Is Apple Planning An iPod Nano Style iPhone?
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Richard Baguley Published on July 05, 2007 Comment on this |
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5th July 2007 - Looks like Apple aren't going to be resting on their laurels from the iPhone; a recently unearthed patent application from the company describes a way that they could combine an iPod-style clickwheel and a number dial. In theory, this patent (which was found by Unwired View could be leading up to an iPod Nano-style cell phone.
The patent describes how a conventional circular touch pad could do double duty as a way to dial phone numbers: the numbers are placed around the edge of the dialing pad, and the user can select a number by touching the appropriate section of the pad. For a real retro feel, the touch pad can also be used like an old-fashioned rotating dialler; the user can drag their finger around the apd until they reach the appropriate number. The patent also describes a way that the pad can show multiple symbols: a series of lights and a graphics generator under the touch pad display different symbols on the touch pad, depending what mode it is in. So, it could show play/pause buttons in iPod mode, or numbers around the edge in phone mode.
However, we wouldn't start queing just yet; patents like this are designed to protect a concept, not a specific product. These concepts may (or many not) find their way into products, but it is a good indicator that Apple is looking at products beyond the iPhone, and is actively considering a simpler version. It's also a pretty safe assumption that such a new iPhone would be smaller and cheaper than the existing models.
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