More Claims of Smaller, Square iPod Nano Next Week, Along With Possible 3G iPod Touch and iLife

[MacRumors]

Mockup comparing possible next-generation iPod nano form factor to 2nd-generation model
AppleInsider offers new claims of a significant redesign of the iPod nano scheduled for release at next week's media event, lending additional weight to the square cases and earlier rumors associated with the device.

People familiar with the matter indicated that the size and shape of the device, revealed this week through photos of third-party cases, will be more akin to the iPod shuffle than the current-generation iPod nano. Even with this small size, however, it is expected to have a traditional iPod dock connector, allowing compatibility with the existing iPod accessory ecosystem.

The new iPod nano is said to utilize a tiny 3cm-by-3cm display that was revealed in its bare form as unknown Apple-branded component earlier this summer. For comparison, the second-generation iPod nano had a screen that was about 3cm by 2.5cm.

In addition to the iPod nano, the report notes that Apple has been toying with plans to release a version of the iPod touch offering 3G cellular data access. The company is said to have begun seriously considering the idea after seeing the success of the 3G-capable version of the iPad released earlier this year, and prototypes of 3G-capable iPod touches are claimed to be in existence.

Finally, rumors of an update to Apple's iLife suite persist, with today's report suggesting that a portion of next week's media event might be devoted to a new version of Apple's multimedia suite. With Apple having moved to an approximately 18-month release cycle over the last few versions of iLife and the current version having been released in early 2009, an update in the near future would be a reasonable guess. One claim from late last month predicted an August 17th release for "iLife '11", which is rumored to see the discontinuation of iDVD, a significant revamp of iWeb, and a new "mystery" application. The claimed release did not, however, occur on the predicted date.

Article Link: More Claims of Smaller, Square iPod Nano Next Week, Along With Possible 3G iPod Touch and iLife

 

[Eidorian]

Must resist 3G iPod Touch...

 

[lbro]

Wouldn't they need to make the iPod touch a lot thicker to put a 3g chip in it?

 

[Amnak]

If the 3g is like 5-10$ that would be an awesome deal anymore and i would get an iPhone.

 

[rwilliams]

If Apple releases a 3G-enabled iPod Touch, what reason would anyone have going forward to buy an iPhone, especially if the Touch also gets front and rear cameras? You could simply use WiFi or 3G to make phone calls via Skype or Vonage, and only pay about $30 a month for the privilege of doing so.

 

[ChrisGonzales90]

I would happy take a thicker device for 3G. why does everything need to be super thin and small? I want a sturdy, solid product

If the 3g is like 5-10$ tjat would be an awesome deal anymore and i would get an iPhone

Yeah expect with the iPhone you are tired down to a 2 year contrat where was this would most likely be like the ipad. Pre paid and cancel at anytime.

 

[ovrlrd]

If Apple releases a 3G-enabled iPod Touch, what reason would anyone have going forward to buy an iPhone, especially if the Touch also gets front and rear cameras? You could simply use WiFi or 3G to make phone calls via Skype or Vonage, and only pay about $30 a month for the privilege of doing so.

Yeah I am going to have to say the 3G thing is bogus. It works for an iPad because it's not a phone replacement, but the iPod touch could easily be used for that.

 

[ChrisGonzales90]

If Apple releases a 3G-enabled iPod Touch, what reason would anyone have going forward to buy an iPhone, especially if the Touch also gets front and rear cameras? You could simply use WiFi or 3G to make phone calls via Skype or Vonage, and only pay about $30 a month for the privilege of doing so.

Simple. Those who dont want a phone or dont want to be tied down to a contract

 

[lbro]

I would happy take a thicker device for 3G. why does everything need to be super thin and small? I want a sturdy, solid product



Yeah expect with the iPhone you are tired down to a 2 year contrat where was this would most likely be like the ipad. Pre paid and cancel at anytime.

Which is exactly why I don't think the iPod touch will get 3g.

 

[ChrisGonzales90]

Which is exactly why I don't think the iPod touch will get 3g.

Because it may be thicker or that you want everyone to have contracts. Money is tight now a days (thanks to the shrub we had for 8 years) Many are looking towards contractless plans.

Plus many already have a phone that they love, or are stuck in a contract already and don't want to pay to get out of it (Its $250 + )

 

[lbro]

Because it may be thicker or that you want everyone to have contracts. Money is tight now a days (thanks to the shrub we had for 8 years) Many are looking towards contractless plans.

Plus many already have a phone that they love, or are stuck in a contract already and don't want to pay to get out of it (Its $250 + )

Exactly, Apple doesn't want the iPod touch to cannibalize iPhone sales because it wouldn't make as much money for them.

 

[rwilliams]

Simple. Those who dont want a phone or dont want to be tied down to a contract

Wouldn't such a move seriously eat into Apple's profits? The iPhone is their top money maker, and you're going to see a lot less of them sold if you can get cheap monthly rates for a 3G iPod touch.

 

[SqB]

the simple lack of a speaker at the top of the phone for the ear will keep most people from trying to use it as a phone.

 

[lbro]

the simple lack of a speaker at the top of the phone for the ear will keep most people from trying to use it as a phone.

So just because of that your going to spend a few hundred extra dollarson an iPhone? I wouldn't.

 

[ChrisGonzales90]

Wouldn't such a move seriously eat into Apple's profits? The iPhone is their top money maker, and you're going to see a lot less of them sold if you can get cheap monthly rates for a 3G iPod touch.

how so?

The iPhone will be there for those who want... well... a phone.

The touch will be there for those who don't want/need a phone but still want data outside of wifi and trust me, the mobile internet is the way we are going towards.

the simple lack of a speaker at the top of the phone for the ear will keep most people from trying to use it as a phone.

Don't forget the lack of the phone app.

 

[Peace]

Perhaps this supposed iPod touch w/3G is mistaken for a 7" iPad ?

 

[SqB]

So just because of that your going to spend a few hundred extra dollars? I wouldn't.

No, I'm not going to because I'm an "advanced" user like most people on here. I'm very familiar with using SIP phones and have one that I use on my iPad already.

I'm saying that the majority of folks who buy the new iPod Touch won't. They won't want to fuss with plugging in headphones to make a phone call or having to remember to turn on Skype/Voip app to run in the background.

 

[lbro]

how so?

The iPhone will be there for those who want... well... a phone.

The touch will be there for those who don't want/need a phone but still want data outside of wifi and trust me, the mobile internet is the way we are going towards.



Don't forget the lack of the phone app.

Apple would rather have someone spend $600 on an iPhone than have them spend $200 on an iPod touch and a cellphone. Obviously, an consumer who purchases an iPhone will benefit apple a lot more than a consumer who purchases an iPod touch and a regular cellphone.

 

[Dekimasu]

Hard to believe the tiny nano fills the same niche as the big nano. Maybe Apple will continue to offer the bigger nano alongside the new one, and eliminate the shuffle branding from the lineup.

 

[Princess Cake]

Ewwwww... I was holding on to my 4th gen waiting for this generation but by the looks of it I'd better pick up a new 5th gen.

 

[NinjaHERO]

If that is really the new nano.....wow.

 

[rwilliams]

how so?

The iPhone will be there for those who want... well... a phone.

The touch will be there for those who don't want/need a phone but still want data outside of wifi and trust me, the mobile internet is the way we are going towards.

But who's going to need a phone if your iPod Touch has connectivity everywhere and you have quality, FREE apps like Skype and Vonage Mobile for making phone calls?

 

[ChrisGonzales90]

Perhaps this supposed iPod touch w/3G is mistaken for a 7" iPad ?

Maybe. but then again, have there been any leaked parts or is it all just rumors?

I don't see them adding a new ipad this year. Next year perhaps.

I do wonder if the iPod touch will get a new name if it ever gets 3G? Perhaps move it in line with the iPad or even the iphone? Reason why I say that is the touch is more then just a music player but more like a PDA or hand held computer.

and if it gets 3G do you think it will be tied down to ATT (most likely) or have it so you can use it on any Carrier?

 

[SqB]

But who's going to need a phone if your iPod Touch has connectivity everywhere and you have quality, FREE apps like Skype and Vonage Mobile for making phone calls?

People like my wife/mom/dad/uncle/friend at work who want to press the "Phone" button and make a "Phone" call.

Remember, the vast majority of people who use the iPhone are not cutting edge tech users. They make phone calls, send text messages and play words with friends.

 

[ChrisGonzales90]

Apple would rather have someone spend $600 on an iPhone than have them spend $200 on an iPod touch and a cellphone. Obviously, an consumer who purchases an iPhone will benefit apple a lot more than a consumer who purchases an iPod touch and a regular cellphone.

who said they will buy both? May be they are happy with their current phone , or are already in a contract? You tend to forget that Apple is a busniness and on top of making money they need to also make products that pretain to everyone. Having 3G access will make them just as much money as they do with out it.

But who's going to need a phone if your iPod Touch has connectivity everywhere and you have quality, FREE apps like Skype and Vonage Mobile for making phone calls?

I already explained it.