Leaked Nano a flawed, two-month old prototype, report says
updated 03:35 pm EST, Wed February 1, 2012
Could allegedly release outside of fall schedule
The newly-leaked iPod nano images do indeed represent a camera-equipped prototype, but one about two months old, according to MIC Gadget. The site quotes "factory sources," who further describe the camera as using a 1.3 megapixel sensor, but with serious problems when it comes to image quality. In essence the unit produces overexposed images, with blurring and diffraction in bright conditions when the aperture is too small.
Apple is said to be working on fixing the problem. A 2 megapixel camera was also allegedly tested, but reportedly produced images that were "washed-out and flat." The prototype in the photos is said to be close the final product, with a user interface that is already finished.
MIC Gadget suggests that a completed model could ship as soon as late Q1 or early Q2. Such a timetable would be out of character for Apple, as it almost always releases new Nanos toward the end of the year. The most recent Nano update made very few changes though, and so the company could be willing to make changes to spark sales.
