iPod Video... Details?

Permalink: 8/23/2005 05:18:00 AM | << Back Home

Apple is in a rush to gather content for a portable video solution. I spoke on the phone with a contact working at Apple and uncovered some pretty interesting stuff!

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First off, Apple is struggling with the design for the device mainly due to the 16:9/16:10 screen desired... mainly due to concerns over size, cost, and battery-life. Due to aspect ratio of the display, the original plan was for the device to be thinner left-to-right, most likely with the scroll wheel to the side of the display. (as shown below) However, due the physical dimensions of the actual hard-disk for the device, they've now scaled the scroll wheel closer to size of the Mini's, instead. This kept the device's length to just around an inch (2.5cm) greater than current iPod models.

Overall here's the render I did of details I gathered from our conversation about Prototype A. The finished product may very-well look just like this, to the dismay of left-handed individuals everywhere.


UPDATE: Guys, some people aren't realizing that right about the image it says that it is a PHOTOSHOP. I don't have an actual image of the product, just information. The render is there just for example of what the product could very-well look at MacWorld San Francisco next January.

Prototype B is much less interesting... with a 4:3 screen and similar to current iPod models. (this is probably the one we'll get stuck with)

I'm a little unclear on whether the Minis will get video right away, but my guess is that they will. The Shuffle will remain focused on music... especially since a 4GB Shuffle (possibly with a small LCD screen) is already rumored. (which would put the current Mini to shame)

One other thing: Apple's iPod engineers are extremely bored with the current iPod "Operating System". Its ultimate death was when it was ported to the iPod Photo... a dash of color, some updated fonts and games, and ta-da..... a product that barely sold for the features it boasted. Expect something new with an updated feel soon.