Nano based on small touchscreen

Several cases from the Chinese vendor X-Doria allegedly show the external designs for the fourth-generation iPod touch and sixth-generation iPod nano. The touch case appears to be built for a device with the rounded housing of the second- and third-generation devices, but with a cutout for a camera lens and microphone or flash.

The smaller cases appear to be designed for a touchscreen-based device, potentially the next nano or shuffle. The overall size would fit a device built around the mystery 1.7-inch touchscreen that surfaced as an Apple-branded component in earlier leaks, while a cutout on the back could serve as an open space for a clip. Room appears to exist for a Dock Connector on the bottom, which would mark the first instance an iPod this small would go for the official Apple connector rather than USB or a proprietary, combo data and headphone jack.

Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation iPods next week at a special event. [via iLounge]

by MacNN Staff