Touch Screen Video iPod Coming Soon?

[MacRumors]

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

Think Secret (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/0602videoipod.html) claims knowledge of a completely new version of the iPod whose main goal in life is video playback.

The new machine will reportedly have a 3.5-inch diagonal display and use a touch screen instead of the current click wheel.

Details concerning capacity of the device and release date aren't yet available, but according to the article release could be as early as late March or early April.

[ibook30]

Touch screen sounds good- but I can't imagine they would cripple the music abilities to build a purely video ipod ("main goal in life...").
Surprised that it could come out so soon!

[stefman]

I want one!:D

[clayj]

That SNL sketch with Jobs releasing a new model of iPod every 3 minutes or so is becoming less and less of a joke all the time.

[Enterprise8875]

Wow that would be cool! But i dont see Apple releasing something so soon after the 5G iPod. I mean I just got the thing.

[utah_boy2]

I'll take one please!! it sounds Awesome!

[Chaszmyr]

If this comes bundled with a software solution for ripping DVDs I think it would be ridiculously successful. However, I don't think it will, so it will only be hugely successful. Apple will increase the number of videos sold via iTMS, and those of us in the know can rely on Handbrake for DVD ripping.

The only concern I have, is everyone's videos (including those on iTMS) are made for the resolution that the 5G iPod uses... Presumably the native resolution on this new device will be very different, will it support the lower res videos, or will everyone need a whole new collection of videos?

[grapes911]

I get enough finger prints on my screen as is. No thank you.

[freeny]

Ill take 3!!!

As to Chaszmyr note, If you want the resolution to be the same as the screen, then yes. But Ive watched 320x240 Lost episodes via the a/v cable on a 640x480 screen and it still looks perfect. No complaints here.:)

[calebjohnston]

well the reason they can keep making them constantly is because people are just compulsive buyers. just because something new and flashy comes out, doesn't mean you need to get it right away. I know people that have like 4 or 5 ipods. All basically the same functions outside of a color screen.

[miketcool]

iPod Gesture coming to a Tuesday near you!

[stridey]

Somehow this seems highly unlikely. The iPod is still fore and foremost a music player, and a video playback device where you constantly touch the screen will look crappy as anything.

[HiRez]

Sounds reasonable based on the patents they just filed, but I still think paying two dollars for one episode of a low-res, compressed, DRM-ed tv show is insane.

[alywa]

My gut feeling is this will be a vPod... not meant to replace the 5G ipod, but truly a multimedia device. Likely larger (will have to be to include enough battery to run the thing for over 2 hours), and will work in harmony with televisions (more so than the current 5G iPod).

At the same time, I predict the announcement of the first feature-length movies available on the iTMS, obviously Pixar and Disney. Oh, and I think they will be in 480p widescreen format.

This is going to be huge, maybe not so much in hardware sales, but in movie sales / ? rentals.

Apple has shown the media content providers that downloadable video is feasible... they have shown the public they can provide a quality product at a good price... they now need us to accept a new paradigm in movie distribution outside of the DVD. They did it with the CD, and they will succeed in this new endeavor as well.

-alywa

[Chaszmyr]

I get enough finger prints on my screen as is. No thank you.

Two words: Invisible Shield

[ScottB]

That sounds very cool, and quite realistic. I was exspecting macs at the anniversary, but this would go down with the press well. However, sounds too good to be true.

[Chaszmyr]

My gut feeling is this will be a vPod... not meant to replace the 5G ipod, but truly a multimedia device.

As far as the name "vPod," who knows... But I think it's more than safe to say it will not replace the 5G iPod.

[utah_boy2]

My gut feeling is this will be a vPod... not meant to replace the 5G ipod

Then you have to carry around two iPods, One for music one for movies? that seems stupid to me.

[miloblithe]

I can't imagine a touch-screen iPod being a very good music player. There has to be some physicality to the buttons for it to work well as a portable device. Touch screens are necessarily slower to use and require looking at the screen to use.

As for the resolution issue, I think that the current video resolution of iTunes videos would be plenty for a 3.5" display.

[Lord Sandwich]

Meh. I have a 5G and while I do load a lot of videos onto it, it's still just a novelty to me. Video on-the-go is a cumbersome activity and I'd never buy into a dedicated player unless they could fit the screen onto a pair of glasses.

[freeny]

Somehow this seems highly unlikely. The iPod is still fore and foremost a music player, and a video playback device where you constantly touch the screen will look crappy as anything.
Im gonna take a bet that you were also one of the group that doubted the original video iPod?
You must remember that there are all different types in this world and just because you only want a music player doesnt mean there isnt a market for a video player. I for instance and at least 4 others I know cant wait for this thing!

FOR SALE! One lightly used 60gb 5G iPod. aluminum case and invisable shield included.

[big]

of course.. new iPod in the mail, delivery set for today :(

[Chaszmyr]

As for the resolution issue, I think that the current video resolution of iTunes videos would be plenty for a 3.5" display.

I'm not disagreeing. I don't own a 5G iPod, so I'm not sure, but I think that for videos to play on it they have to be the precise resolution of the screen.

[alywa]

Then you have to carry around two iPods, One for music one for movies? that seems stupid to me.

Of course not... the vPod will play music as well. That much is obvious.

As far as resolution of the downloads... I'm thinking this device is meant to replace your DVD player at home, in addition to being portable. So, progressive scan quality (480p) would be important for home playback. The screen's resolution won't need to be that high, and would probably conserve battery if it was lower (say around 320). Onboard scaling would take care of these issues.

[EricNau]

I don't think that Apple would make an iPod purely for video. And I dislike the touch screen idea, too many fingerprints!

I do not want one.

[miloblithe]

I can definitely see this being great for college dorm life, or long commutes. I agree there's a market. I just hope the ergonomics are up to the iPod's traditional excellence.

[Chaszmyr]

Of course not... the vPod will play music as well. That much is obvious.

Though personally, if I were going on vacation (which is the only time I'd bother bringing a video iPod with me), I'd probably bring both a video iPod and a music iPod for battery reasons.

[obeygiant]

this is so typical, im set to get a new iPod next week.

[grapes911]

I'm not exactly sure how this stuff works, but the iPod would have to decode the audio codec in the video file, so it would be stupid not to allow it to play music.

[Oryan]

If I had a device that would allow me to take my entire DVD collection to my friend's house and easily hook it up to their TV, I'm in. It sounds great to me.

[utah_boy2]

Of course not... the vPod will play music as well. That much is obvious.

okay - I thought you were saying there would be two different iPod's you'd have to use - One for music and one for video.

** added**
Saying they would be dedicated to only one aspect (music or video).

[ScottB]

If this rumour is indeed true, it would reinstate my trust in ThinkSecret and I would exspect to see the other things they have been predicting lately.

[jacobj]

I don't know about the US, but the UK press has given a lot of column space to the PSP's video capability over the iPods in terms of screen quality. Apple may well have gone into development on this one to ward off any potential threat. It now seems that that threat is dying down as the effort required to get a video on the PSP is not a common day task.

Apple may well have it ready to go but will hold it back until a real threat raises its ugly head. Or else they may just release it to make anything in the pipeline of other developers look tame. Then again this is a ThinkSecret rumour and probably has no substance.

[richdun]

Add Appleinsider to the mix - http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1522

Only this is not some super secret inside source, but an analyst prediction. Seems like the logic is all there for a video iPod (new iBooks are a given some time this year, so no big deal there).

[miloblithe]

I don't know about the US, but the UK press has given a lot of column space to the PSP's video capability over the iPods in terms of screen quality. Apple may well have gone into development on this one to ward off any potential threat. It now seems that that threat is dying down as the effort required to get a video on the PSP is not a common day task.

Apple may well have it ready to go but will hold it back until a real threat raises its ugly head. Or else they may just release it to make anything in the pipeline of other developers look tame.


That makes sense. Apple has to develop something like this (or better) because they are obviously investing a lot in becoming the dominant video content distributor. They'll need an array of devices that will cover the market to do it.

[jonah002]

I just purchased a new 30 and 60 gig for me and my daughter yesterday because her 4g 20gb broke and I decided to upgrade myself with her. I have been waiting 2 weeks for a post like this before purchasing. And now I make a purchase and this comes up the next day ... My Luck!!!! Anyway, sounds cool, but the fingerprint thing is something I would be concerned with as well.

[spine]

This is an obvious "next step" for the iPod.
I read a rumor over a year ago that suggested an onscreen clickwheel.

I bet it gets announced in October.

This spring will be about the intel stuff, summer will be the mini-DVD, front-rom box.

Agreed?

[Diatribe]

Sounds reasonable based on the patents they just filed, but I still think paying two dollars for one episode of a low-res, compressed, DRM-ed tv show is insane.

Couldn't agree more.

[matthewHUB]

OK i think i'd get one! But it seems stupid to me as i'd never want to watch movies on the go except for on the plane - but you get a tv there anyway. If this rumour does stand true than surely it would not take much to add an iCal program and couple of other little widgety type things and have a basic palm!

ALL I WANT FROM APPLE IS A DEVICE WITH WHICH I CAN ORGANISE MY LIFE! Hey, if it plays vids too i'll be happy.

No but seriously, the PSP has a few limited apps such as a calendar program avaiolable for download, why couldn't this have that too - after all, the ipod has calendar - just add ability to imput!

[virus1]

okay - I thought you were saying there would be two different iPod's you'd have to use - One for music and one for video.

** added**
Saying they would be dedicated to only one aspect (music or video).
you are suggesting that they will withdraw the video capabilities from the 5G?

hahahaha

the ipod has always been about the music. the 5g is still meant to be an mp3 player. they just figured that they should add video if they could, and it would boost thier tv show sales. the "vpod" would be all about the video, but they just figured they should add music if they could, and it would boost thier music sales.

[Stella]

Video iPod is the next logical step, but whether this new iPod would compliment the existing iPod remains to be seen ( not everyone needs a video playing iPod).

I'm sceptical about the touch screen. I wouldn't want to watch a screen with finger prints over it. Highly Annoying.

Apple need to add non music video content to iTunes stores for the rest of the world, without it, such an iPod wouldn't work as well. They haven't said whether they are negotiating with content providers for individual countries. Neither have there been any rumours.

[jruc4871]

this will be fun to watch. these predictions seem extremely "reasonable," and not only do i expect them to come true, i predict that Apple will take this a step further. Maybe remote capabilities?

Also, my 4G 40 GB is in the throes of death. Managed to bring it back from sad face zombie land using the sophisticated "drop on carpet from 2 feet" troubleshoot. I guess i'll see if i can hold out for a couple months with the shuffle.

-J

[utah_boy2]

So you can choose a (1) music player that has limited video or (2) a video player with limited music playback?

but they will both overlap in the middle some place?

[virus1]

this will be fun to watch. these predictions seem extremely "reasonable," and not only do i expect them to come true, i predict that Apple will take this a step further. Maybe remote capabilities?

Also, my 4G 40 GB is in the throes of death. Managed to bring it back from sad face zombie land using the sophisticated "drop on carpet from 2 feet" troubleshoot. I guess i'll see if i can hold out for a couple months with the shuffle.

-J
remote capabilities? you mean to walk up to your couch, take out your vpod and point it at your imac to do some front rowing?

[ieani]

People seem surprised. I have been expecting this since the the 5G was released. It will probably be a 30th anniversary release. Or be coupled with the intel ibook.

[zim]

my thoughts...

will still be called iPod

also, a friend of mine said what seems to be a common comment regarding smudge marks. i noted that he made the comment as he was using his finger to navigate his DS.... i said what do you mean? are you not using your finger in replace of the stylus on the DS?? are smudge marks an issue there? he said.. oh i never even realized i was doing that.

i look forward to this rumor building :)

[sunfast]

I can't imagine a touch-screen iPod being a very good music player. There has to be some physicality to the buttons for it to work well as a portable device. Touch screens are necessarily slower to use and require looking at the screen to use.

Maybe have it working in two modes - in a nice screen protecting case with buttons on an in line remote for audio. Take it out and look at it only whne you wish to watch video.

[jruc4871]

remote capabilities? you mean to walk up to your couch, take out your vpod and point it at your imac to do some front rowing?

I wouldn't complain :D

[Xephian]

Nice, I've been waiting for a new iPod.

[iMeowbot]

Sounds reasonable based on the patents they just filed, but I still think paying two dollars for one episode of a low-res, compressed, DRM-ed tv show is insane.
Those iTMS videos raise a few questions. Would Apple want to continue selling videos of such low quality for use on a machine with a much larger screen that will show off the limitations? Would Apple want to offer more than one video resolution through their store to accommodate different models? Either way they would be bringing on ugly customer support issues.

[macintel4me]

I hope they would add the capability off sync'ing to my digital camera's SD card. That way I can watch the video and pictures back on a decent screen without having to stop by my computer first to do all the copying/syncing/moving myself.

[jruc4871]

I hope they would add the capability off sync'ing to my digital camera's SD card. That way I can watch the video and pictures back on a decent screen without having to stop by my computer first to do all the copying/syncing/moving myself.

you will grow very old waiting for that to happen.

[dausone]

If you look again at the patent for the tablet mac you will see a very interesting round click wheel looking thing there... hmmmm.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/02/apples-patented-the-tablet-mac-part-ii/

and I can almost bet my soul on the fact that this 6G pod will have music capabilities... if not... that would be utterly stupid, not to say that you Couldnt encode music for playback... but just plain stupid.

[odedia]

Screen should be at least 4.5" to compete with the PSP, otherwise the 5G iPod is more than enough.

[ccrandall77]

This would be the perfect complement to my Nano. I love the Nano since it's got plenty of capacity for music and the size is great for the gym, work, etc.

I also have an Archos AV-500 that I use to scrap content off my Tivo with. It's nice, but the software doesn't work with OS X and the controls are a bit cumbersome.

I've thought about a 5G iPod that I could mount in the car and then use to watch Tivo content with an iSee 360i. But if I could get an iPod with a 3.5" LCD, then that would make a lot more sense.

If they do come out with this, I really really hope it has:

1.) builtin wireless (802.11g and/or bluetooth)
2.) an SDK for writing apps
3.) an optional keyboard... perferrably one you could attach and then use to protect the iPod's screen.
4.) optional add-on game controller

Basically if they did that, there'd be the Apple PDA everyone has been wanting since the Newton was terminated. And it'd probably be just a little thicker than the Nokia 770 Internet tablet which is a nice looking device and something I've been mulling over buying. Might even be a good competitor against the PSP.

You know come to think of it, this might be a PSP-killer for Apple since Sony has been trying to make the PSP become an iPod killer.

[MacPhreak]

Sounds like a bit like the old Olympus m:robe 500i with video playback (the m:robe only did photos and slide shows) and iTunes integration.

The screen on the m:robe was 640x480, and was absolutely gorgeous. Shame it had such a crappy (and I do mean CRAPPY) syncronization software, and didn't work on a Mac.

[Platform]

Well I guess Apple has to keep it coming, to stay on top of the hill.

Sounds very good though ;)

Edit: Maybe that is why they are giving away TEN iPods...hehe

[~Shard~]

of course.. new iPod in the mail, delivery set for today :(

Yeah, damn technology for continuing to change and improve... :p ;)

Great news! I was all up for getting a video iPod initially, but then when they were actually released, I wasn't blown away - issues like battery life, resolution, compression, etc. Now I've told myself I'd wait for a "Rev B" of an iPod with video, and this might be it! :cool:

[(L)]

Apple should be careful about what it does...if they release anything that seems just a tad superfluous to the average consumer, it won't be big like the iPod. It should be classy, but it should be classy appropriate to the function.

Whatever it is, it will be cool. There will probably be tough fingerprint resistance, and probably something interesting we haven't yet heard of (maybe visualizations or something?).

IF it does play music, there seem to be many problems. For people most interested in music playback, with some interest for video on the side, the 5G iPod is great. People that want the reverse, in a possibly pricier portable device, are not as many. People may want it if it beats the 5G iPod in both categories, but if it does that it would likely replace the 5G as the 6G iPod (music-centered, well, sorta). And if it is truly a video device, new, exclusive content would be necessary to separate it from the 5G iPod (just screen size doesn't cut it).

I don't understand portable video beyond the current iPod. Music is something everyone can appreciate even while they walk and do other things, hands and eyes free. Video playback is best in a stable position, like sitting, without having to hold your arms up to watch a half-hour show on a relatively small, though perhaps comfortable, screen. Portable music = welcome entertainment; portable video = just a tad more gadget/geek and a bit less practical.

That said, if it does beat the 5G hands down in every spec, I'll buy one, but mine won't have video as its mission in life - it'll be for music.

[Porchland]

The only concern I have, is everyone's videos (including those on iTMS) are made for the resolution that the 5G iPod uses... Presumably the native resolution on this new device will be very different, will it support the lower res videos, or will everyone need a whole new collection of videos?

I've wondered the same thing -- particularly with regard to some kind of HD feeder like an AirPort Express HD or set-top box. Would each TV episode you buy come in S, M and L? Would iTunes scale the episodes as you sync the various devices?

There's so many possibilities and variables for Apple right now. Can they get Warner Brothers on board and still move into the DVR market without tweaking Time Warner Cable? Will they develop a subscription model for TV shows? A PPV model for movies?

Should be exciting to watch.

[MacinDoc]

Don't get too excited, people. Remember, the source here is Think Secret, which has had an abysmal track record of late.

[Mr. Durden]

I dont know about you, but I wouldnt want a video player that I had to navigate via touchscreen. Oily fingers and touchscreens dont play well together. You would always be having to wipe the screen to see clearly.

Video iPod = Awesome. But I'll pass on the touchscreen...

[tk421]

The only concern I have, is everyone's videos (including those on iTMS) are made for the resolution that the 5G iPod uses... Presumably the native resolution on this new device will be very different, will it support the lower res videos, or will everyone need a whole new collection of videos?

Those iTMS videos raise a few questions. Would Apple want to continue selling videos of such low quality for use on a machine with a much larger screen that will show off the limitations? Would Apple want to offer more than one video resolution through their store to accommodate different models? Either way they would be bringing on ugly customer support issues.

I have wondered about this since videos first arrived on iTunes. What happens when they increase the resolution? Do people have to re-buy their videos, or could they get free downloads of those they already purchased? I would like to see the latter, but I doubt it would happen.

On another topic, the current iPod has a calendar and address book. If a new one had a touch screen, I wonder if Apple would add a method to input information into these. The iPod could be a very basic PDA.

[rock711]

"Apple CEO Steve Jobs alluded to a major announcement on or around April 1, Apple's 30th anniversary as a company."

Unless Apple can develop a material that repells the oil from your grubby little fingers, this ain't gonna happen. Let be real here, the screen they use now almost scratches when you blow on it. Do you really think they've come up with some ultra-cheap bulletproof screen since the 5G's came out? And remember one more thing, while April 1st may be the anniversary date of Apple Computer, it's still April Fools Day. ;)

[thejadedmonkey]

Recap...large touch screen, games, ical, music, video, bt...
is this apple's way of macking a palm wannabe? They never caught on because they sucked, and if anyone can make it work, it'll be apple, but this is just slightly crazy.

My $.02 is that the iPod, vPod, and iPhone will become two devices. One will be the flip phone (to protecth the) touch screen, and the other will be an iPod.

[milo]

Then you have to carry around two iPods, One for music one for movies? that seems stupid to me.

No, it's just a different alternative for users who have different priorities. Same reason Apple has multiple iPods available for sale now. A video ipod would absolutely play music as well, no question about it.

So you can choose a (1) music player that has limited video or (2) a video player with limited music playback?

What would be limited about the music playback? People keep mentioning this, but it says nothing in the article about any music limitations.


With the bigger screen, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple goes with some kind of door or heavy duty case. It would also make sense to have a couple hardware buttons on another side for audio playback, but maybe not. And I doubt screen resolution will change for videos, a three or four inch screen doesn't need higher resolution.

[nagromme]

3.5" widescreen would fit nicely on the current form factor, if the clickwheel became virtual when in music mode or something. (I like the tactile click of current iPods. BUT I like some of Apple's touchscreen patents too!)

A widescreen would be doable--you might have the choice to blow your video up and lose the top/bottom, or watch it keyholed.

3.5" 4:3 (or with a physical clickwheel still) would be a tighter fit and might call for a new external size.

And if there IS such a product, Apple did it right: pave the way by tacking video onto a MUSIC iPod. Because starting cold with a video-centric iPod would have been a flop and the press would have had a field day. But now, a video model would sell better--AND sales of it don't matter as much: whether people choose THAT model or a music-dedicated mode, they STILL are participating in video. The press can hardly deny the success of video on iTunes at this point.

However... much as I'd love a touchscreen device from Apple--especially if it did new things--I'm not holding my breath. ThinkSecret needs to re-establish their record first. It would be cool if this is the rumor that does that, though :)

[Porchland]

If you look again at the patent for the tablet mac you will see a very interesting round click wheel looking thing there... hmmmm.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/02/apples-patented-the-tablet-mac-part-ii/

and I can almost bet my soul on the fact that this 6G pod will have music capabilities... if not... that would be utterly stupid, not to say that you Couldnt encode music for playback... but just plain stupid.

In a sense, the iPod video player as described IS a tablet Mac, just a smaller one.

[(L)]

I can't imagine a touch-screen iPod being a very good music player. There has to be some physicality to the buttons for it to work well as a portable device. Touch screens are necessarily slower to use and require looking at the screen to use.

The fact that you'll have to look at the screen just to raise the volume or skip forward means that in one way, the 5G iPod will be more useful. A few more like those and the video iPod will be a worse choice than the 5G to more people. Personally, I couldn't give a bean about better video playback...just give me more hard drive space and more battery life and I'll buy my first iPod!

[nostaws]

I thought this was a cool idea until someone mentioned the finger prints on the screen. The really need some scratch and finger print resistant material.

[call-151]

That makes sense. Apple has to develop something like this (or better) because they are obviously investing a lot in becoming the dominant video content distributor. They'll need an array of devices that will cover the market to do it.
This is a no-brainer, and fits wit the crude patent sketches. The 5G was just released to test the waters and develop content distribution agreements. This is the "real" video ipod.

[tkermit]

I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like.

It would have an orientation sensor, like the Powerbooks have, so it can instantly change the position and orientation of the click wheel based on the iPod's orientation.

The click-wheel "picture" of course only shows, when you actually touch the face of the iPod (except when it's in the vertical music-mode).

The advantage of basically keeping the way you use an iPod unchanged is that nobody has to relearn anything and people that just want to use it the way they've used an old iPod could continue to do so.

Additionally by leaving the form factor alone you don't run into any compatibility issues and keep the trademark-look of the iPod.

[dausone]

The fact that you'll have to look at the screen just to raise the volume or skip forward means that in one way, the 5G iPod will be more useful. A few more like those and the video iPod will be a worse choice than the 5G to more people. Personally, I couldn't give a bean about better video playback...just give me more hard drive space and more battery life and I'll buy my first iPod!

From what I've read... the virtual click wheel disappears when you take your finger off and appears when you touch the screen... It would be great if the click wheel appears anywhere on the screen - right dead center on your finger - allowing the viewer to raise the volume/ skip forward.. etc. etc. without batting an eye gaze.

FINALLY a tablet worth buying!!!!

[jruc4871]

tkermit wins the thread. i think that is spot-on.

still would like to see some added features (BT remote?)

[utah_boy2]

What would be limited about the music playback? People keep mentioning this, but it says nothing in the article about any music limitations.

I guess with all the coments about how the 5g and nanos seem to be scratching and more fragile then previous generations I just worry that one big screen wouldn't be a good idea to carry around.

[xUKHCx]

What would be limited about the music playback? People keep mentioning this, but it says nothing in the article about any music limitations.


Glad someone said that, people just read other people posts and it all goes downhill from there


With the bigger screen, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple goes with some kind of door or heavy duty case. It would also make sense to have a couple hardware buttons on another side for audio playback, but maybe not. And I doubt screen resolution will change for videos, a three or four inch screen doesn't need higher resolution.

This is a good idea, as the large screen could be turned off when not needed i.e listening to music, so saves battery life. The button could even be on the front, so same size as the old 4th gen but the white bit that sticks up from the metal case actually flips open to reveal a large screen below. One problem what to do with the bit that opened out, wouldnt want that breaking off, could maybe flip all the way around so it is on the bottom.

[JesterJJZ]

I just want the current iPod to reach 80 or 100 gigs. I'm still on my 1st gen 10gig. Just can't justify getting a new one while my old one works perfectly.

[hayesk]

Sounds reasonable based on the patents they just filed, but I still think paying two dollars for one episode of a low-res, compressed, DRM-ed tv show is insane.

I think paying five dollars for a cup of coffee is insane, but yet there is a Starbucks' on every street corner.

[skippy64]

tKermits design is just kickass cool !!!!!!

[powerbook911]

I think paying five dollars for a cup of coffee is insane, but yet there is a Starbucks' on every street corner.

A cup of coffee isn't $5 :) Its the yummy dessert drinks.

So I guess an iPod is an exceptional music player. Not just a music player.

[crees!]

The only concern I have, is everyone's videos (including those on iTMS) are made for the resolution that the 5G iPod uses... Presumably the native resolution on this new device will be very different, will it support the lower res videos, or will everyone need a whole new collection of videos?
I can tell you that I have downloaded one of the first episodes of Surface and the latest one off iTMS. The quality between the 2 is huge. I was able to watch the latest episode fullscreen on my 15" PB. I would say it was about 90% or so to TV quality. Not sure if all other TV shows have seen a bump?

EDIT: I wonder if this would come with a remote and possibly Front Row when connected to a TV? Yes, Front Row is slow for some but I'm talking about the idea of having it built-in.

[dicklacara]

In a sense, the iPod video player as described IS a tablet Mac, just a smaller one.
To see where all this is going, have a look at this:

http://www.kddi.com/english/corporate/kddi/ubiquitous/en_b_episode1.html

Dick

[Dagless]

Only Apple will be able to make portable video a good thing. I've had my Pocket PC with a 1gb SD card for years. Ive had portable DVD players and that. none of it is worth it. bring on a Video iPod. I may be interested. Even just to get a cheaper current gen iPod :D going from a 15gb iPod 3G to a 6gb iPod mini hurt a little. I want 60gb dammit!

[iGary]

Why am I not excited about this?

[TheMasin9]

i am betting that this notion is in reference to the supposed upcoming iphone or pda. I think that it IS too soon for apple to release a new ipod, the nano was just added to and the ipod was just revised. We dont need to crowd the lineup, just add a new product altogether.

[wordmunger]

What if they made it slightly longer than the current iPod, kept the physical clickwheel, but with a much larger screen?

The crappy mockup below would be less than 1/2 inch longer than the current model.

edit: on second thought, it woudl probably be designed to be used horizontally:

[iMeowbot]

Another tidbit that recently came up was a PortalPlayer press release (http://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1297633/000119312506012822/dex991.htm), in which "[t]he company announced that it had licensed Sun Microsystems' Java™ Platform, Micro Edition (Java ME) technologies to be included in PortalPlayer's personal media player platforms that are expected to be released in the first half of 2006." It's not at all clear if this is something that Apple would use, or if it's aimed at the Vista Sideshow market.

[Lord Sandwich]

I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like.

...

Additionally by leaving the form factor alone you don't run into any compatibility issues and keep the trademark-look of the iPod.

Two major problems with retaining the existing form factor:

1. Battery life (obviously). You'll need the backlight for absolutely every function now, and the screen is huge.
2. Hard drive. If you've tried playing a 2500kbps CBR video on the 5G (which is the maximum bitrate it can handle), you'll notice the drive already thrashes quite a bit to keep up the data flow. I just don't see them pulling off mid-res widescreen video on the existing microdrives.

Maybe they'll pack enough flash memory to solve both issues, but boy that'd be expensive.

[macker]

Does anyone read books anymore?

[bpd115]

Does anyone read books anymore?
Not until Apple releases an eBook reader with ePaper!

:p

[Oryan]

tKermits design is just kickass cool !!!!!!
I couldn't agree more.

Does anyone read books anymore?

Only ebooks. :D

[utah_boy2]

Does anyone read books anymore?
I listen to books on my iPod sometimes

[Thanatoast]

Okay, so there's our first assumption, that there is a new vPod on the way. Then there is a second assumption, more of a guess really, that its launch would coincide with an iTunes Movie Store.

My question concerns pricing for full-length movies. How much would Apple charge? How much would we be willing to pay? $4.99? $5.99? $6.99? At what point do the economics (on all sides) no longer make sense?

[Kingsly]

As to Chaszmyr note, If you want the resolution to be the same as the screen, then yes. But Ive watched 320x240 Lost episodes via the a/v cable on a 640x480 screen and it still looks perfect. No complaints here.:)

I watch Lost on my projector (800x600) from my iPod and it looks better than Lost from my cable box! I hope the "real" video iPod doesn't come out too soon, I don't think my grandma will get me a new one already!

[1984]

I don't know. Thinksecret has been saying this ever since Apple announced the iPod with Video and their predictions were proven wrong once again. Oh we weren't talking about this iPod. The real iPod Video just isn't ready yet. Yeah, that's the ticket. Uh-huh. First of all a 3.5" screen is way too small to be using an on-screen clickwheel. It makes sense on a tablet but with a small screen like that your thumb or finger will cover half the display. What is the resolution of the display? It would have to be widescreen otherwise the supposed on-screen clickwheel would be totally unnecessary. If it is widescreen what about the 320x240 videos Apple sells? Are they going to start offering them in two resolutions, one for the iPod with Video and another for the iPod Video? None of this makes any sense.

[mrkstu]

Remember the rumors about portable games developers being hired (actually I think it was an actually help wanted add). Its probably time to see the fruits of that effort now. It sounds like the vPod will have the form factor of a PSP and the touch screen of the DS. Makes for some interesting possibilities for gameplay.

Looking at what Sony is doing with their UMD discs - the much better option is a hard drive that holds the movie rather than a small little disk thats liable to be lost. Obviously it won't have the 3d prowess of the PSP, but considering all the 3d chipsets designed for mobile phone game playing, they should be able to find a reasonably powerful chip for gaming that isn't to draining on the batteries.

[1984]

I watch Lost on my projector (800x600) from my iPod and it looks better than Lost from my cable box! I hope the "real" video iPod doesn't come out too soon, I don't think my grandma will get me a new one already!


You must have awful cable service!

[one09jason]

My gut feeling is this will be a vPod... not meant to replace the 5G ipod, but truly a multimedia device.


Well, I think iPod was a great name because it could be/do anything. But you know, I was just thinking, why is the thing called an 'i' Pod? Internet is the one thing it doesn't do (and won't do, accorduing to Think Secret).

[1984]

It looks like this is all based (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1522) on analyst speculation. :rolleyes:

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

What if they made it slightly longer than the current iPod, kept the physical clickwheel, but with a much larger screen?
The crappy mockup below would be less than 1/2 inch longer than the current model.
I dont really see that happening. I think they would want to feep the current iPod form factor. If they are going to make it bigger, make it more like a portable DVD player. with a 7 inch screen, a laptop battery and a massive hard drive. But they wont do that.

It'll look more liek this in my opinion....

[cwedl]

Lets hope its doesn't scratch as easily, especially if you have to touch the screen that video actually places on as well. I can't wait to see if this is true. Maybe they can use the technology about making each pixel a camera, then it could be a digital camcorder as well

[1984]

All this talk about larger displays. No one seems to consider resolution. 320x240 looks exceedingly worse the larger you go. Is Apple going to abandon all the content they have been adding recently or would they actually produce a larger (3.5") display but keep the resolution at 320x240? What a waste. Apple could learn something from Sony's PSP. It's a great platform for watching videos. Add a hard drive and remove the controllers on each side and you have a Video iPod. Why cripple it with a crappy display?

[the future]

I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like...

If this rumor is true, I bet this is exactly what the new video iPod will look like. The ultimate in simplicity.

[thejadedmonkey]

What if they made it slightly longer than the current iPod, kept the physical clickwheel, but with a much larger screen?

The crappy mockup below would be less than 1/2 inch longer than the current model.

edit: on second thought, it woudl probably be designed to be used horizontally:
That would never fly because if you are a lefty it doesn't work.

[grapes911]

That would never fly because if you are a lefty it doesn't work.
It wouldn't be very hard to have a setting to switch what side the wheel is on.

[sam10685]

Wow that would be cool! But i dont see Apple releasing something so soon after the 5G iPod. I mean I just got the thing.


it's been almost 6 months dude.

[mrgreen4242]

It wouldn't be very hard to have a setting to switch what side the wheel is on.

It wouldn't be hard to have the iPod know what orientation it's in at any time and configure the wheel and the screen to display content to fit. My digital camera does this (so the photo's are automatically rotated the direction you took them). It's a sub $200 camera, and the feature is pretty useless, so you can bet that it was trivially expensive to add.

Anyways, I was just today thinking about trading up my 4gb nano for an iPod video. Just don't know if I can part with the nearly industructable tiny little piece of perfection that is the nano. (Yes, mine is industructable! I don't baby it, and only have a cheap $6 skin, and absolutely perfect shape still... I don't know how people are breaking screens on these things so easily, unless there was a serious manufacturing defect!)

The more I think about it, the more I think that to get me to switch to a full sized iPod video, it'll need a lot of new features, like a big hi-res LCD. video in for recording TV/etc,and an included remote and cradle for TV connection/charging. Something like this addresses some of that, but not all.

[BornAgainMac]

I want to see a Video iPod with a larger screen that runs a mini version of Mac OSX on it (with touch screen). It will run Pocket versions of iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, Garageband. Pocket Safari for wireless web along with Pocket iChat (uses built-in camera). A huge following of third-party development could occur thanks to Xcode 2.3 that supports the new platform.

[SiliconAddict]

Hmmm. IMHO 3.5" is minimum but OK. I <3 video on my iPaq 4700's 4" VGA screen.

[alec]

I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like.

It would have an orientation sensor, like the Powerbooks have, so it can instantly change the position and orientation of the click wheel based on the iPod's orientation.

The click-wheel "picture" of course only shows, when you actually touch the face of the iPod (except when it's in the vertical music-mode).

The advantage of basically keeping the way you use an iPod unchanged is that nobody has to relearn anything and people that just want to use it the way they've used an old iPod could continue to do so.

Well done, I liked your horizontal picture. I think the real issue is screen quality. What can Apple fit in there for a reasonable price?

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

http://www.looprumors.com/homepage.php

As LoopRumors told you on January 29th, Apple may be planning big surprises according to a new analyst report by Charles Wolf of Needham & Co. Apple could use this day to introduce the Intel iBook, or maybe the 'real' video iPod?

Wolf also notes reports of Apple shutting down production of the current generation of the video-iPod.

[clonenode]

To see where all this is going, have a look at this:

http://www.kddi.com/english/corporate/kddi/ubiquitous/en_b_episode1.html

Dick
Here's a reminder of an earlier (and perhaps more original) version (vision) of this concept.

http://www.billzarchy.com/clips/clips_apple_nav.htm

[gkarris]

What if they made it slightly longer than the current iPod, kept the physical clickwheel, but with a much larger screen?

The crappy mockup below would be less than 1/2 inch longer than the current model.

edit: on second thought, it woudl probably be designed to be used horizontally:

Nice mockup - but I think it'll be just only slightly longer than the current iPod, but with a Nano clickwheel to save space? You also want to be able to use all current dock and accessories...

(Can anyone do a mockup?)

[AJ Muni]

I hate touching my 5th gen iPod now to avoid scratches...so i dont think i'll ever use a touch screen ipod if indeed it does come out..:rolleyes:

[HiRez]

I think paying five dollars for a cup of coffee is insane, but yet there is a Starbucks' on every street corner.You're right, maybe it will work. I was ambivalent about the iPod when it was introed too, so what do I know? But I do know they won't be getting my money for the videos, at least not in their current state. If I can download a whole season of a show for $20-$25 at decent quality in 640x480 resolution, then I'm listening. But short of that, no thanks.

[bigandy]

being a crafty consumer like Dr Zoidberg, i'll take eight :D

[bretm]

Ill take 3!!!

As to Chaszmyr note, If you want the resolution to be the same as the screen, then yes. But Ive watched 320x240 Lost episodes via the a/v cable on a 640x480 screen and it still looks perfect. No complaints here.:)

It may look acceptable to you, but you are wrong, it does not look perfect. It looks like 320x480 non-interlaced video. Half the resolution, half the frame rate. Actually, full resoltion SD television is 720x486. DVD is 720x480. But 640x480 is the computer monitor version of full resoltion video, since the pixels are a different shape on a television. TV pixels are rectangular, computers are square.

[Yvan256]

The only concern I have, is everyone's videos (including those on iTMS) are made for the resolution that the 5G iPod uses... Presumably the native resolution on this new device will be very different, will it support the lower res videos, or will everyone need a whole new collection of videos?

That's why I'm not caring about iPod compatibility for my files... I encode all my DVDs at 60% quality, 720 x KeepRatio pixels. Don't care about the filesize or the bitrate.

My target, anyway, isn't a "real video iPod", it's a "set-top Mac mini" movies jukebox/DVR.

[bretm]

You're right, maybe it will work. I was ambivalent about the iPod when it was introed too, so what do I know? But I do know they won't be getting my money for the videos, at least not in their current state. If I can download a whole season of a show for $20-$25 at decent quality in 640x480 resolution, then I'm listening. But short of that, no thanks.

You can. It's called going to the store and buying the DVD. Higher rez, nice packaging, bonus extras, and lower price.

[MacinDoc]

I hate touching my 5th gen iPod now to avoid scratches...so i dont think i'll ever use a touch screen ipod if indeed it does come out..:rolleyes:
Yes, it would require a major improvement in the screen material to avoid severe scratching with regular use.

[Yvan256]

Wake me up when Apple enables the video playback function in the iPod nano (if it even exists). :cool:

I'm encoding a DVD right now (H.264, Quality 50) in 176x112 just to see the resulting filesize. :D

[Jovian9]

I just purchased a new 30 and 60 gig for me and my daughter yesterday because her 4g 20gb broke and I decided to upgrade myself with her. I have been waiting 2 weeks for a post like this before purchasing. And now I make a purchase and this comes up the next day ... My Luck!!!! Anyway, sounds cool, but the fingerprint thing is something I would be concerned with as well.

That's what happened to me when the first video iPod came out. I was on here waiting for any news and it seemed unlikely. I had run out of room on my 40GB iPod Photo so I eventually bought a 60GB iPod photo, only to see the video come out in a week or so. So I quickly listed my iPod on eBay and purchased the 60GB video iPod.

[gkarris]

Wake me up when Apple enables the video playback function in the iPod nano (if it even exists). :cool:

I'm encoding a DVD right now (H.264, Quality 50) in 176x112 just to see the resulting filesize. :D

That's what I said in another forum post. Was hoping before the Nano updates that they would have a 4Gig and an 8Gig model that would do video. You can use just the same iPod files, and output to TV with the same audio/video cable.

Report back what the filesize is - would be interesting to see a video encoded for the Nano screen...

[Evan_11]

I still think paying two dollars for one episode of a low-res, compressed, DRM-ed tv show is insane.

Oh quit hyperbolizing. What's 2 bucks in today's world? That's chump change for people who have change to begin with. Maybe you don't but then don't complain about it.

[rog]

Well I hope somebody comes up with a clear hard case that can work with the touch screen because I didn't even use my 5G iPod until I bought a case for it to protect the screen from scrathces. If I had to leave the screen vulnerable, I'd never buy one!

[Jovian9]

I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like.

It would have an orientation sensor, like the Powerbooks have, so it can instantly change the position and orientation of the click wheel based on the iPod's orientation.

The click-wheel "picture" of course only shows, when you actually touch the face of the iPod (except when it's in the vertical music-mode).

The advantage of basically keeping the way you use an iPod unchanged is that nobody has to relearn anything and people that just want to use it the way they've used an old iPod could continue to do so.

Additionally by leaving the form factor alone you don't run into any compatibility issues and keep the trademark-look of the iPod.

That's kind of what I had hoped for with the first video iPods (though I still love mine). I could see them doing this but thickening the iPod. That way they could add another battery and whatever else is needed. Since it would be a Video iPod the size could be bigger (still nowhere near PSP/DS size). They would keep the other iPod lines for people who want smaller.

[utah_boy2]

would be interesting to see a video encoded for the Nano screen...

The full sized iPod is do-able for playback screen size, the Nano C'mon are you serious?

[gkarris]

http://www.looprumors.com/homepage.php

Apple getting rid of the 5G iPod already? It just came out last October - what would Apple use if people just want to use one for music and have the hard disk?

Hope not - totally love my 5G 60 gig - already loaded "Stargate Atlantis Season 1" on it. Now working on the original Star Wars trilogy...

[SiliconAddict]

I hate touching my 5th gen iPod now to avoid scratches...so i dont think i'll ever use a touch screen ipod if indeed it does come out..:rolleyes:

Depends on the screen they use. If it’s using a standard touch screen found in most PDA's they are fairly scratch resistant. Even if they aren't you can put a screen protector over it that still should register a touch and still look virtually flawless.

[gkarris]

The full sized iPod is do-able for playback screen size, the Nano C'mon are you serious?

Mainly, to use it for music, maybe an episode of a TV show or two. I said in my other post that it's kinda wierd walking around with a $500 iPod ($399 + tax + Apple Care + 3rd Party Case). Afraid of losing it or breaking it or getting it ripped-off... not also to mention the battery life still isn't the greatest. But still, has its applications (and I do really like it - compared to my PSP).

A $250 4Gig Nano with Video would be great for the beach - actually, writing this right now while on business in Naples, FL. Going to the beach in about an hour, wish I had a Nano with video on me (music for the beach, video for the plane ride home).

[SiliconAddict]

I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like.



Very nice however the thickness of the device would prob go back to 4th gen iPods simply because of the screen size. (e.g. We'd going to need a bigger battery.)

[aswitcher]

I doubt Apple will but this thing will sell very well if it supports divx playback properly...

[grapes911]

I doubt Apple will but this thing will sell very well if it supports divx playback properly...
Does anyone actually still use divx?

[SiliconAddict]

Does anyone actually still use divx?


Does anyone NOT?

[dongmin]

(ok, i'm getting in late on the discussion so this may have been discussed already, but...)

thinksecret is simply piecing together recent revelations of various ipod/pda/tablet patents apple has filed. really, thinksecret should mention Macrumors (or whoever originally broke the news) as the source. it's obvious that since Apple's various legal actions against them, TS's sources have been total crap.

with that said, i think a dedicated video device is a good idea. the ipods as they are currently designed have been optimized to function as one-hand-held music players. video watching and music listening are two very different activities that require different interactions with the user. so to make a video player work well (and not compromise the music-playing functionality of the current ipods), apple needs to design a new gadget around video watching.

as more and more video content goes online, i think you'll see more and more demand for a dedicated video player. a couple things i'd like to see though:

1. higher resolution of downloaded TV shows -- as they are now, the resolution is good for ipods but bad for TV/computer screens (which may be what the content companies intended). i'd like to see something in between.

2. a one-click software solution to convert DVDs into ipod format. this is obviously a void that a third-party software needs to fill. but current solutions are too cumbersome, imo.

[Bobjob186]

Imagine plugging in your ipod to a tv and recording live tv like tivo or recording anything, it would be really nice. Plus its apple, if this is true its going to be sick.
Much love to everyone
-Bob

[HiRez]

Oh quit hyperbolizing. What's 2 bucks in today's world? That's chump change for people who have change to begin with. Maybe you don't but then don't complain about it.I'm not complaining about it at all. I wish them the best of luck with it, I'm just stating I won't be one of the customers, for the videos or for the player. $2 one time is nothing, but $2 per adds up over time, and the quality right now is not good IMO.

[mackeeper]

I really want one! I havent gotten a new ipod in a while. I wonder how the touch screen will work...Good point about the fingerprints. :( It will defiinately still be a music player.

I always thought Apple should design a horizontal ipod with widescreen only the touch pad should be in the back of the ipod. You could feel your way around the controls. That would be better.

[nomad01]

Lets hope its doesn't scratch as easily

Maybe we could start to sue Apple for the stress caused by anticipating the scratches to this new iPod.

If we wait until it's released, everybody will be on the bandwagon! ;)

[grapes911]

Does anyone NOT?
I don't. I don't think so anyway. What do you use it for? Maybe I do and I don't know it?

[bigjohn]

If they make this vPod with it's 3.5" diag. touchscreen AND...

they build in GPS navigation, then it's basically a tomtom700
with video playback capabilities and a pleasing shell.

then i'd buy one, otherwise it don't sound very portable.

[aswitcher]

I don't. I don't think so anyway. What do you use it for? Maybe I do and I don't know it?


You ever play ".avi" files?

[2nyRiggz]

iPod with a touch screen huh...sounds good but i'm not going to get one. Interesting indeed.


Bless

[bigjohn]

Plus its apple, if this is true its going to be sick.
Much love to everyone
-Bob

the problem for apple is that i didn't buy the last 5 products i thought were sick (mini, video ipod, nano, imac flatscreen, G5 dual).

i do have quite a nice collection of PowerPCs, 68k machines, an iMac DV, an Apple IIe, Performa, Quadra, etc.

[grapes911]

You ever play ".avi" files?
No. mpeg is the only video format I really deal with unless I'm streaming something.

[utah_boy2]

wish I had a Nano with video on me (music for the beach, video for the plane ride home).

Well just seems unrealistic. But I know its kinda the if you build it they will buy it theory, Some people just have to own every gadget out there.

[ITASOR]

I think it's really an iTablet...they just think it's an iPod. Some people just don't believe Apple will release a Tablet.

[alekd]

Not until Apple releases an eBook reader with ePaper!


I certainly wouldn't mind one, but I think it should not only be a replacement for books, newspapers and magazines, but also work as a notebook and diary. Maybe Apple could call it the iPad?

You would have the iPad for mainly text-based data, and the iPod for multimedia.

[Kingsly]

I watch Lost on my projector (800x600) from my iPod and it looks better than Lost from my cable box! I hope the "real" video iPod doesn't come out too soon, I don't think my grandma will get me a new one already!

You must have awful cable service!

I have SD DirecTV and watching on my projector everything is slightly blurry and low quality. Watching the same thing off the iPod is very sharp and, though you can see compression blocks in dark areas, the contrast and color are far superior to the Satellite feed.

[chicagdan]

Since I already own a PSP and 5G iPod, this device is going to have to blow everything else on the market out of the water for me to buy one. Currently, I like the iPod for watching TV and the PSP for movies ... PSP has removable and swappable batteries, which is much more convenient for long viewings, plus it has a larger and wider screen. Plus the PSP gives you the option of watching with UMDs and they're going to start bundling UMDs with DVDs and BlueRay disks. One thing that drives me nuts with the PSP is glare, it's nearly impossible to avoid.

[jruc4871]

I think it's really an iTablet...they just think it's an iPod. Some people just don't believe Apple will release a Tablet.

This is a good point - could be a new product altogether. I think many people have a tendency to force new ideas into existing products, when in reality it's a whole new animal.

"headless iMac" = Mac mini
"2/4 Gig shuffle with display" = iPod nano
etc...

[mackeeper]

This is a good point - could be a new product altogether. I think many people have a tendency to force new ideas into existing products, when in reality it's a whole new animal.

"headless iMac" = Mac mini
"2/4 Gig shuffle with display" = iPod nano
etc...

Macbook pro.

[gkarris]

http://www.looprumors.com/homepage.php

Rumors of already getting rid of the 5G iPod? What about people who want just the 30Gig model? The Nano is too small and the video one is probably too expensive...

[gunm]

This is fun--I love speculating about new Apple products! :D

I'm leaning towards the touch screen stuff being related to an Apple PDA or Tablet computer, but it would be cool if they announced a "true" Video Ipod. Hoo boy, if they announce a Mac Mini Media Center and Video Ipod together...

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

I'm leaning towards the touch screen stuff being related to an Apple PDA or Tablet computer, but it would be cool if they announced a "true" Video Ipod. .
I think the controls would look KIND of like this if it wasnt a touch screen....

[hyperpasta]

One thing won't fit. iTunes content is 480x320... this is obviously going to be a much higher resolution, maybe even close to double the pixels. That means iTunes will start selling either some or all of its content in high(er)-resolution form. Which content, how will it be priced, and will we be allowed to "upgrade" our old content somehow? If not, how will our old content play on the new video iPod.

How will a video support both iPods? It would have to come in two different forms: one sized for the 5G iPod, and another for the vPod. Very confusing.

And finally, IS this even a vPod, or an iPod 6G? How will it be priced?

I think there're too many questions, and ThinkSecret has had a bad track record lately. I vote not yet.

EDIT: Refined a bit.

[eric_n_dfw]

I have a 3G iPod, the one with the touch sensitive buttons and wheel and really don't like it. (It was free so I can't complain too much) I'd much rather be able to feel the buttons than to have to hove my finger above them and tap.

I'd think that a touch-screen iPod would have the same issue.

What I would like is if this was the long rumored PDA/tablet though! (I'm in the market for a new PDA or smart-phone right now)
...but only if it has BlueTooth and 802.11 :)

[kupua]

Come on. Think secret, data base of bogus rumors. Remember some Plasma's not so long ago... this is another one.

What is to discriminate vs the 5g iPod. Won't happen.

[windmaomao]

Somehow this seems highly unlikely. The iPod is still fore and foremost a music player, and a video playback device where you constantly touch the screen will look crappy as anything.
agree. What's the point of getting them unless the price dropped to less than $5 each for a DVD movie. Same thing for the psp, the game is just over charged, $50 for a tiny screen game.:mad:

[Yvan256]

Report back what the filesize is - would be interesting to see a video encoded for the Nano screen...

Les 12 travaux d'Astérix (cartoon) encoded with Handbrake, 44.1KHz stereo audio at 128kbps, video 176x112 video at 24 FPS, Quality 50.

Movie length: 1h18m.
File size: 141MB.

Quality looks great at the native size (12" PowerBook, which makes it at least 25% bigger than the Nano's display), but if zoomed full-screen (or even 2x) you wouldn't even want to waste the storage space. ;-)

The encode was really fast, though. About real-time (if not faster) on my 12" Powerbook (G4/1.5GHz).

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

Come on. Think secret, data base of bogus rumors. Remember some Plasma's not so long ago... this is another one. .
THink Secret reported on a guy who said there would be a Apple branded Plasma

[Lil]

I think the controls would look KIND of like this if it wasnt a touch screen....

Amusing how viewing this forum for the first time I spot your mockup with a picture of what can only be Brighton's (in England) Royal Pavillion, which is my home town.

How odd indeed!

Vicky

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

Amusing how viewing this forum for the first time I spot your mockup with a picture of what can only be Brighton's (in England) Royal Pavillion, which is my home town.

How odd indeed!

Vicky
OOPS! Sorry, i changed the picture right before you posted that. lol. I went with a more "up-to-date" version i made based on a previous post.

[zelmo]

I think it is inevitable that Apple will release a video-centric iPod product. I'm not at all concerned about form factor. Apple knows design, and they will get it right [well, for 95% of us, anyway;)].
What will drive this train is the software. Right now, even with Handbrake or some of the other utilities, it is a pain [for average folk, not us] and fairly slow [without relatively fast kit] to get video onto a PSP or other PMP player.
Most people I know with iPods get the bulk of their music from ripping their own CD's, then fill in with some downloaded stuff. iTunes makes it really, really easy to rip a disk, and the iTMS makes it equally easy to purchase music.
Yes, we can buy video content from iTMS, so that part is covered, and the library will only continue to expand. To make a video iPod truly mass market, people, and I mean average non-tech-savvy-type people, need to be able to get their home movies into the proper format easily and elegantly. If that method also makes it possible to rip a DVD you already own onto the device, Apple won't advertise or condone that capability in any way.;)

They could have released this device a year ago. What we need is the software.

[MacTruck]

If you have kids a video ipod is a godsend. I record all the kids shows like blues clues and Dora onto the ipod via eyeTV and they love it. Just got a new Chevy Tahoe and it has a DVD screen in the back with video inputs. I just plug in the ipod and all their shows are there. Its the best.

[asherman13]

This is cool and all, but WHY OH WHY DID I BUY A 5G IPOD!?!?!?

If only I had known...

[grapes911]

This is cool and all, but WHY OH WHY DID I BUY A 5G IPOD!?!?!?

If only I had known...

You do realized that this is all speculation? This may or may not be true. The pics are just mock ups by members.

[p0intblank]

Hasn't ThinkSecret been inaccurate as far as rumors goes lately? Apple releasing this kind of iPod as early as March or April...that seems a little soon to me. But who knows, this could be the big 30th anniversary surprise! Personally, I would much rather have a special edition Mac of some kind. :D

[DJ Bliss]

Apple isn't going to make some sloppy mess with a flip-up screen or anything with a screen you have to touch.

They want a music player that shows HD video... so...

Take the current iPod with video, increase the resolution, and allow it to have full SD out. Throw in an 80GB HD, and let iTunes rip DVDs into the proper compression. Perfect. Now you have bring your DVDs anywhere and plug them into a TV.

Sound realistic?

[TEG]

I'd like it to look a bit like a PADD http://anomaly.mushpark.com/images/equipment/padd.jpg

That would be awesome.

I'd also hope you could customize the interface, plus it makes more sense with the touch-screen patents. This could also neutralize the Creative v. Apple lawsuit.

TEG

[eric_n_dfw]

If you have kids a video ipod is a godsend. I record all the kids shows like blues clues and Dora onto the ipod via eyeTV and they love it. Just got a new Chevy Tahoe and it has a DVD screen in the back with video inputs. I just plug in the ipod and all their shows are there. Its the best.
I don't have a screen in either of our car's but when we go anywhere where I think my 4 year old will be bored, I lug along my iBook a pair of headphones and some DVD's or shows ripped from my Tivo for him to watch. I've been tempted to get an iPod video for this but the screen is just a little too small IMO. The bigger screen this rumored player would have might push it into the "buy" column for me though.

Preemptive "shhh" (http://www.moviewavsounds.com/movies/austin_powers/shh1.wav): Before anyone thinks I'm raising a lazy kid who sits around watching movies on the iBook all day, this is a fairly rare occurrence. Once every couple of months or so usually. :p

[Mac Dummy]

What about the LCD screen "washing out" in bright sunlight or is Apple going to use an OLED display?

[jruc4871]

Throw in an 80GB HD, and let iTunes rip DVDs into the proper compression. Perfect. Now you have bring your DVDs anywhere and plug them into a TV.

Sound realistic?

Realistic? Yes
Legal? No

The difference is that you're legally allowed to rip copies of your CDs for personal use.

There are different rules for DVDs - even copying on to your HD for personal use is against the rules.

[Yvan256]

Does anyone NOT?

I'm not. I'm all H.264 now. Of course, I'm in the minority. :D

However, aren't DivX and XviD simply MPEG-4? (can't the 5th gen. iPod, an MPEG-4 compatible device, play DivX files?) :confused:

[Yvan256]

Realistic? Yes
Legal? No

The difference is that you're legally allowed to rip copies of your CDs for personal use.

There are different rules for DVDs - even copying on to your HD for personal use is against the rules.

Depends on the country. Doesn't DVD-ripping fall under the "fair use" domain in Canada?

[~Shard~]

The difference is that you're legally allowed to rip copies of your CDs for personal use.

There are different rules for DVDs - even copying on to your HD for personal use is against the rules.

Thanks you for pointing this fact out. I have said it time and time again, and many people simply do not realize that this is indeed the case. You are not allowed to copy a DVD onto your HD, even if you own it. Legally of course.

[Mac Dummy]

Apple isn't going to make some sloppy mess with a flip-up screen or anything with a screen you have to touch.

They want a music player that shows HD video... so...

Take the current iPod with video, increase the resolution, and allow it to have full SD out. Throw in an 80GB HD, and let iTunes rip DVDs into the proper compression. Perfect. Now you have bring your DVDs anywhere and plug them into a TV.

Sound realistic?

Now we're talkin'! Except I doubt that DVD ripping is something that Apple will allow, copyright laws and all. Everything else would work though, a perpendicular 80Gb HD, increased resolution, a larger screen, and a true TV out capability with upscaling for TV viewing. Heck they could use a Nano Click Wheel. It seemed to me to be a better unit that the 5G Ipod one. The Click Wheel on the 5G Ipod seems to big to me. The Nano's is about the size of my thumb which works better. Of course this is only if Apple doesn't go with a touch screen.

[EricNau]

Maybe apple would increase the quality of their videos...finally.

[mrgreen4242]

Ok, hear me out on this one... Apple has already paid for each Mac to have a licensed CSS decrypter (each copy of OS X comes with DVD Player). Since the decrypter is already there and legit, I'm wondering if it would be legal for them to decode a DVD through that and output the stream to a QT encoder instead of the display. That could allow for legal copying of a movie to an iPod... it would be analogous to recording a DVD onto your VCR using a set top DVD player. Only trouble there would be throttling the input for less than real time encoding on (most) Macs available right now.

BTW, I like the idea that this is NOT an iPod, but rather an iTablet. Up the screen to 7" or so, give it software for an iPod like music experience, or an iTunes like music experience depending on how you hold it (hold it vertically and get an iPod like screen, horizontal for an iTunes like interface - when you are have the music player active).

Add in 802.11g, a big 'ole HDD, good video playback and output to TV features, a version of Mail/Address Book and Safari, build in a Quartz like PDF rendering system, and a copy of TextEdit and you would have a pretty nice little machine.

[askthedust]

3.5 inch screen seems a good travel size. I like my psp size but think sony totally missed the boat with limiting it's storage capacity. sony should have set up a site to download games and store the games on the psp like hacked xbox. would a horizontal ipod have enough room for touch keyboard so crackberry, treo users (me) could only have one device to carry around? I know they can get a phone in there too. i love the idea of the oqo but have a heart attack seeing the price.

[raindog]

I have to admit the new iPod every 5 months is getting to be a little ridiculous. They are getting a negative wrap from people who are now starting to think, "why buy an iPod, it will be out of date in a few months anyway" Now if they were a company like Sony where they are loyal to their customers then it wouldn't be a big deal, but Apple is starting to get a reputation of leaving their customers behind. With every new product the older ones become obsolete.

[Yvan256]

Add in 802.11g, a big 'ole HDD, good video playback and output to TV features, a version of Mail/Address Book and Safari, build in a Quartz like PDF rendering system, and a copy of TextEdit and you would have a pretty nice little machine.

It would also be my ideal machine. A PDA replacement that doesn't suck and much smaller than a laptop (the 12" PowerBook is small, but not that small).

Not sure about the 7" LCD though... I'm betting on an iPod form factor, but sideways. If the whole face is an LCD, it gives you about the same display size as the PSP (or close to it).

[Yvan256]

I have to admit the new iPod every 5 months is getting to be a little ridiculous. They are getting a negative wrap from people who are now starting to think, "why buy an iPod, it will be out of date in a few months anyway" Now if they were a company like Sony where they are loyal to their customers then it wouldn't be a big deal, but Apple is starting to get a reputation of leaving their customers behind. With every new product the older ones become obsolete.

Well, that's what upgrades/new models are.

However, I've noticed that Apple has added multiple on-the-go playlists to my 3rd gen. iPod since the last update. I wouldn't call that "being left behind". :cool:

[tkermit]

I have to admit the new iPod every 5 months is getting to be a little ridiculous. They are getting a negative wrap from people who are now starting to think, "why buy an iPod, it will be out of date in a few months anyway" Now if they were a company like Sony where they are loyal to their customers then it wouldn't be a big deal, but Apple is starting to get a reputation of leaving their customers behind. With every new product the older ones become obsolete.

well, you see, another way to put this would be:

while all the other companies pretty much continue selling the same old products, Apple continually innovates.

I don't see how bringing out better versions of their products in a shorter timeframe than their competitors could get them a bad reputation ?!

[mackeeper]

I think Apple has already developed products through 2050. Thats why they can unveil new state of the art technology every other month.

[DeSnousa]

Sorry if this has already been said, the thread is to big to read all. IMO I would be all for a video iPod. My only concern is for this to be truly effective Steve Jobs needs to do deals in other countries to add content.

There would still be a market, like I mean Lost, Desperate House Wife's and other shows have just began to air the new season in Australia. They could localise for that market.

[ChrisA]

[
The new machine will reportedly have a 3.5-inch diagonal display and use a touch screen instead of the current click wheel.

A device like that could do much more than play videosand music. It could also be used as a "tablet computer" like a palm. Adding this type of functionality would not cost any more (except for ther software R&D) It might even be able to load 3rd party apps.

The device would have to have a USB connector like current iPods do. Why not a cable to allow a keyboard. Then you'd have a great little device for taking notes in a class or meeting wel, except for the keyboard part. I don't kow how to make a god portible keyboard

Point is to think of other uses for the basic device that cold be done with software only.

[CubaTBird]

I want to see a Video iPod with a larger screen that runs a mini version of Mac OSX on it (with touch screen). It will run Pocket versions of iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, Garageband. Pocket Safari for wireless web along with Pocket iChat (uses built-in camera). A huge following of third-party development could occur thanks to Xcode 2.3 that supports the new platform.

garageband? hrm lemme hook this hear guitar to a 4 inch device.. yeah.....

[PowerbookMad]

I wouldn't mind a touch screen, but don't dump the click wheel Apple!

[kddpop]

I couldn't give a bean about better video playback...just give me more hard drive space and more battery life and I'll buy my first iPod!

im in the same boat. video is neato. but not why i want an ipod. i have a large music collection. the current 60gigger wouldn't hold it all. for this reason, i haven't bought my first one either. bigger HD and im in.

all that said, i would really love an apple pda. i had a newton in the day. great machine. they need to re-visit that technology. apple would make a great pda. i have and use a palm. i would love to have an apple pda.

[sishaw]

I think Apple has already developed products through 2050. Thats why they can unveil new state of the art technology every other month.

I hope they don't put them out in the wrong order by mistake! The 2050 iPod will be way too advanced for today's public.

[Jimmery]

My guess is that the new ibook (but maybe named differently) will be a tablet, and that this device is the one depicted in the patents linked to this thread. I doubt there will be a new portable video player unless it also has many other functions (and thus becoming a tablet). Of coure, Apple may market it differently.

[MrCrowbar]

An iPod with "full screen" would be cool indeed. I posted a nice photoshop work of me in this formus a few week ago by the way. :)

I agree for the fingerprint issue. Although the iPod has had a wheel input from the start, it's not said this design element has to be kept in the full screen model. By the way, as a mechanical device, the actual clickwheel takes some place as you have to be able to press it inwards. You could use these few milimeters for a thicker battery instead. Think of alternative input methods that don't ruin the display with finger prints: make touchable surfaces around the screen (like another mp3 player out there... I think it's iRiver...). So you would move your fingertip below the screen to scroll inside a movie, right of the screen to adjust volume. Above the screen would be for pause/play etc... you get the idea. When using the device for playing audio, the whole length of the device could serve for scrolling.
Simply putting the clickwheel on the back of the device might work too. Noone really needs to actually look on the labels of the clickwheel, right? This solution would also retain that tactile sensation given by a clickwheel.
Remember that patent where having an apple laptop on a desk and whacking the desk makes the laptop scroll to the next page? Wouldn't it be nice to slap the iPod on order to perform actions? Something like: Slap once for pause/play, twice for menu, twist to the left for << and to the right for >>, etx. You could even shake the iPod like in the TV ads and it plays a song that matches your shaking speed. I'd love that. That would be tough for the hard drive though making flash memory necessary.

But to stay realistic, didn't apple introduce the iPod remote? That would be an easy method for user input although implying you need two hands, one or holding the iPod and one for controling it. But i can imagine holding the device in my hands when in a train and having the remote in a pocket or hanging on the earphones. If apple really has a true Video iPod in development, I think the clickwheel will be replaced by some more common controls (buttons, trackpad) on the device itself and a more comfortable remote.


Now for DVD-Ripping out of the box. Why not? I mean, iTunes ripps copyrighted CDs, why not do the same for DVDs? I'd love to have all my movies and songs on a single device. The Core Duo Macs should handle converting MPEG2 into h2.64 quie nicely since that's mostly CPU-work and the Core Duo performed well for audio encoding already.

[boncellis]

[QUOTE=tkermit]I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like.

I applaud tkermit for creating a visual reference for precisely what I had envisioned since the introduction of TV shows on iTMS. This mock-up, if made real, would convince me to spend the money on upgrading. For now, the 5G is the perfect predecessor to a more elegant, more Apple-like solution to portable video.

With regard to the market for such a device, I personally defer to Mr. Ive. I am persuaded that affiliation with beauty in the form of a well designed, functional device that I can hold in the palm of my hand on a daily basis makes it that much easier to get out the door and head to school or work.

[balamw]

This is a good point - could be a new product altogether. I think many people have a tendency to force new ideas into existing products, when in reality it's a whole new animal.
I just flew cross country yesterday and was watching a number of people whip out their laptops and watch movies. Since I was in coach on a full flight :( , this was non trivial for most of them and I started thinking that what I'd really like to have under my seat is an "iMac mini". If you want to call this an iTablet or iPad, so be it.

Basically something that might fit behind a 5-8" 16:9 screen. i.e. a bit bigger than a PSP. CPU, HD and a dock connector + USB ports to be able to hook it up to a remote, clickwheel or keyboard and enable syncing with another computer.

We'll see if there's any truth to the rumors soon enough...

B

[Caitlyn]

I guess I'll have to hold off buying my 5G. I think they will have this be a sort of iPod Photo kinda thing. Like remember there was the 4G and then the Photo for like $49 more. I think that will happen here. I guess I would have to actually see the thing before making any decision though. I have to say though, won't it be annoying to touch the screen? I know I do my best NOT to touch my Mini's screen currently.

[chicagdan]

Depends on the country. Doesn't DVD-ripping fall under the "fair use" domain in Canada?

It is not illegal to rip a DVD that you own in the U.S. for your own use. What's illegal is SELLING the software to do so. Once you obtain the software and don't distribute the content to others, you are fine.

[ccrandall77]

Thanks you for pointing this fact out. I have said it time and time again, and many people simply do not realize that this is indeed the case. You are not allowed to copy a DVD onto your HD, even if you own it. Legally of course.

Perhaps in Canada. Bose sells Lifestyle systems with a HDD for storing DVDs on it. Perfectly legal here and I believe it does fall under fair use.

[nxent]

well the reason they can keep making them constantly is because people are just compulsive buyers. just because something new and flashy comes out, doesn't mean you need to get it right away. I know people that have like 4 or 5 ipods. All basically the same functions outside of a color screen.
haha, yeh. it's capitalism at work, people anxious to by s*** they don't need. speaking of, i want one, make that two... why buy one when you can get two for twice the cost.

[Caitlyn]

Yeah, you can not rip a DVD burn it to say 30 DVDs and stand outside your house and sell 'em. If the DVD rip is for your own use and you already own it, there is no problem.

[boncellis]

remote capabilities? you mean to walk up to your couch, take out your vpod and point it at your imac to do some front rowing?

I'm glad to see I'm not insane (or at least on a similar plane of sanity) for thinking the iPod could be used as a remote for Front Row. Front Row is typical Apple: beautiful interface; elegant interaction; and a long wait for it to be further implemented. ;)

Not only could I imagine an iPod remotely controlling Front Row, but perhaps even an interface similar to Front Row on the iPod screen itself. I'm speaking purely from a design point of view, I don't presume to know what the hardware specifications would have to be.

[chicagdan]

Yeah, you can not rip a DVD burn it to say 30 DVDs and stand outside your house and sell 'em. If the DVD rip is for your own use and you already own it, there is no problem.

The law is actually fairly murky on this issue ... the movie studios contend that any ripping is illegal, but the Digital Millennium Copyright Act has never been applied to individual users, so we don't know how the court would weigh the new law vs. established fair use doctrine. Most legal scholars in the field assume that fair use would hold up and people would have the right to use their content as they see fit, but there are others who argue that DMCA was passed with the intention of overriding fair use. Unless and until Hollywood takes individuals to court, we can't know for sure.

[balamw]

Yeah, you can not rip a DVD burn it to say 30 DVDs and stand outside your house and sell 'em. If the DVD rip is for your own use and you already own it, there is no problem.
While I agree that there is very little chance that you will be prosecuted for simply ripping DVDs you have purchased, that doesn't make it legal. The difference between CD ripping and DVD ripping, is that DVDs include CSS as a technological means of copy protection. By ripping a DVD, even for personal use, you have to circumvent CSS and thus may be performing an illegal act under the DMCA.

Sing it with me D. M. C. A. it's fun to live with the D. M. C. A....

EDIT: Beat me to it chicagdan.

B

[jer2eydevil88]

I have a 4G iPod and I love it.

That said I also feel that I am not being left behind, I felt a bit lucky to have bought this a few months before the release of the current gen iPod. Most of the accessories that were available to iPod's up until October '05 were made obsolete with the 5G iPod's release.

Also I am very interested in more developments on this particular product. I would buy one regardless of it being smudged up by fingerprints, people please if you want perfection live in a bubble!

:-) I love apple owning the digital music market, it makes my forthcoming Macbook the center of the mobile digital entertainment world. :-) I also can't wait to boot Windows on it ;-) hah I want to use Office 2k3 and Half Life 2 on that sucka.

[eXan]

I get enough finger prints on my screen as is. No thank you.

Right! If they are going to make a "real" video iPod, they should not call it iPod, because iPod is a music player first of all

[Platform]

I quickly made up an image of what I'd like the iPod to look like.

It would have an orientation sensor, like the Powerbooks have, so it can instantly change the position and orientation of the click wheel based on the iPod's orientation.

The click-wheel "picture" of course only shows, when you actually touch the face of the iPod (except when it's in the vertical music-mode).

The advantage of basically keeping the way you use an iPod unchanged is that nobody has to relearn anything and people that just want to use it the way they've used an old iPod could continue to do so.

Additionally by leaving the form factor alone you don't run into any compatibility issues and keep the trademark-look of the iPod.

This is a very nice design :cool:

[chicagdan]

By ripping a DVD, even for personal use, you have to circumvent CSS and thus may be performing an illegal act under the DMCA.


The operative word here is *may*. Studios will probably never push this issue. After they lost the Betamax case in the early 80s (the one that established fair use case law), the MPAA declared that they made a mistake taking this issue to the Supreme Court because they ended up losing even more ground than they had when they started. They don't want to risk this happening again, so they won't prosecute individuals or look for further clarification of DMCA, they'd rather just keep the fear out there for individuals, bring the hammer down on those who provide ripping software and look for technological means to stop piracy. Once either BluRay or HD-DVD becomes the standard, it's going to be much tougher to rip DVD (although nothing's impossible.)

[kupua]

THink Secret reported on a guy who said there would be a Apple branded Plasma

Same difference. You know what I mean.

[aswitcher]

In April I am hoping to see a Video iPod (6G?) and new iBook 13.3", celebrating both of Apple's lines. I would love to see wireless in the Video iPod but figure that the Music iPod will get that in the second half of the year from what people are rumouring. To me this means that the Video iPod with wireless wont appear until the 2nd rev in say October for Christmas sales.

A tablet thought is still my dream for a carry everywhere device.

[sartinsauce]

A tablet thought is still my dream for a carry everywhere device.


Agreed.

An Apple tablet is my dream for a carry everywhere device.

[dsglaser]

The best ipod upgrade at this point (in my humble opinion) would be the ability to utilize subscription services. I suspect the Rhapsody and Vongo to-go paradigms will be the most prominent mechanism to access digital content in the future. Buying everything you want to watch is too expensive! Afforddable content is more important than screensize or even wireless capabilities.

P.S
I suspect Apple might impliment a finger print resistant screen for the vpod. Or hopefully some sort of navigation wheel on the back.

[Stella]

Right! If they are going to make a "real" video iPod, they should not call it iPod, because iPod is a music player first of all

And that would be a mistake... it would lose its brand name "iPod". Apple absolutely should keep the name - iPod.

I'm very sure a video iPod will still play music... Apple aren't stupid enough to not do this.

Apple call 5G iPod - "iPod with Video". There isn't any reason why apple can't call any video iPod, "Video iPod".

Still a music player, just another evolution.

[B-Dog]

I think that all this talk about having to look at the screen to use the click wheel is off base. First of all you have to look at the screen anyway to navigate through playlists and what not so that is non-issue. As for volume control and skipping songs I would think that Apple would come up with a genius solution to these problems. Maybe sliding your finger verticly for volume control and horisontal for skipping?

P.S. First post!

[bloogersnigen]

Then you have to carry around two iPods, One for music one for movies? that seems stupid to me.

No one for just music (something new), One for just movies (this ipod, vpod whatever), and if you want both at the same time, one for both (5g)

[lazyrighteye]

I saw this yesterday and couldn't help but grin.

http://mrl.nyu.edu/~jhan/ftirtouch

[zap2]

Doubt it will be replaceing the 5G but more of an high end player new line thing

[FaasNat]

Two words: Invisible Shield
The next one is, "I get enough finger prints on my Invisible Shield as is." :D :D


j/k

[Loge]

They don't want to risk this happening again, so they won't prosecute individuals or look for further clarification of DMCA, they'd rather just keep the fear out there for individuals, bring the hammer down on those who provide ripping software and look for technological means to stop piracy. Once either BluRay or HD-DVD becomes the standard, it's going to be much tougher to rip DVD (although nothing's impossible.)

There doesn't seem to be much action taken against ripping software (say Handbrake, for example), and I don't expect anyone using that software is shaking with fear either.

[BWhaler]

Well, I bought the 5G iPod at the end of December, but as long as the finger prints are not a problem, I'll buy this iPod.

Especially if it comes with the 80 gig drive since I have already filled the 60gig. Man, ripping dvd's takes up a lot of space...

[tkermit]

thanks for your comments, guys.

I changed the layout just a little bit.

The more I think about it the more I love it. Now, everytime I look at the "video"-iPod I can't stop thinking about how much better it could be (or hopefully: will be)

With the included orientation-sensor you could actually hold the iPod whichever way you want and it would always instantly change the orientation of whatever you're looking at (at least in 90° steps).

If any of you guys actually have a clickwheel-iPod, try holding it sideways - using the clickwheel feels as natural as it does normally.
Try to use the screen as a clickwheel and actually press down on it, imagining there to be some reaction and audible feedback.
I don't think a completely virtual clickwheel will feel weird at all. You'll probably feel right at home, provided the sensitivity of it is just right and you get some kind of feedback (probably just clicking or whatever).

I can't wait :)

[amateurmacfreak]

Somehow this seems highly unlikely. The iPod is still fore and foremost a music player, and a video playback device where you constantly touch the screen will look crappy as anything.
Agreed. Maybe Apple can make it cool.... but a mainly video playback device sounds like crap to me.

[maya]

Is the iPod becoming a PDA all of a sudden with touch screen capabilities. This is only the start. ;) :)

Finally, "Ink Well" will have a purpose for mobility. :D

[Oblivious]

thanks for your comments, guys.

I changed the layout just a little bit.

The more I think about it the more I love it. Now, everytime I look at the "video"-iPod I can't stop thinking about how much better it could be (or hopefully: will be)

With the included orientation-sensor you could actually hold the iPod whichever way you want and it would always instantly change the orientation of whatever you're looking at (at least in 90&#176; steps).

If any of you guys actually have a clickwheel-iPod, try holding it sideways - using the clickwheel feels as natural as it does normally.
Try to use the screen as a clickwheel and actually press down on it, imagining there to be some reaction and audible feedback.
I don't think a completely virtual clickwheel will feel weird at all. You'll probably feel right at home, provided the sensitivity of it is just right and you get some kind of feedback (probably just clicking or whatever).

I can't wait :)Now that... that looks amazing. If Apple can just put a 80 gig hard drive and battery capable of 4 hours of video playback in there, and preferably a price tag of $400 or less, I'd be thrilled. I truly hope an iPod Video like that comes out soon. It's just what I've been waiting for.:cool:

[FaasNat]

It wouldn't be very hard to have a setting to switch what side the wheel is on.
Well, if the text on the clickwheel is silkscreened on, if you switch the side, it'll be upsidedown for somebody. Heh.

[syklee26]

personally I smell massive amount of complaints from virtual wheel users on this one....although Apple's patent on tablet tech as well as recent hiring of tablet technicians suggest virtual wheel.

I personally think following the slider models of some Asian cell phones would be a better move to make.

or maybe Apple will use one of those smudge-proof screens. I highly doubt it though as I heard they are expensive.

[rockthecasbah]

thanks for your comments, guys.

I changed the layout just a little bit.

The more I think about it the more I love it. Now, everytime I look at the "video"-iPod I can't stop thinking about how much better it could be (or hopefully: will be)

With the included orientation-sensor you could actually hold the iPod whichever way you want and it would always instantly change the orientation of whatever you're looking at (at least in 90° steps).

If any of you guys actually have a clickwheel-iPod, try holding it sideways - using the clickwheel feels as natural as it does normally.
Try to use the screen as a clickwheel and actually press down on it, imagining there to be some reaction and audible feedback.
I don't think a completely virtual clickwheel will feel weird at all. You'll probably feel right at home, provided the sensitivity of it is just right and you get some kind of feedback (probably just clicking or whatever).

I can't wait :)

your attached image is what i always wished an iPod would be...please let it be! :)

[Whistleway]

Please whatever you do, include software that, just like itunes, that can rip off the DVDs I bought and put it in small files that match the resolution of the screen. Until then, it is remotely useful to me.

[Whistleway]

While I agree that there is very little chance that you will be prosecuted for simply ripping DVDs you have purchased, that doesn't make it legal. The difference between CD ripping and DVD ripping, is that DVDs include CSS as a technological means of copy protection. By ripping a DVD, even for personal use, you have to circumvent CSS and thus may be performing an illegal act under the DMCA.

Sing it with me D. M. C. A. it's fun to live with the D. M. C. A....

EDIT: Beat me to it chicagdan.

B

If I buy a DVD I buy the content that fits the needs of my personal use. If it is on ipod, what's the problem?

[EricNau]

If I buy a DVD I buy the content that fits the needs of my personal use. If it is on ipod, what's the problem?
It's still illegal.

Many people can "safely" drive over the speed limit - but it's still illegal.

[balamw]

It's still illegal.

Many people can "safely" drive over the speed limit - but it's still illegal.
Bingo, though as chicagdan implied, until the courts interpret the law on this it's probably illegal.

Speeding is definitely illegal, though most people do it.

B

[just a thought]

I can't dig through ten pages of comments, so maybe someone already pointed this out, but a virtual clickwheel would be IMPOSSIBLE to use in your pocket. For a personal audio player (which, the iPod still is at its core and will be for some time to come), having to take the player out every time you want to play a song, advance it, adjust the volume, pause, etc, would be cumbersome. Think about how many times you use your iPod blind. You never could again. That doesn't sound like something Apple would do.

[piterpan]

CREATIVE VISION : 3.7” high-resolution LCD screen
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=210&subcategory=211&product=12985

Apple Video iPod 3.5"

Smaller screen, not good, not good at all...

[Oblivious]

CREATIVE VISION : 3.7” high-resolution LCD screen
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=210&subcategory=211&product=12985

Apple Video iPod 3.5"

Smaller screen, not good, not good at all...
Smaller screen, yes, but barely. And they'd most likely have the same resolution. Anyways, that Creative thing is a beast... 5" by 3". Try fitting that comfortably in your pocket.:eek:

[gekko513]

okay - I thought you were saying there would be two different iPod's you'd have to use - One for music and one for video.

** added**
Saying they would be dedicated to only one aspect (music or video).

The current iPod is dedicated to music but has video capabilities. By being dedicated they mean that the priority was to make the best music player possible. The screen is kept small to keep it cheap and to keep the convenience of the click wheel.

A player dedicated to video has to prioritise the video quality and screen size. This will come at the cost of a less convenient user interface or a larger physical size and it will be more expensive.


And to all those with the greasy fingers. I don't see why you couldn't use one of those plastic pointing sticks for PDAs?

[dicklacara]

I can't dig through ten pages of comments, so maybe someone already pointed this out, but a virtual clickwheel would be IMPOSSIBLE to use in your pocket. For a personal audio player (which, the iPod still is at its core and will be for some time to come), having to take the player out every time you want to play a song, advance it, adjust the volume, pause, etc, would be cumbersome. Think about how many times you use your iPod blind. You never could again. That doesn't sound like something Apple would do.
The Remote/FM acceassory handles this quite nicely!

Dick

[phatfos1]

All,

I’m looking forward to a new version. I had to return my recently purchased 60/vid because the sound quality was crap on my high end (etymotic ER-4P) headphones. There was distortion even at low volumes. I never had this prob w/ my Rio Karma using the ety's and I was wondering if there were any thoughts on the new version having better sound quality (i.e. more conducive to high end head phones.) Thanks for any input.

[just a thought]

The Remote/FM acceassory handles this quite nicely!

Dick

Yes, for $49 you can buy basic functionality back.

[iQuit]

What is this? a MacPod? Multimedia what? :)

[evilgEEk]

Yes, for $49 you can buy basic functionality back.
Who's to say it wouldn't come with a remote? Not exactly the Apple way lately, but you never know. ;)

If this device has digital audio out and a way to play my own ripped DVD's (unlikely) then I'll sell my 30gig 5th Gen and buy it!

I'm looking forward to the day when I can rent and buy movies from iTunes using my portable video player and Home Theatre Mac Mini. :D

[randas]

I sure hope they dont release this, I just bought a 5G:mad:

[iQuit]

The iPod sells because of the huge hit on the market and now MP3=iPod... There ARE better players regardless of how many biased people are on these boards. Such as Archos, the features are lightyears ahead of the iPod, but the elegant look of an iPod will catch anyones eye. I won't buy one of these if the rumors are true. I'm perfectly content with my MP4 player.

(EDIT) I have played with at least 6 5G iPods and they are noticably laggy. Yes the iPod is sleek, but if you want a true video device...the iPod isn't it.

[~Shard~]

I sure hope they dont release this, I just bought a 5G:mad:

Yah, heaven forbid Apple making new technology like that, continuing to improve and not resting on their laurels. They should be saying, "Well, once randas buys one, we have to stop, so that his is always the most current one." :rolleyes: :p :cool:

[NicP]

edit: this was in response to does anyone still use DivX

Does anyone NOT?

Um YES! everything i have now is Xvid

And i would so buy one of these ipods, but only if it has gapless playback :D

[NicP]

The iPod sells because of the huge hit on the market and now MP3=iPod... There ARE better players regardless of how many biased people are on these boards. Such as Archos, the features are lightyears ahead of the iPod, but the elegant look of an iPod will catch anyones eye. I won't buy one of these if the rumors are true. I'm perfectly content with my MP4 player.

(EDIT) I have played with at least 6 5G iPods and they are noticably laggy. Yes the iPod is sleek, but if you want a true video device...the iPod isn't it.


Does the archos have 60gb or greater?

[macdong]

Yeah, damn technology for continuing to change and improve... :p ;)

Great news! I was all up for getting a video iPod initially, but then when they were actually released, I wasn't blown away - issues like battery life, resolution, compression, etc. Now I've told myself I'd wait for a "Rev B" of an iPod with video, and this might be it! :cool:

you might still be facing the battery life issue, though

[boobers]

One feature at a time. A touch screen this time around. Maybe a stylus next version if you are lucky! And finally wifi and a web browser-ichatAV combo. Thats always been the plan in my opinion. You could call it a PDA or a video wifi phone but it will do a lot of things..in the end it will be a PDA.

[thejadedmonkey]

2. a one-click software solution to convert DVDs into ipod format. this is obviously a void that a third-party software needs to fill. but current solutions are too cumbersome, imo.

Handbrake has a windows port too.

[evilgEEk]

...but if you want a true video device...the iPod isn't it.
Nor is it marketed as such. It's not that much of a surprise that a device that is a dedicated video player has some more features than the video iPod. But, really, the Archos? Heh, the one my buddy bought is awful, I'll take my 5th Gen iPod over the Archos any day. ;)

[runninmac]

(EDIT) I have played with at least 6 5G iPods and they are noticably laggy. Yes the iPod is sleek, but if you want a true video device...the iPod isn't it.

Thats why this rumor, the one about apple making an iPod specifically FOR video is out.

[shrimpsbury]

Sounds great to me!