Mystery Apple mini-touchscreen may be used for new iPod
updated 08:05 am EDT, Fri July 9, 2010
Apple 1.2-inch square touchscreen leaks
Apple may be planning a major iPod redesign or another class of device altogether if a discovered part today is an indication. A 1.2-inch square touch display has surfaced at Taiwan's Apple.pro with clear Apple labeling and a thin black frame. It has two connectors; one of these is presumed to attach to a home button, although the button isn't part of the frame here.
Speculation suggests that the display could be used for a replacement of the iPod shuffle. The company's cheapest media player has gone without a screen since birth, but much of the reasoning has been dictated by the need for physical controls that take up valuable space. A very small touchscreen could solve the issue and open up even the smallest player to photos, videos and even apps.
Other options aren't as clear and could see the screen used as a companion display for a Mac or an entirely different device. The Apple connector has a 2009 copyright, but that may only suggest it borrowing older parts or being an early prototype.
Ugh!
07/09, 09:34am reply
The could've Photoshopped the p*bic hairs out of the images before posting them. Yuk! No prizes for guessing how the device was smuggled out then.
Feathers
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Oct 1999
awesome!!!
07/09, 09:55am reply
a screen for a new ipod touch mini!!!! if it was new retina technology that would make the thing what, about 500 pixels large?
Herod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
iPad Pico?
07/09, 10:17am reply
For people with too little space and tiny hands.
Will C
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
My Guess...
07/09, 10:57am reply
A screen for the back of the new iPod Touch... so that the front facing camera can be facing away from you to take photos and video.....
facebook_Brian
Via Facebook
Joined: Jul 2010
iMote
07/09, 01:06pm reply
Maybe a part of the remote for the new AppleTV? The small touch-screen might respond to various gestures, or even act like an analog joystick.
WiseWeasel
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999
it would ruin the shuffle
07/09, 03:29pm reply
The whole point of the shuffle is that it's small, light, and easy to manipulate when used during activities (like running, working, etc).
Putting a screen on it to handle all the controls would make it a non-starter for most. h***, at that point, you might as well get a nano.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001