I say...........

*whispers* Mactouch ftw! :D

[iMacmatician]

iPod stick huh? Well here is something to get the rumor juices flowing:

http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Home_Office/Notebooks_And_Tablets/N7G3R8C9Insiders have told SmartHouse that Apple is using a new version of their PC software which includes a mix of iPhone and Mac Book capabilitiesInteresting. So could this be iPhone OS with additional "Mac" features or Mac OS X with features taken from the iPhone OS?

[olternaut]

Interesting. So could this be iPhone OS with additional "Mac" features or Mac OS X with features taken from the iPhone OS?

*sigh* Read about apple licensing sony's flexible screen tech!

[Liam8]

That could be really cool! But I agree they should put a camera on the ipod touch first! Look at this, this look pretty good!:Dhttp://www.ilounge.com/gallery/2010_concepts/Ipod-Stick.jpg

[zombitronic]

The date of that article, 11/03/09, threw me off for a minute until I realized that the article was from Australia. No, it's not already November in Australia, they just use a different date format than the States. DD/MM/YY. Anyway,

We can also reveal that Apple has been exploring the use of flexible OLED display technology for both a screen and a keyboard.

I'm still hoping for something more than a tablet or a netbook. Something that pushes the boundaries of things we've only seen as a concept device. Something like this, but attractive.

http://dvice.com/pics/folding_pda_concept.jpg

Apple isn't big into making "me too" devices so I've still got high hopes for something original to come out of their labs.

[Mintin8]

Both concepts above are very interesting but i'm gonna make a call and say apple wont adopt ideas like these. They are just non-user friendly IMO.

[olternaut]

I'm hoping for something original too. Just not the stuff in those above pics. Whoa! Easy there stomach.......easy!

[jnc]

Never pay attention to anything Stuff has to say. Ever.

[mwolenski]

I'm holding out for the iPhone Shuffle. Shake to call a random phone number.

[MattyK]

I'm holding out for the iPhone Shuffle. Shake to call a random phone number.

nty.

[tvaughanworld]

very nice data,thank you

[clyd3robert]

If this is all true, which it may well be, it sounds as if Apple is already well into preparations for its yet-unannounced-but-entirely-expected fall iPod event.

[dvdhsu]

I'm holding out for the iPhone Shuffle. Shake to call a random phone number.

Whoopee.
Wait.
Better delete my ex-girlfriend's number right now.

But what if I wanted to hear a song?
Maybe you can hold a button down and shake to hear a random song!

[olternaut]

Don't give up on the "ipod stick" idea yet.

http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/07/30/oil.and.water.display/

This new tech (which is 2 years old now by the way) will make flexible displays cheap and durable. Imagine the possibilities if Jon Ive and Steve Jobs got a hold of this tech.

[SkippyThorson]

Don't give up on the "ipod stick" idea yet.

http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/07/30/oil.and.water.display/

This new tech (which is 2 years old now by the way) will make flexible displays cheap and durable. Imagine the possibilities if Jon Ive and Steve Jobs got a hold of this tech.

Oil and Water? What happens when the liquid unavoidably begins to evaporate? It won't last forever - these don't sound too long term to me. I'm sure that's been thought of though.

I love the idea though. I can't even imagine what Ive would have in store with a flexible display. Very cool indeed. :)

[macaliseme]

Give me an iPod Touch with at least 64GB or larger and I'll be set for life.

It'll be interesting to see what those extra 8GB modules will be used for - whether its expanding production of the 8GB model (price drop?) or simply adding more 8GB modules to expand storage (by simplifying the design, reducing chips and thus leave more room on the board for more storage).

The big let down I find with Apple is the lack of expandability via a mini-SD slot or something.

[olternaut]

Give me an iPod Touch with at least 64GB or larger and I'll be set for life.

It'll be interesting to see what those extra 8GB modules will be used for - whether its expanding production of the 8GB model (price drop?) or simply adding more 8GB modules to expand storage (by simplifying the design, reducing chips and thus leave more room on the board for more storage).

The big let down I find with Apple is the lack of expandability via a mini-SD slot or something.

Are you referring to recent order Apple made of 100 million 8Gb memory chips? According to the analysts it works out to about 4 million iphones which falls in line with their immediate future sales projections. And they've also ordered 16Gb chips which will mean 32GB (gigabyte not bit) iphones should be on their way.

But I'm desperately hoping Steve Jobs doesn't simply do a slate computer and goes the extra mile and incorporate flexbile screen technology. Potentially such a device would be even more important to Apple than the iphone.
Gawd! It will be really interesting indeed to find out if Jobs truly is a forward minded thinker or not.

[mikeinternet]

While it may be the same concept, I doubt anyone took the idea directly from that mock-up. I remember seeing prototypes of these on YouTube a few years ago.

Here's a video from last year:

http://revver.com/video/373961/flexible-display-by-eink-at-siggraph-2007/

Some day they will make disposable packaging out of this stuff.

[McDughf]

I'm holding out for the iPhone Shuffle. Shake to call a random phone number.

LOL - Brilliant :)

[zombitronic]

Some day they will make disposable packaging out of this stuff.

This day may not be too far away...

Esquire E-Ink Cover Video (http://www.esquire.com/the-side/video/e-ink-cover-video)

[zombitronic]

I'm still hoping for something more than a tablet or a netbook. Something that pushes the boundaries of things we've only seen as a concept device. Something like this, but attractive.

http://dvice.com/pics/folding_pda_concept.jpg

Apple isn't big into making "me too" devices so I've still got high hopes for something original to come out of their labs.

Like this:

http://9to5mac.com/files/image/00000/macbook-touch-beta-20.jpg

[jnc]

Like this:

Eh... that's a bit hyperactive. Give it 15 years...

[zombitronic]

Eh... that's a bit hyperactive. Give it 15 years...

Fifteen years? That's a bit pessimistic. Have some vision. I expect all kinds of 3D HUD AR/VR by then.

Flexible OLEDs exist today. What do you see there that would hold it back until 2024?

[olternaut]

Eh... that's a bit hyperactive. Give it 15 years...

I'm sure thats what you said of iphone mockups back in 2007 a month before the original iphone debut.
People with vision will always own the future while the rest get simply owned.

[Blue Fox]

[QUOTE=zombitronic;7545528]Like this:

http://9to5mac.com/files/image/00000/macbook-touch-beta-20.jpg

[QUOTE]

That's an absolutely amazing concept that I could see as being an iPhone moment, the next big thing. Apple would be defining a completely new segment in the revolution of computing.

But sadly, I don't see this being anywhere in the near future.....maybe a couple of years out if Apple does indeed have something like this in the works.

[iMacmatician]

People with vision will always own the future while the rest get simply owned.Absolutely, great statement!

I hope something like this pops up, I especially like the "laptop or canvas" bit.

[jnc]

I'm sure thats what you said of iphone mockups back in 2007 a month before the original iphone debut.

And "I'm sure" you can't really go around making claims like that. What do you know? Not a damn thing, I'm sure. Easy on the zealotry

Fifteen years? That's a bit pessimistic. Have some vision. I expect all kinds of 3D HUD AR/VR by then.

Ah, well personally I'm still waiting on my flying car... :D

Flexible OLEDs exist today. What do you see there that would hold it back until 2024?

PMPs existed long before iPod. Blu Ray exists and is nowhere to be seen on Apple hardware, so you should know Apple moves when it's comfortable, not when the availability's there.

I hope something like this pops up, I especially like the "laptop or canvas" bit.



Me too! However, have you seen the cost of a ModBook Pro? The service costs $3000, (if you provide your OWN mbp that is - $5000 if you don't), and that technology doesn't fold in half or do any of the craziness exhibited in the above high concept stuff.

So think how long it'd take before it would become marketable, if half the function (never mind the form, and the "apple tax") currently costs $5000...

13 inch screen, 0.3 inches thick? If this came out within 5 years its RRP would probably be $9999, minimum!

[zombitronic]

Ah, well personally I'm still waiting on my flying car... :D

PMPs existed long before iPod. Blu Ray exists and is nowhere to be seen on Apple hardware, so you should know Apple moves when it's comfortable, not when the availability's there.

Me too! However, have you seen the cost of a ModBook Pro? The service costs $3000, (if you provide your OWN mbp that is - $5000 if you don't), and that technology doesn't fold in half or do any of the craziness exhibited in the above high concept stuff.

So think how long it'd take before it would become marketable, if half the function (never mind the form, and the "apple tax") currently costs $5000...

13 inch screen, 0.3 inches thick? If this came out within 5 years its RRP would probably be $9999, minimum!

I agree with you and I don't think that we'll see something like this at WWDC (although I'd love to be surprised). It seems that the setback would be, as you've said, its marketability. Not that people wouldn't want it; quite the opposite. People just wouldn't be able to afford it, and that's the real setback. Otherwise, technologically, this isn't that far out there. It really only relies on the display. Otherwise, it's just a thin tablet. Quality OLEDs exist and they are flexible, but they're expensive.

[Arissa1990]

omg...lol..

sounds pretty fake.. and if they do make this "stick", then i hope it doesnt suck as much as the new ipod shuffle...

[olternaut]

Realize that originally this thread talked about an "ipod stick". Which I sincerely think it is suggesting flexible OLED technology.
Ultimately, I think this thread is exploring any Apple product that might be related that is coming down the pipe. Because this "ipod stick" is just a rumor and we have no idea what specific product the original rumor might have been pointing to.
All our discussions might not have been about some new ipod but about a new macbook or the "macbook touch" or the "mac touch" or even the new gen iphone.
I truly truly hope though that whatever products are coming will be similar or better than that last mockup in the thread posted by blue fox of a "macbook touch" with a flexible screen.
The technology is here and can be made cheaply enough when produced in volume.
The only thing stopping this from happening is the WILL to do it. Nothing else.