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Is this a sneak preview of the 6G iPod?
Dean Mortlock
1 comment 11 May 2007
A new Apple patent has been released to the public that apparently shows the company are working on an original design for a touch-sensitive media player…
Rumours of the 6G iPod started not long after the 5G one, but this is potentially the strongest indicator we’ve seen that Apple are planning on releasing something unique, rather than an iPhone design minus the phone.
The patent was filed on 5 January 2007, just four days before Apple’s announcement of the iPhone and is, apparently, a continuation of a patent that was filed over two years ago on 26 April 2005.
A summary of the patent claims that it is: “An electronic device uses separate surfaces for input and output. One of the surfaces (e.g., the bottom) includes a force-sensitive touch-surface through which a user provides input (e.g., cursor manipulation and control element selection). On a second surface (e.g., the top), a display element is used to present information appropriate to the device’s function (e.g., video information), one or more control elements and a cursor. The cursor is controlled through manipulation of the back-side touch-surface. The cursor identifies where on the back-side touch-surface the user’s finger has made contact.”
Putting that into English, the device would have a screen on one side and a touch-sensitive area on the other. Finger movements on the back of the device would move a cursor around on the front display. Then, as the back of the unit would be force-sensitive too, the user could apply pressure where needed and the option highlighted would be selected.
The patent summary concludes by saying: “Accordingly, the electronic device may be operated with a single hand, wherein cursor movement and control element selection may be accomplished without lifting one’s finger.”
The patent is credited to one John Elias of Fingerworks, a touch interface design company that’s now owned by Apple.
iPlay Opinion
The timing of the release of this patent is very timely, and we’re sure that’s something that Apple have considered. With the iPhone on the horizon (in the US at least) and rumours starting to build up around the 6G iPod, this couldn’t have come at a better time.
It may be another red herring from Apple, yet is might also be a very clear indicator that one of the most innovative companies around is planning something very special to fight back against the growing threat from mobile phones.
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comment 1
Hope so. That sounds really cool. Looking at the picture it looks like support is also there for an iPhone, too. Wonder if that's just there to throw us off the scent!
posted by Davey 21.05.07 |
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