14 DAY TRIAL // It is said that Apple’s upcoming iPod nano 6G boasts a significantly smaller design than that of its nano-siblings, while retaining the ubiquitous 30-pin connector and adding a 3 cm x 3cm touchscreen.
This rumor, and those surrounding Apple’s new iPod touch 4G, seem to be corroborated by imagery posted at Alibaba.com a family of Internet-based businesses that includes business-to-business international trade, online retail and payment platforms and data-centric cloud computing services.
The site shows off screen protectors for the two yet unconfirmed devices, using quality renderings (pictured above).
Also advertised by Alibaba is a case for the new iPod nano 6, which resembles the cases showed off by a Chinese vendor claiming to be tailored for the same iPod model.
Just like X-Doria’s cases, Alibaba’s housing also has room for a 30-pin connector.
These case manufacturers likely got hold of the specs (dimensions) of Apple’s new iPod line, and proceeded advertising their own upcoming products, to capitalize early.
While the fourth-generation iPod touch is an obvious move for Apple, the 6G touch-screen nano bearing a design akin to that of the shuffle line certainly wasn’t as expected.
The device is said to employ a small touch-sensitive screen which will allow Apple to scrub as many of the needed physical controls as possible.
The device may also run scaled-down versions of existing apps, or widgets (weather, watch etc.). More complex apps may pose difficulties to the user with such a small screen real estate.
The new nano is also expected by some to be worn as a watch.
Already, iPod owners around the world use their Apple players as jogging gear, strapping them on their wrists before a workout.
However, this remains pure speculation until September 1, when Apple plans to make some announcements at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California.