14 DAY TRIAL // The latest iPod touch is a neat piece of engineering, providing both form and function in a compact enclosure that has looks to kill for. The new iPod nano is also a notable technical achievement, and you can now download the schematics for both players, if you’re in the accessory business.
In addition to releasing the iPhone 5 blueprints, Apple last week quietly rolled out two other PDFs detailing some important technicalities in its latest portable players – the fifth-generation iPod touch, and the seventh-generation iPod nano.
The iPod touch is equipped with the same camera-mic-flash assembly on its back, meaning that third-party manufacturers need to follow the schematics and carve out an oval around the 5-megapixel sensor, microphone and LED.
The Wi-Fi window, also located on the back, mustn’t be covered by metal. Only radio-transparent cases are allowed. At least if they want to sell.
The new iTouch also has a new hardware feature called the “loop.” A hole on the bottom side (also at the back) enables users to attach a cord / bracelet, to carry this thing around like a digital camera. Which, in essence, it is.
The documentation further mentions the redesigned ports and connectors, as with the iPhone 5.
The schematics for the new iPod nano are much simpler, but that doesn’t mean you can strap anything onto it.
Unlike previous-generation nanos, this one has Bluetooth capabilities. To allow the radio waves to pass through its shell, a plastic window has been placed at the back.
The blueprints specifically show this area as one that mustn’t be obstructed by any third-party accessories one might design based on Apple’s measurements.
Apple even recommends the proper “mating” procedure between the male and female headphone jack ports (for headphone manufacturers).
