Claimed Next-Generation iPod Touch Case Points to Significant Redesign

[MacRumors]

While part leaks for the next-generation iPhone have been plentiful, similar leaks for an updated iPod touch have been harder to locate, with a front panel showing an opening for a larger 4-inch display having been the only known leak so far.

Back in late July, Mac Otakara reported that the device would adopt the A5 system-on-a-chip found in the iPhone 4S, as well as a buffed aluminum shell. The report also claimed that there is a mystery hole in the lower portion of the rear shell, with a rendering based on the rumors showing the feature located in the lower center of the device.

GizChina now posts photos of what is said to be a case for the next-generation iPod touch, seemingly showing a less-tapered design. The case shows a widened rear camera hole that the report suggests could hint at the addition of an LED flash as seen on the iPhone. The current iPod touch does have a microphone in that location, however, and the opening in this new case may simply be to accommodate the same feature.

The new case also shows the "mystery hole" described in the Mac Otakara report, but it is located in the lower corner of the rear shell rather than in the center.

As you can see from the photos these cases suggest that the next generation iPod touch will have a new design (at least to the rear) and seem to be have a much less pronounced taper to the edges when compared to the current iPod touch 4.

The cases could also give away possible details as to the spec of the 5th generation iPod touch 5. The hole around the camera area to the left for example looks to have been elongated and tapered to fit around a possible LED flash to help with low light photography, and there is also the appearance of a new 'mystery hole' in the lower left hand side of the case.

The report speculates that the mystery hole could be for a speaker or microphone of some sort, but there have yet to be any part leaks to provide additional hints at its function.

As with the tapered iPhone cases seen in 2011, case companies are sometimes incorrect in their designs, and thus part leaks such as those seen for the next-generation iPhone are regarded as much more significant. But in the absence of major part leaks for the next iPod touch, cases bearing a new design are currently one of the only pieces of evidence available for fueling speculation and discussion of a potential redesign for the device.

Article Link: Claimed Next-Generation iPod Touch Case Points to Significant Redesign

 

[i0nTiGer]

Bottom round hole could be for a speaker?

 

[charlieegan3]

don't 3d cameras have 2 lenses? just a thought, doubt that's what it's for though.

 

[Mark Booth]

don't 3d cameras have 2 lenses?

My thoughts, exactly.

Mark

 

[levitynyc]

"Mystery hole" just doesn't sound right.

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don't 3d cameras have 2 lenses? just a thought, doubt that's what it's for though.

3D lenses are typically close together than parallel

 

[le.vent]

"iPad mini" has a "mystery hole" but smaller than this

 

[cvaldes]

The simplest explanation for the separate hole would be a standalone LED flash. The microphone would remain in its current location next to the camera lens.

When you separate the flash from the lens, you reduce red-eye a little bit, and improve the lighting (less of that "deer in the headlights") look. That's why wedding and event photographers use flash brackets.

That said, it's probably a fake. Most rumors here end up being false.

 

[drewisanapple]

iOS event September 12. I feel it.

 

[applefanDrew]

The simplest explanation for the separate hole would be a standalone LED flash. The microphone would remain in its current location next to the camera lens.

When you separate the flash from the lens, you reduce red-eye a little bit, and improve the lighting (less of that "deer in the headlights") look. That's why wedding and event photographers use flash brackets.

Actually the simplest explanation is a headphone jack. Looks like the new iPod will follow the more square/rectangle design of iPhone.

 

[redfirebird08]

I just want to know when they'll finally deliver 128 gigs or more in the iPod Touch.

 

[snebes]

Actually the simplest explanation is a headphone jack. Looks like the new iPod will follow the more square/rectangle design of iPhone.

The simplest explanation for the separate hole would be a standalone LED flash. The microphone would remain in its current location next to the camera lens.

You're both wrong. It is a COAX connector for the external TV antenna.

 

[Aidan5806]

O.O ITS A HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTOR COMBINED WITH A LASER POINTER COMBINED WITH A 3D PRINTER No but seriously those cases look wafer thin and awesome.

 

[CallOfDuty]

A big hole at the bottom of the back of the iPod sounds like a blasphemous design idea right from the design studios of Apple - it serves no real purpose.

Being it the headphone jack, speakers.

But hey. What if its for NFC? A black bar for NFC and the most importantly wifi?

 

[Mago]

Dual camera for 3D? Unlikely.
Flash? Unlikely (while a good trick).

Its more likely to be just Stereo Speakers.

 

[cvaldes]

Actually the simplest explanation is a headphone jack. Looks like the new iPod will follow the more square/rectangle design of iPhone.

Not if the iPod touch has a similar thinness.

The current iPod touch is 7.2 mm thick. The length of the metal part of a 3-conductor 3.5mm audio jack is 14 mm long.

In order for your assumption to be true, the thickness of the iPod touch would need to be increased to about 20 mm or Apple would have to go to a totally different, non-standard audio plug, neither of which sound plausible.

It's comments like these that make me view tech media sites as science fiction short story repositories more than anything remotely journalistic or frequented by people connected to reality.

 

[Love Juice]

Actually the simplest explanation is a headphone jack. Looks like the new iPod will follow the more square/rectangle design of iPhone.

a headphone jack on the rear of the device? lmfao

 

[locust76]

iPad nano.

 

[applefanDrew]

Not if the iPod touch has a similar thinness.

The current iPod touch is 7.2 mm thick. The length of the metal part of a 3-conductor 3.5mm audio jack is 14 mm long.

In order for your assumption to be true, the thickness of the iPod touch would need to be increased to about 20 mm or Apple would have to go to a totally different, non-standard audio plug, neither of which sound plausible.

It's comments like these that make me view tech media sites as science fiction short story repositories more than anything remotely journalistic or frequently by people connected to reality.

Ah good info. Thanks.

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a headphone jack on the rear of the device? lmfao

It would be kinda stupid. But what else would it be for?

 

[Mike Oxard]

The new hole is to allow you to put your fingertip on the body of the iPod to allow it to be scanned.

 

[charlituna]

"Mystery hole" just doesn't sound right.

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3D lenses are typically close together than parallel

The lenses are generally roughly the distance from pupil to pupil. So given the size of a touch, it could be an okay length

But my question is why? Especially debuting in the Touch

Frankly I think this is bs. The lack of rumors is more likely because nothing is happening to the Touch or this 'iPad mini' is the Touch

 

[firestarter]

"Mystery hole" just doesn't sound right.

Agreed.

How about 'Lucky Hole'?

 

[ccmovies]

The simplest explanation for the separate hole would be a standalone LED flash. The microphone would remain in its current location next to the camera lens.

Um, I don't think the flash would be all the way down there. How are you suppose to hold it? Won't your hand be in the way?

 

[3282868]

"Mystery hole" just doesn't sound right.

ha thanks for the laugh, been a rough week, needed that chuckle

 

[testcard]

Um, I don't think the flash would be all the way down there. How are you suppose to hold it? Won't your hand be in the way?

Exactly. I'm guessing a drain hole for those owners (and there are many of them) who drop their devices into the toilet.

 

[fastlanephil]

Frankly I think this is bs. The lack of rumors is more likely because nothing is happening to the Touch or this 'iPad mini' is the Touch

I'm thinking the Touch might be discontinued but it would be pretty hard to stick an iPad mini into your pocket so I imagine the Touch will still be an option for those that want the iPhone form factor but don't want a monthly $100 cell phone bill.