iPod 6th Gen iPods to run OS X?

[rockthecasbah]

I would definitely NOT buy an all in one device loaded with cr**py features that would compensate me because I didn't have enough money to afford an iPhone.

The iPod's success is in the fact that it is just that, a portable media player... with a note reader and not an all in one wunder-device with uber apps that add to its expandability.

It might have some iPhone GUI elements but I am really hoping to just see what we've already been seeing from apple and that is a legendary device and a cultural icon and not an overblown iPhone without the phone bit.

I hope this doesn't sound too aggressive but it just seems that people have forgotten about apple's simplistic views on technology.

But also take into account how long the iPod has been successful and it's slow transformation into an all-in-one product. First just music, then photos, now video, and with the next revision who knows how much it will be changed. But to stay on top it cannot stay stagnant with technology or the iPod will be surpassed.

 

[Multimedia]

iPhone's "iPod" Has NO Video OUT & Can't Record Video Either

Remember Steve's words "the iPhone is the best iPod we've made". Doesn't really require a companion.

Which is not true since it has no Video Output Capability. It can't even RECORD Video which almost all other camera phones can.

Not everyone needs an iPhone, or wants ATT as their cell phone carrier. I think Apple should address these people and an iPod WiFi, OS X Lite, enabled hand held would be amazing. The one thing that I love about my iPod is the 20GBs of space, I couldn't live without that.. possibly removing the cellular phone component would allow for a larger capacity drive/flash drive.

Agreed. Also Must have Video Out Capability.

bluetooth + camera + osx +ipod6gen = AMAZING

Video Output seems to be a missing feature no one else has noticed. Doesn't anyone besides me use their Video iPod To Play On their HDTVs? It's a mobile AppleTV.

 

[nsbio]

I would immediately purchace a touch screen iPod but I do not want a phone with Internet and such. I have too much internet exposure when I am at work or at home and being outside is a welcome break for me from being online. I hope it will be a while before they come up with brain implants that connect you to the net, just like the Borg. This is bound to happen; I just want to enjoy a few extra years without it.

For the phone, my main requirement is good reception. I have an old, phonosaurus phone that does not even have a color screen but it does have reception that is better than that of many modern phones on the same network. I do not need any of its extra functions that they might come up with, except perhaps a coffee maker .

 

[zflauaus]

I would immediately purchace a touch screen iPod but I do not want a phone with Internet and such. I have too much internet exposure when I am at work or at home and being outside is a welcome break for me from being online. I hope it will be a while before they come up with brain implants that connect you to the net, just like the Borg. This is bound to happen; I just want to enjoy a few extra years without it.

For the phone, my main requirement is good reception. I have an old, phonosaurus phone that does not even have a color screen but it does have reception that is better than that of many modern phones on the same network. I do not need any of its extra functions that they might come up with, except perhaps a coffee maker .

We are not talking about a phone anymore. The internet is not being forced upon you as well. If you have the WiFi and Bluetooth off, there is no way to connect to the internet then. You can just proceed to ignore the "Safari" icon and just go straight to the iPod.

 

[WaxTheories]

I'm not looking for much more than we see in the 5G iPod in the 6G.

Someone said that it has slowly become an all-in-one device. First music, then photos, then video. That may be true, but those are the three primary forms of MEDIA. That's what the iPod is, a media player. The 6G will be more of a PMP than an mp3 player.

That said, I think we can definitely look for the following things in the 6G iPod:
1) Music, photos, and video
2) An iPhone form factor (touchscreen, gyros, etc)
3) More advanced note, contact, calendar, and game applications

I think it would be practical to expect the following as well:
1) Playlist management (create, edit, etc)
2) iTunes integration with Youtube
3) A camera (photos and video)
4) A microphone (audio)

I only include a camera because the iPod is all about music, photos, and video. Media. A camera and a microphone would make it the ultimate PMP. It's not going to be an iPhone. Apple is so much smarter than that.

 

[bloodycape]

That would be the ultimate device for me. PDA's are gone, PMA's are the way of the future. (I made PMA up, "Personal Media Assistants").

I hate to say this but the company Archos made PMA up. They had the device called the PMA430 a few years back. Granted it the P also stood for pocket most used the P as personal(at least the sites I visted did). Also oddly enough this device does many of the things I hear people want out of an iPod. It has a linux based os, it came with wifi(no BT as that was still pretty new when feature when it came out), a 4in touch screen, and 30gigs of space(other models that looked the same but were just video devices had hds up to like 100gigs if i am not mistaken?).

 

[applecow]

You know, I would be happy with just the ability to delete a song from within the iPod without ever connecting iTunes. Hopefully, the next time I sync it, iTunes will recognize that I purposely deleted the song and will not auto sync it back in OR it will give me the option to do so in case I accidentlly deleted the song.

But seriously, sometimes I have songs in my iPod I just want to get rid of. And I keep forgetting until the next time I listen to it and cringe when I no longer want to hear the song.

If there is such a feature already, its new to me. Please tell me how.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I think the replacement for the 5/5.5G iPod will be like this:

1) It will have the same shape as the current higher-capacity (thicker case) 5/5.5G iPod to maintain compatibility with all those iPod docks out there.
2) It will now have an 8:5 aspect ratio full-screen display, and the display is now a touchscreen.
3) You can choose between iPhone-style interface or the classic Click Wheel interface.
4) Will offer either 60 GB or 100 GB hard disk storage.
5) If Apple can get enough supplies, a limited-edition all-flash memory version with 32 GB flash memory will be available early in 2008.
6) Will now have video output through HDMI interface up to 720p resolution.
7) In case of needing to reset the player, Apple will use a new sequence to do the reset (pressing the "Menu" portion and the center of the click wheel simultaneously like you do now obviously doesn't work on a touchscreen iPod).

 

[nsbio]

We are not talking about a phone anymore. The internet is not being forced upon you as well. If you have the WiFi and Bluetooth off, there is no way to connect to the internet then. You can just proceed to ignore the "Safari" icon and just go straight to the iPod.

Sure, except that there is no way to use iPhone as iPod only without still paying some monthly fees, as far as I understand.

 

[MacBass]

I think either a 32GB flash or 80 & 100 GB for storage or all three, the gyro sensors, touch screen, true widescreen. I HIGHLY doubt they'll have WiFi, Bluetooth or a camera, those are all features found in the iPhone. After all, you don't see a graphics card for the iMac in a Mac Mini, nor do you see a graphics card for the Mac Pro in the iMac.

 

[zflauaus]

Sure, except that there is no way to use iPhone as iPod only without still paying some monthly fees, as far as I understand.

And that is why we are talking about the 6th Gen iPod, not the iPhone.

I think either a 32GB flash or 80 & 100 GB for storage or all three, the gyro sensors, touch screen, true widescreen. I HIGHLY doubt they'll have WiFi, Bluetooth or a camera, those are all features found in the iPhone. After all, you don't see a graphics card for the iMac in a Mac Mini, nor do you see a graphics card for the Mac Pro in the iMac.

Why would they not include WiFi or Bluetooth? Just because they are found in the iPhone doesn't mean that the iPod doesn't have to have it. Look at Airport and Bluetooth, standard all the way across.

Okay, since people are saying that they may not be able to afford the 6th Gen iPod based on some of the items that we think are going to be in it, I revised my choices with three different levels.

$249 includes:

• 30GB Hard Drive
• iPhone Like Interface
• Touch Screen
• Audio, Video, and Photo Playback
• Calendar, Address Book, Notes, Games, etc.

This version will not include:

• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• Safari and Mail Apps
• Camera

$349 includes:

• Same as 30GB version
• 80GB Hard Drive
• WiFi
• Safari and Mail Apps
• 1.3 Megapixel Camera

This version will not include:

• Bluetooth

$449 includes:

• Same as above versions
• 100GB Hard Drive
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• Safari and Mail Apps
• 2 Megapixel Camera

The WiFi will let you browse the web using the full featured Safari browser, send and receive email using Mail, and watch YouTube videos. There will also be a new icon in the iPod application that you will be able to browse a mobile-optimized version of the iTunes Store where you will be able to download songs over-the-air straight to your iPod. Once you sync your iPod, it will then copy the song to your computer for listening through iTunes. You will also be able to download the latest episodes of your favorite podcasts including video podcasts.

The Bluetooth support will add the feature of being able to dial a number from your contact list or using the on-screen keypad if your phone supports remote dialing. It will also allow you to send SMS messages and allow you to use Dial-Up Networking to connect your iPod to the internet while on the go. And one of the last features will be the ability to listen to music wirelessly using the A2DP profiles.

All of these new features will also be included in the next iPhone software update.

Could I be dreaming too big? Of course. But if Apple reads these forums, which supposedly they do, this is our way to say, "We want these features in the next iPod, please."

 

[WaxTheories]

Why would they not include WiFi or Bluetooth?

Because the iPod never has been and never will (should) be anything more than a personal media player. It has always been focused on media. Internet, email, and SMS are just too far from the tree, if you ask me.

 

[zflauaus]

Wirelessly posted (Moto E815: MOT-8720_/00.62 UP.Browser/6.2.3.4.c.1.104 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Why would they not include WiFi or Bluetooth?

Because the iPod never has been and never will (should) be anything more than a personal media player. It has always been focused on media. Internet, email, and SMS are just too far from the tree, if you ask me.

but if you think about it, the earliest cell phones did only one thing and that was making phone calls. nobody ever thought they were going to do the things they can do today. it's just a natural progression that there devices do more things and do them just as well as standalone devices do. you will still have your media centric ipods like the nanos and the shuffles, but in order to compete with other devices, apple is going to have to have these features to stay king. remember when jobs said that the ipod wasn't going to do video?

 

[WaxTheories]

Wirelessly posted (Moto E815: MOT-8720_/00.62 UP.Browser/6.2.3.4.c.1.104 (GUI) MMP/2.0)



but if you think about it, the earliest cell phones did only one thing and that was making phone calls. nobody ever thought they were going to do the things they can do today. it's just a natural progression that there devices do more things and do them just as well as standalone devices do. you will still have your media centric ipods like the nanos and the shuffles, but in order to compete with other devices, apple is going to have to have these features to stay king. remember when jobs said that the ipod wasn't going to do video?

The cell phone industry was driven by steep competition. The iPod, however, has such a huge part of the market share that it has no need to branch out. I know of no self-proclaimed media device (mp3 player, pmp, whatever) that touts its own ability to browse the internet, send email, or wirelessly send SMS messages. It just doesn't make sense to this niche in the market, ESPECIALLY following the release of the iPhone. The bottom line is that Apple is not going to be stupid enough to let there be any gray area between the iPhone and the iPod.

 

[zflauaus]

The cell phone industry was driven by steep competition. The iPod, however, has such a huge part of the market share that it has no need to branch out. I know of no self-proclaimed media device (mp3 player, pmp, whatever) that touts its own ability to browse the internet, send email, or wirelessly send SMS messages. It just doesn't make sense to this niche in the market, ESPECIALLY following the release of the iPhone. The bottom line is that Apple is not going to be stupid enough to let there be any gray area between the iPhone and the iPod.

I know the iPod doesn't have any competition and probably won't have any for quite some time. I'm just saying more and more of the media players are adding features that some users may find more intriguing than what the current iPod has to offer.

Apple is adding more features that make their products more compelling to more people. And technically it's not right after the release of the iPhone, it will be in less than 4 months, so the iPhone hysteria will have calmed down considerably.

Ok, so maybe I was going a bit overboard with the SMS messages. Terribly sorry. The email is more rational. There is an Archos player that can browse the internet over WiFi, the Archos 704. It has an 80GB hard drive, but weighs 22 ounces. This is where Apple can improve the market if they see fit. The 100GB hard drive with a weight of 6 ounces is a hell of an improvement.

 

[walangij]

The iPod must continue to evolve if Apple wants to stay on top of the marketplace. Consumers aren't stupid, and even though Apple's Marketing Campaigns are almost heavenly in success, they can't continue without having an awesome product to back it up.

Sure, most people won't use more features than music/podcasts/a couple videos, but just knowing that they could do much more will sell as will it being from and the genius marketing. Jobs has pushed the envelope with products recently even if the majority of consumers aren't ready case in point:the TV. The iPhone is changing the cell phone arena. I'm sure Jobs won't be happy with a boring iPod is more similar than different to the 5.5G. I think that those getting 5.5G iPods w/ the college sale will be very disappointed when the 6G comes out. The iPod must continue to change the media player arena, if not it may slowly lose ground, and slowly losing ground equals unhappy shareholders.

 

[zflauaus]

The iPod must continue to evolve if Apple wants to stay on top of the marketplace. Consumers aren't stupid, and even though Apple's Marketing Campaigns are almost heavenly in success, they can't continue without having an awesome product to back it up.

Sure, most people won't use more features than music/podcasts/a couple videos, but just knowing that they could do much more will sell as will it being from and the genius marketing. Jobs has pushed the envelope with products recently even if the majority of consumers aren't ready case in point:the TV. The iPhone is changing the cell phone arena. I'm sure Jobs won't be happy with a boring iPod is more similar than different than the 5.5G. I think that those getting 5.5G iPods w/ the college sale will be very disappointed when the 6G comes out. The iPod must continue to change the media player arena, if not it may slowly lose ground, and slowly losing ground equals unhappy shareholders.

Thank you for making sense! The iPod has been the invovator in many categories, including ease-of-use. Just because competition may not drive them, that doesn't mean we should come into a stand-still of features and have the same features with a new look slapped on there.

Once again, I thank you very much walangij.

 

[rockosmodurnlif]

The iPod has always been a simple device with simple upgrades that add functionality, not just features.

As far as specualtion, I think it will finally get a radio (AM & FM hopefully), fullscreen and the keyboard a la iPhone (think how much easier it will be to find music).

Form factor will remain the same, I don't know about the case, maybe that will take on iPhone characteristics too (being scratchproof).

How fast can Bluetooth carry data? I think that will be the biggest surprise if they include it and will need fast data transfer rates.

All this other specualtion (web, email, wifi) is ridiculous since they don't really add anything to the media capabilities of the iPod. The way I see it, the iPod is for those who don't want the iPhone.

Well, then there would be two versions of the full size iPod. One with all the features I mentioned, and one just audio, video, and picture playback abilities. This would keep in with the simplistic views that Apple has while also allowing higher-end consumers get the features they might need.

While I love your avatar, Apple doing shuffle, nano (variable sizes), iPhone, iPod (low end, variable sizes), iPod (high end, one size?) doesn't make sense. Why have an iPod that's an iPhone with larger storage and no cellphone? It hurts iPhone sales and I don't think Apple is out to do any harm to their new baby (remember ROKR anyone?). Besides the feature-bloat isn't needed on an mp3/photo-viewer/video player.

The only way I see YouTube on the iPod is if YouTube gets into iTunes.

Ok, so maybe I was going a bit overboard with the SMS messages. Terribly sorry. The email is more rational. There is an Archos player that can browse the internet over WiFi, the Archos 704. It has an 80GB hard drive, but weighs 22 ounces. This is where Apple can improve the market if they see fit. The 100GB hard drive with a weight of 6 ounces is a hell of an improvement.

All those "features" are why the Archos weighs 22 ounces and why the iPod weighs 6 ounces.

 

[walangij]

The iPod has always been a simple device with simple upgrades that add functionality, not just features.

As far as specualtion, I think it will finally get a radio (AM & FM hopefully), fullscreen and the keyboard a la iPhone (think how much easier it will be to find music).

Form factor will remain the same, I don't know about the case, maybe that will take on iPhone characteristics too (being scratchproof).

It is certainly true that the iPod's greatest feature is it's simplicity, like you have said all upgrades add significant functionality. The iPod with a radio sounds legit and will silence many "What the iPod doesn't have a radio? WTH?" reviewers who would probably never use the radio, but it's nice to have for those who enjoy public/talk radio and don't want to wait for the next podcast .

All this other specualtion (web, email, wifi) is ridiculous since they don't really add anything to the media capabilities of the iPod. The way I see it, the iPod is for those who don't want the iPhone.

Reading more of these posts and thinking, I am starting to agree that yes, web, email, even wifi are ridiculous, at least for this point in time. But I see the iPod changing what consumers want rather than consumers changing the iPod. Before my first iPod, I never thought of carrying music in my pocket everywhere or listening to music as I worked out (I hated the weight/form factor of CD players) and airplane rides were fine with the onboard radio/movies, but now, I will not take a jet w/o my iPod nor can I run for 1hr+ w/o an iPod attached to me. That said, I think we'll see a slower integration of all things media. Wifi will certainly come if it increases functionality and battery life is kept up to par. I don't see the real reason to have wifi unless something Web whether it be browser or Youtube are integrated but the browser would kill sales of the iPhone now, in the future we'll have to see.

[. . .]Apple doing shuffle, nano (variable sizes), iPhone, iPod (low end, variable sizes), iPod (high end, one size?) doesn't make sense. Why have an iPod that's an iPhone with larger storage and no cellphone? It hurts iPhone sales and I don't think Apple is out to do any harm to their new baby (remember ROKR anyone?). Besides the feature-bloat isn't needed on an mp3/photo-viewer/video player.

Apple has continued to sell their various sizes of iPod, I think that they are here to stay for the next few revisions at least, some love the shuffle b/c of its size, many love the nano because of the integration with Nike+, and it also being a great workout companion. The iPod will likely continue to have just 2 sizes, and the iPhone's marketing should continue to differentiate itself from the iPod, I really think the iPod must become a companion or change it's role to keep up. Who wants an iPhone in 1 pocket and a iPod in the other (or in their purse)? no one. I'm interested to see how Apple markets each of these without greatly cannibalizing sales. The iPhone could mean the death of the Nano if apps are developed to integrate Nike+. Their similar storage size makes them compete directly, rather than the iPod, but just thinking about these things gets confusing, each one eats the other now. Here's a list more for me than others to get things straight:

1. iPhone eats iPod Nano due to similar storage sizes, developed apps could mean Nike+ is integrated, Nano no longer has much to offer besides being small.
2. Nano has always put the Shuffle in the shadow, lots of people don't see why to own a Shuffle, "just save up some money and buy a nano" is the advice I hear from friends, colleagues, ect. The Shuffle is sort of a fashion statement these days (at least at my university).
3. 6G iPod and iPhone will probably be very similar and it's hard to see who will eat who.
A.Can Apple make iPhone owners want a 6G iPod? Yes.
B.Will 6G iPod owners want an iPhone? Maybe.
C.Could the 6G iPod's interface be so amazing that it will set the standard for consumers that the iPhone and it's little brothers (when released) will be the only suitable interface for many looking to purchase new cell phones? quite possibly

The only way I see YouTube on the iPod is if YouTube gets into iTunes.



All those "features" are why the Archos weighs 22 ounces and why the iPod weighs 6 ounces.

Youtube sound cool but like how would it be integrated? Wifi has to be there but just for Youtube? It boggles the mind. When i think of functionality, it will add a whole new dimension. All these features we speculate sound like things that many users don't want/need which is a likely case. But hey, when I first heard of a iPod Video rumors, I was like, NO WAY who's going to watch videos on a 2 inch screen for hours? Answer: millions

I was surprised to see how little the iPod weighs when looking at the numbers, even at 6 ounces it feels heavy sometimes, but man 22 must be a brick. Apple engineers have their work cut out for them to keep up to par of what consumers are expecting. The only thing I know for sure, FACT about all this isthat the I'll drop my 5G for a 6G the day it comes out.

 

[Fuzzy Orange]

Apple seriously needs to work on releasing the 6G iPod. Let the iPhone have it's stay in the limelight for a couple months, and then release the 6G iPod in September. The main reason for getting on the new iPod?
IT IS TOO OLD.
The iMac and the iPod can be soul brothers in this case, because both of them need updating, and soon. I won't really go into the iMac portion, but the iPod needs some serious makeovers. The menus are the same ones used from 2001. The menus are so bland and boring that I want to go use a Zune, which actually has a heads up on the iPod as far as design goes (not really physically, but interface wise). And when you want to start using a Zune, you know things are getting pretty ugly.
The 5G iPod came out in September 2005, correct? Every iPod model before it was succeeded each year. None of them brought anything extraordinarily new to the table, but they were new generations, nonetheless. The "5.5G" iPod doesn't exist in my mind. But the iPhone new, exciting, and innovative. I got the chance to play with one in the Apple Store, and it was wonderful. I really do not know if I am going to get one, but hopefully it was a taste of the future iPod.

Here is what I am thinking for the 6G iPod:
-iPhone interface
-The widgets on the main screen are replaced by 4 big, bright icons- Music, Videos, Photos, and Settings
-No Wifi/Safari capabilities
-Has the same screen as the iPhone (Glass, 3.5 inches)
-Bezel is smaller, about the size of the bezel around the actual screen of the iPhone.
-Home button is touch sensitive, not physically pushed in like the iPhone.
-Comes in a 50 GB and 100 GB storage capacity (both are HDD based; falsh is too expensive right now)
-Black or White colors (duh)
-$300 for the 50 GB, and $400 for the 100 GB model

I think with this, their would be no cannibalizing of the iPhone or iPod product lines. I just hope Apple updates soon; I am tempted to buy an 80 GB iPod right now...

 

[MacBass]

Why would they not include WiFi or Bluetooth? Just because they are found in the iPhone doesn't mean that the iPod doesn't have to have it. Look at Airport and Bluetooth, standard all the way across.

They won't include WiFi and Bluetooth because that would encroach on the portable line's sales. Why would people spend $900-1300 on a MacBook when they could take their $350 iPod to Starbucks instead? I'm sure Apple already thought of this and they won't include either of those for a long time, when the iPod and iPhone product lines merge.

Yes, all Macs have the option for Airport and Bluetooth, but how many people actually use WiFi on their Mac Pros or iMacs? Not as many as those users who use wired network connections.

If Apple does include WiFi on the 6G iPod, are you really going to want to surf the net on a 3" screen? Yes, the screen will be smaller than the iPhone, again because of marketing. Apple put a LOT of work into the iPhone, enough to delay the release of the next version of the OS, which is what makes a Macintosh a Macintosh.

What would the point of remote dialing be if your phone also has a keypad? That seems like a rather ridiculous feature. The only way I could see that being useful is if you remote dial from your computer after finding a phone number that you want to call.

 

[rockosmodurnlif]

Apple has continued to sell their various sizes of iPod, I think that they are here to stay for the next few revisions at least, some love the shuffle b/c of its size, many love the nano because of the integration with Nike+, and it also being a great workout companion. The iPod will likely continue to have just 2 sizes, and the iPhone's marketing should continue to differentiate itself from the iPod, I really think the iPod must become a companion or change it's role to keep up. Who wants an iPhone in 1 pocket and a iPod in the other (or in their purse)? no one. I'm interested to see how Apple markets each of these without greatly cannibalizing sales. The iPhone could mean the death of the Nano if apps are developed to integrate Nike+. Their similar storage size makes them compete directly, rather than the iPod, but just thinking about these things gets confusing, each one eats the other now. Here's a list more for me than others to get things straight:

1. iPhone eats iPod Nano due to similar storage sizes, developed apps could mean Nike+ is integrated, Nano no longer has much to offer besides being small.
2. Nano has always put the Shuffle in the shadow, lots of people don't see why to own a Shuffle, "just save up some money and buy a nano" is the advice I hear from friends, colleagues, ect. The Shuffle is sort of a fashion statement these days (at least at my university).
3. 6G iPod and iPhone will probably be very similar and it's hard to see who will eat who.
A.Can Apple make iPhone owners want a 6G iPod? Yes.
B.Will 6G iPod owners want an iPhone? Maybe.
C.Could the 6G iPod's interface be so amazing that it will set the standard for consumers that the iPhone and it's little brothers (when released) will be the only suitable interface for many looking to purchase new cell phones? quite possibly

iPhone does not equal iPod. They are very different devices that fill different needs.

iPhone: 4.5h x 2.4w x 0.46d; 4.8 oz.
iPod nano: 3.5h x 1.6w x 0.26d; 1.41 oz.
iPod (80GB): 4.1h x 2.4w x 0.55d; 5.5 oz.

The iPhone is not going to get rid of the market for the nano, it's as big as the iPod and people buy the nano because it is small.

The iPhone is not an iPod because it doesn't have the storage capacity.

And know this about every iPod upgrade, the device has gotten smaller. So all the crap that some of you want added has to fit in the same or smaller case. Sure the iPhone is nearly the same size as the iPod but the iPod is already full. The iPhone doesn't have a spinning hard drive, it is a nano+, coincidentally with almost all the features some of you are predicting, and look how big that made it.

 

[walangij]

iPhone does not equal iPod. They are very different devices that fill different needs.

[...]

The iPhone is not going to get rid of the market for the nano, it's as big as the iPod and people buy the nano because it is small.

The iPhone is not an iPod because it doesn't have the storage capacity.

And know this about every iPod upgrade, the device has gotten smaller. So all the crap that some of you want added has to fit in the same or smaller case. Sure the iPhone is nearly the same size as the iPod but the iPod is already full. The iPhone doesn't have a spinning hard drive, it is a nano+, coincidentally with almost all the features some of you are predicting, and look how big that made it.

It is true that the iPhone and iPod are very different devices. I do not know how long Apple will be able to maintain this though. Especially if the iPhone comes out with smaller less functional versions but that's pure speculation for future subjects.

It is true that each device "fills different needs" but those needs are being blurred, with the iPhone as "The Best iPod we've ever made" makes it one super functional nano in a sense if we compare storage sizes. The shuffle, who has ever needed a shuffle? In that sense, who has ever needed an iPod? I don't think anyone has needed any of these things, everyone just wants them. This want is created by marketing. The iPod's next revision will have to have some substantial claims in order for their sales to continue to grow and in order for it to be marketable. The most substantial that we've heard of is the OSX base. Now I do not know if that means the nano will receive it because it doesn't makes sense since people purchase it for its form factor, who wants to use OSX on a screen that is ~ 1.2 x 3.2? Odd size, unless they change it.

The OSX base will be the most revolutionary change to the iPod besides the mutlitouch and glass screen (I'm going on a limb and assuming these will be included, hopefully they will!). How the OSX base will be integrated, that's all up to speculation, a prettier GUI/coverflow is essential as Fuzzy Orange has said, even the Zune is above now. All the other things we've been speculating : bluetooth, wifi, browser, camera, mail, ect. Are basically based on the iPhone, so we're just feeling around in the dark. If all these goodies are introduced, the portable media player market will be drastically shaken as will the consumers. It would sound like Apple to choose to shake things up before another company does ala iPhone. But Apple could just change the way people use portable media players through interface rather than features. Either way, IMO we'll see some huge changes the the top of the line iPod soon.

 

[bloodycape]

I know the iPod doesn't have any competition and probably won't have any for quite some time. I'm just saying more and more of the media players are adding features that some users may find more intriguing than what the current iPod has to offer.

Apple is adding more features that make their products more compelling to more people. And technically it's not right after the release of the iPhone, it will be in less than 4 months, so the iPhone hysteria will have calmed down considerably.

Ok, so maybe I was going a bit overboard with the SMS messages. Terribly sorry. The email is more rational. There is an Archos player that can browse the internet over WiFi, the Archos 704. It has an 80GB hard drive, but weighs 22 ounces. This is where Apple can improve the market if they see fit. The 100GB hard drive with a weight of 6 ounces is a hell of an improvement.

There is also the 604 which is a 4.3in device unlike the 704 and upcoming 705 which is a 7in widescreen media player and the upcoming 05 series which is suppose to have a 3.5in model with wifi, 4-8gigs of flash and a SD card slot. I don't think it comes with its own email client(unless the Opera browser also has built in mail like the desktop versions).

 

[DopestGingah]

Steve wants to further the iPod/iPhone brand and the only logical step in improving on the iPod is making it a more stable platform. Adding some form (has to be solid though) of OS X is inevitable.