The Video Ipod has been subject to various rumors regarding its looks and its features. Many of the iPod mockups that emerged were pretty conclusive and the general touch sensitive display with a circular control seemed to be the way Apple wanted to go.

In spite of that, Hrmpf reported a particularly revealing patent application from Apple that was published on October 26, 2006. The name of the patent application is Electronic Device Having Display and Surrounding Touch Sensitive Bezel for User Interface and Control.

Although the patent describes a full-screen touch sensitive iPod very similar to the various Video iPod Mockups that have been made public until now, this patent reveals a new addition to the image of the new gadget.

The application was filled in June 2006 and gives the general idea that Apple wants to add a touch-sensitive bezel to the future Video iPod. This touch-sensitive bezel is supposed to adapt to the screen contents to provide an input method for the user. In general, users believe that the circular control should not be missing but if this touch-sensitive edge of the screen should replace it to eliminate many of the "smudge" and "scratch" concerns, then it means that Apple is thinking about the customers and wants to provide something good that lasts.

From the application:
An electronic device has a display and has a touch sensitive bezel surrounding the display. Areas on the bezel are designated for controls used to operate the electronic device. Visual guides corresponding to the controls are displayed on the display adjacent the areas of the bezel designated for the controls. Touch data is generated by the bezel when a user touches an area of the bezel. The device determines which of the controls has been selected based on which designated area is associated with the touch data from the bezel. The device then initiates the determined control. The device can have a sensor for determining the orientation of the device. Based on the orientation, the device can alter the areas designated on the bezel for the controls and can alter the location of the visual guides for the display so that they match the altered areas on the bezel.

The Video iPod should be arriving in the future months, but the latest reports indicate a delay until late 2006/early 2007.

Patent pictures: