The rumors regarding iPods have always been spreading like rabbits. This can be happening either because the "Apple community" has always loved rumors or because Apple has always given the impression they can do everything customers want and transform rumors in real facts. Moreover, the iPod never lacked one quality: namely that they could be transformed in everything one might choose and want. iPods could either look the way you want, or have the technical specifications that no other product on the market will even dream of having.

Well… a rumor remains mostly a rumor, but in the case of the touchscreen iPod, it seems that the rumor will become a fact.

Gordon Kelly, writer for trustedreviews.com, says that he has a very reliable source. That source is supposed to be an executive at a multinational company that develops iPod products and, when he questioned the value of one of the company's new iPod accessories, the "info flowed":

In a very matter of fact tone I was told that the product was not designed for the current generation of device, but the official 6G iPod which is to be released in December. His company's device only comes onto the market shortly before then and would benefit hugely because the new iPod would support a screen on the full side of the device and consequently offer higher resolution video.

He explained that Apple had told him 480p content (the lowest standard of High Definition) was the target but could only promise whatever did appear would be of a much greater quality than is used today. When I enquired about the control method he confirmed it would be virtual and that essentially Apple was finally delivering the type of device we've seen journos (including myself) talk about since the turn of the year."This is why Jobs isn't afraid of the Zune," he said, though he had no knowledge of whether wireless would make an appearance.

The official Apple patent application:



Well, it is no wonder that Steve Jobs is not worried at all, as Apple obviously has a huge advantage in front of Microsoft. In fact, Microsoft is in deep water, as Zune will barely appear on the radar in the case of this new launch. As Microsoft could barely try to rise and launch a product that isn't really that "hot" and does not offer anything more than the iPod, Apple kicks them down again with a far better product that brings consumer technology to another level.

Microsoft cannot compete with this new iPod as they can barely launch Zune and they do not have that much profit with it in the first place. Developing something new certainly takes time and they will remain one step away from Apple.
On the other hand, if they decide to exit this market, they will look like a kid that takes his toys and leaves home with his tail between his feet and I don't think the Windows creator can afford such a thing.






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