Touch Screen Video iPod Coming Soon?

[EricNau]

... Forget the batteriestuff.

My watch is solar-powered.

 

[echeck]

Granted I skipped about four pages in the middle of this thread, but has anyone discussed price points? I would think that if they intend to sell this alongside the 5th Gen iPod then this new touchscreen, larger display device would be more expensive. If the prices are the same then I can't see sales for the 5th Gen being very strong.

 

[tkermit]

I have a question about the proposed design (tkermit's). Maybe this has been asked, apologies if so.

How do you use the buttons? (Previous song, next song, pause/play, menu)

If the scroll wheel only shows up when you touch the screen... how does it know where to show up? I mean does the top of the wheel show up where you touch, then you touch again to hit the button you want? (Which you can't do without looking, most likely.) So there's two touches, and your second touch has to be relative to the first one.

That sounds fine, maybe, for first time users, but once you've used the iPod for a while you want to use it without looking. Maybe they could have an advanced mode like this:

Is it possible they do away with displaying the scroll wheel completely? Then you just use gesturing to input, similar to mouse gestures?

Move thumb left->right = next
Move thumb right->left = prev
Move thumb down->up = menu
Move thumb up->down = play/pause
Move thumb in circle = scroll

Then there's still the problem of if you only want to scroll one song/artist/whatever down, it would be difficult to interpret the scrolling. (I guess the scrolling speeds up, though, so it might be possible.)

Gestures is a concept lost on beginners, not iPod material I think.
I'm fairly certain they are going to keep the "image" of the clickwheel. People are accustomed to it and the metaphor drastically helps beginners understand the usage.

In my mind at least it would work out as follows:

I. the iPod's got an integrated orientation sensor

-> 1. It doesn't matter which side is up

-> 2. as long as it is held vertically like you would operate today's iPod, the virtual clickwheel just shows up exactly where today's real clickwheel sits
=> easy to understand model with real-world-connection (the actual clickwheel)
=> no relearning for people used to the clickwheel
=> possibility to use the iPod exactly the same way you can use today's iPod

->3. when held horizontally the iPod instantly changes the graphics, so the content is displayed appropriately

problem: Where are the controls supposed to be situated ?
solution: exactly where you expect them - the clickwheel position doesn't change at all, only its orientation.
- using the clickwheel works equally well holding the iPod vertically or horizontally and makes most sense at the same position.
=> you get a sense of "stability" from the interface (the virtual clickwheel always stays at the same position)


it would r e a l l y always stay at the same position - to use it left-handedly you just flip it 180°

The possibility of using the iPod blindly would probably be lost.

 

[mackeeper]

Here it is.

 

[tkermit]

Here it is.

this is actually the "new" version

btw: the clickwheel overlay could also be nicely reminiscent of the black-transparent OS X overlay windows showing up e.g. in iPhoto / Quicktime - Apple should be able to create something stunning there

 

[Austin.xstone]

Is that the real thing or something done is PS? Looks goos though

 

[Superdrive]

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.

I'm afraid I do not understand your post. Perhaps I'm missing how a 1G 5 gig iPod is obsolete. Apple could come out with a iPod + 3 Wish Genie tomorrow and that iPod from 2001 will still connect to iTunes, iTMS, and play music just fine. I think you are out of your element.

 

[iminimac]

what is everyone going on about "limited music playback"
this ipod or vpod or whatever it will be called will still play music exaclty the same as the 5g. You may have to take it out of ur pocket and look at the screen to change a track but most people will not mind and if you do mind then you can always buy a remote and get fm radio at the same time

 

[BillyShears]

The possibility of using the iPod blindly would probably be lost.

That's why I like the idea of gestures better, maybe as an "advanced" option. I don't know.

(I thought you had the scroll wheel shifting around, but I guess that was an earlier version or I am half-crazy.)

 

[Mr. DG]

Just got a 5G. To be honest, Im not that bothered about video playback, so i'm quite happy with it as a music player. What does annoy me is that a video iPod would logically have to have better battery life and that means more music playback time.

Screw video, i'll get one if the battery life for music is doubled. There's no way apple will cut out music playback out of a video ipod. It was never called - for example - iMusic in the beginning and you can bet it's deliberate - "Pod" signifies a place where you can put anything you like. ATM its music and a bit of video, in the future it'll be all sorts.

 

[Over Achiever]

I have a feeling that while the new video iPod will have better battery life for video, somehow the music battery life may be threatened. I think it's because of the larger screen, and having the screen light up every time you want to change something.

Therefore the 5G iPod will stay music centric, with battery life up to 15-20 hours. The video iPod will be more video centric, with battery life up to say ... 4 hours video, but a mere 8 hours music. Which would definitely be a tradeoff, maintaining the appeal of the current 5G.

Also the size of the video iPod will be thicker than the current iPod and costlier, so those that don't need video will stick with the 5G iPod. I can see them selling these side by side actually.

The differences would be:
Higher price
Thicker/larger body
Larger (more easily damaged) screen
Decreased music playback (battery life)
Ease of use (for those that love the clickwheel)

They'll eventually phase out the 5G if sales decrease dramatically. But I definitely see them selling both.

-OA

PS How will cases be able to protect the screen now if they have a virtual clickpad? Yes Invisible Shield is nice, but I like using the hard cases from Contour, the iSee. That provides good protection, but I doubt it can sense my finger through the polycarbonate. I like the touchscreen concept tho'.

 

[Piarco]

If this does come to pass, and it had certain desirable features (better battery life, wifi) and it the no bigger than my 5G 60GB, I'd consider getting one. Like others say, the video is a nice little addition, but is rarely used by me as I don't have a big commute to work, and only holiday twice a year and as a result a purely video focused iPod would have little use - I already sold on a PSP for the same reason.

But add in those extra features and I'll definitely consider one!

 

[Photorun]

Offtopic:
Mechanical watches are the only watches. Forget the batteriestuff.
Offtopic finished.

Bet you think punch card computers are the only computers too or that plows pulled by oxen are the only real plows?

 

[Photorun]

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.

You're so dead on because (picks up his first gen iPod) I bought this first generation iPod and it (plugs cable into computer) doesn't work any mor...errr, oh, hey, it still works with iTunes! And look, I plug in my headphones and I can still music. Hmmm, I guess I CAN still use my original iPod!

Your point is PWND!!!

 

[alywa]

Oh Noes!!!

I've actually read through this entire thread, and it makes my head want to explode.

This is a rumor. None of us know what will happen.

A new iPod won't suddenly make your old iPod obsolete, just as a new Honda Civic doesn't make your 2003 fall apart and die.

It is inevitable that Apple will move into the portable video market in a bigger way. They aren't adding all of this content to iTMS without a clear plan to use it in many exciting new ways in the future.

Ripping DVD's is not a big deal, but it is likely illegal under the DMCA. Fair use will not outweigh the breaking of encryption IMHO.

The whole argument about portable video players in the past was lack of legal content. Well, legal content is here and is increasing. Apple isn't going to rest on its laurals and allow creative / archos / iRiver to suddently team up with Vongo or MS and own the market.

As far as people complaining about the seemingly constant introduction of new iPods, WTF? There have been 5 generations of iPods in 5 years. The mini lasted for 1.5 years and was replaced by the nano. The shuffle has been here, unchanged for 1 year. The perception that they are constantly being updated is because there are 3 distinct lines of iPods... a vPod could possibly represent a fourth. I really don't think it is to replace the 5G, which is still a music player foremost with the added bonus of video playback.

Everyone needs to relax. The world is not ending. Your old iPod is still cool. It still works just as well today as it did when you bought it (battery issues aside). The tech world moves fast, and you just can't get bogged down always having to have the latest and greatest. There will ALWAYS be something new just around the corner. The day that fact stops is the day Apple and their competitors are no longer in business.

 

[savar]

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.

It can't. DVD ripping software is, I believe, illegal to use on most commercial DVDs. Apple, as a large distributor, would get in trouble for widely distributing an application which has few legal uses.

 

[Hunabku]

You're so dead on because (picks up his first gen iPod) I bought this first generation iPod and it (plugs cable into computer) doesn't work any mor...errr, oh, hey, it still works with iTunes! And look, I plug in my headphones and I can still music. Hmmm, I guess I CAN still use my original iPod!

Your point is PWND!!!

Well said Photorun! I have been using my 20 GB G2 iPod extensively since 2002 and it is still running fine from the original battery - albiet not as long of battery life but decent since I always plug it in when I'm not using it. It has lived in the humid, rainy climate of Hawaii, gone to many beaches and dropped on pavement while jogging.

I don't care if Apple comes out with a new iPod every month, just so long as they continue to build em more reliable, usable and cool than their less inspired competition does.

BTW what does PWND mean. : - )

 

[jouster]

This is a rumor. None of us know what will happen.

I never see the point of this observation. Of course it's a rumor. Rumors are what we are here to discuss. It's even in the site's name.

 

[eric_n_dfw]

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).)

As I said in my prior comment, the lack of real buttons that "give" when you push on them is a major drawback to me, and obviously the market as Apple dropped the "touch-wheel" based iPod interface quickly.

The audible clicks my 3G iPod gives are okay, but useless in loud environments like a train station or while mowing the lawn.

Tactile feedback is king!

 

[Cue]

this is actually the "new" version

btw: the clickwheel overlay could also be nicely reminiscent of the black-transparent OS X overlay windows showing up e.g. in iPhoto / Quicktime - Apple should be able to create something stunning there

I really digg this design! I believe the concept is perfect.

The fact that you can have a virtual click wheel during "music mode" which gives you the feeling of todays ipod is brilliant!
That means that apple doesn't have to sacrifice the well respected usability of the ipod in favour of video!

Does anyone know how large the screen size can be taking into account the current size of the ipod?

 

[dejo]

Does anyone know how large the screen size can be taking into account the current size of the ipod?

The current diagonal dimension of the iPod is 4.5 inches (114mm), so probably a maximum of 4.25 inches (108mm).

 

[BWhaler]

I have a feeling that while the new video iPod will have better battery life for video, somehow the music battery life may be threatened. I think it's because of the larger screen, and having the screen light up every time you want to change something.

Therefore the 5G iPod will stay music centric, with battery life up to 15-20 hours. The video iPod will be more video centric, with battery life up to say ... 4 hours video, but a mere 8 hours music. Which would definitely be a tradeoff, maintaining the appeal of the current 5G.

Also the size of the video iPod will be thicker than the current iPod and costlier, so those that don't need video will stick with the 5G iPod. I can see them selling these side by side actually.

The differences would be:
Higher price
Thicker/larger body
Larger (more easily damaged) screen
Decreased music playback (battery life)
Ease of use (for those that love the clickwheel)

They'll eventually phase out the 5G if sales decrease dramatically. But I definitely see them selling both.

-OA

PS How will cases be able to protect the screen now if they have a virtual clickpad? Yes Invisible Shield is nice, but I like using the hard cases from Contour, the iSee. That provides good protection, but I doubt it can sense my finger through the polycarbonate. I like the touchscreen concept tho'.

This makes zero sense.

If Apple increases battery life for video, they will have to do it by either increasing the battery capacity or increasing the size of the memory cache. The only impact doing either of these--or both--will be more battery life for music.

As for your other speculations:

Higher price Probably at first
Thicker/larger body Why?
Larger (more easily damaged) screen Probably
Decreased music playback (battery life) Wrong. there will be more space for a larger batter
Ease of use (for those that love the clickwheel) Again, who knows. But Apple is in the business of making tech simple.

 

[alywa]

I never see the point of this observation. Of course it's a rumor. Rumors are what we are here to discuss. It's even in the site's name.

Well, you've got me there!

-alywa

 

[ack_mac]

I hope this rumor is true.. I have hesitated to buy the current video iPod because the screen is still too small for my liking..

The PSP is selling quite well, and as my last visit to Target can attest, there is a huge selection of available movies now. Apple is not going to sit around and watch Sony conquer this market for much longer, and that is what the new iPod is being designed for.

People need to get a grip about this "too many iPod's being released" crap.. This does not make the current iPod's obsolete, it shows that Apple is constantly innovating, it shows that Apple is giving the consumer what they want, it shows that Apple can make changes quickly in a fickle marketplace.

If this thing is for real, I am buying one (and I bet there will be several other million people who feel the same way)...

 

[~Shard~]

Here's another mock-up of the new iPod.