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iPod nano rumored to get a camera
The latest rumor out of Asia suggests the iPod nano may keep its boxy shape and get its camera back. Those who keep track of the history of Apple's popular MP3 player will remember the player got an integrated camera in 2009. These modifications were quickly removed in 2010 when the player dropped the camera and shrunk down to its current boxy, small size. The latest leaked photo from Taiwanese Mac Blog, Apple.pro, supposedly shows the casing for the seventh generation iPod nano. Merging the best of both worlds, this next iPod nano may keep the boxy shape of its predecessor and make room for a rear-facing camera. If history is any indication, we will get official confirmation of this rumor at Apple's iPod and iTunes-themed event held in the fall. [Via Cnet]
Next-gen iPod nano chassis hints at camera?
Here's yet another juicy leak from China to go with your breakfast. Delivered by the same folks who brought us the sixth-gen iPod nano display module leak, this time we have what appears to be a chassis for the next touchscreen nano. According to Apple.pro, the circular hole at the top right is likely to house a little camera, which would bring back the good old days with the camera-donning fifth-gen nano. Obviously, to make space for such an imager here, the spring-loaded clip on the back would have to be downsized and shifted, which would explain why the four screws are off-centered here, unlike those on the current-gen nano (as seen in iFixit's teardown shot after the break). That said, let's not forget that this rumor is coming straight out of KIRFdom, so we'll remain skeptical until this baby pops out around September time, as has been the case with most nano launches in the past.
Rumor: Seventh-generation iPod nano to add rear-facing camera
Apple.pro has posted an image, which it claims is the rear casing for the next iPod nano. The purported casing shows a hole that would house a rear-facing camera. Apple.pro has a history with iPod nano rumors, as they were the first to post an image of a small touchscreen that later made its way into the sixth-generation iPod nano that debuted last fall. As noted by MacRumors, when the sixth-generation iPod nano was unveiled, many loved its new form factor, but some lamented over the loss of the camera that was found in the fifth-generation iPod nano. If Apple.pro's image is legitimate, it looks like Apple is trying to combine the best features of the two previous nanos into one. MacRumors does note that the camera hole would be obscured by the current clip on the iPod nano, but it's likely that Apple will just narrow the clip to make way for an unobstructed camera view.
Diamond-encrusted Lunatik iPod nano watch is as superfluous as it sounds
If you're the type of person who has 99 problems, a satisfactory wristwatch being one, feast your lustful eyes on this diamond-encrusted abomination. ZShock has managed to work its magic -- $18,000 worth, to be precise -- on a Lunatik iPod nano watch, with the end result being something that we'd hardly recommend being caught dead with. Of course, those who'd disagree vehemently are going to need a magic number in order to procure one, but those who are just curious can peek the source link below for a bit of wrist-on action. Temper that jealously, though.
Good news for Australians: Apple drops iPod prices
Apple often charges more for products sold outside of the US, but with the Australian dollar coming over parity with the value of the US dollar (currently less than a four cent differential), the company has reduced Australian prices of the entire iPod line. The 160 GB iPod classic was reduced A$30 from $329 to $299. The 8 GB iPod touch was cut $30 from $289 to $259, and the 32 GB version was lowered $29 bringing it from $378 to $349. The 64 GB model was slashed a full $50 taking it from $499 to $449, which is the largest price decrease in the line. The smallest price decrease was only $4, lowering the iPod shuffle from $69 to $65. The iPod nano 8 GB is down $20 from $199 to $179, and the 16 GB version was lowered only $10 from $229 to $219. Perhaps it's a slow seller in Australia. I really hope that Apple has taken to heart the ebbs and flows of the US dollar as compared to other currencies and will follow suit in other countries.
Diamonds plus nano plus watch equals this $18k monstrosity
There is, it has to be admitted, a market for diamond-encrusted Apple products. Having the good taste to buy something magical and revolutionary doesn't necessarily mean you have good taste full stop. So, for those of you with more (way, way more) money than sense who live at the blingier end of the Apple marketplace, we present the ZShock Lunatik iPod nano watch case (the clue's in the name). Yes, for a mere US$18,000 and a three- to four-week wait, ZShock will "hand-set the diamonds into pave settings on the white gold watch case" of your iPod nano watch, Boy Genius (who seems to quite like this, strangely) tells us. Is it just me or does the nano in this picture look sort of embarrassed?
Apple pushes software update for new iPod nano, still makes an iffy wristwatch
If you bought the new iPod nano to wear as a watch, well, more power to you. However, if you're a music junkie and purchased the PMP to actually consume media, you might be interested to know that Apple isn't only updating the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The company has just put out the first software update for the 6th generation nano, 1.1, which allows you to actually turn off the device -- nope, before this update there was no way of actually powering the thing down. In addition, you can now pause or play your music with the sleep/wake button. Sadly, that's about all this new software does. When will Apple make the nano cool for your wrist? The future looks bleak, friends.
SRS Labs iWow for iDevices: now with 3D!
SRS Labs pushed out the iWow adapter a couple of years ago to give your iDevice more sonorous tones, and now is has released a new product: the iWow 3D, for your audial enjoyment. SRS's latest offering still promises to "effectively and naturally restore the audio cues that are buried" in your music -- which seems a bit like a Rumplestiltzkin proposition to us -- through an included dongle and the free iWow app. The company provides little information on how the attachment spins sound straw into aural gold, but the idea of better bass response and richer sound from Apple's iPod may be suitable enough for us. Plus, the device is just $49.99 ($30 less than the OG version), or you can step up to the iWow 3D Combo package that adds five colored faceplates and earbuds for $69.99. No word on when it will go on sale (coming soon, according to SRS), so it looks as if you'll have to endure your drab, two dimensional music just a bit longer.
HEX debuts iPod nano watch band compatible with Nike+
Sure, you can get a Nike+ SportsWatch, or a simply pair an iPod nano with Nike+, but those looking to use their iPod nano as a watch with Nike+ have so far been left with few options beyond the DIY route. Watch band-maker HEX now looks set to change that, however, with its new Sports Watch Band that's set to debut in April. As you can see above, there's not a whole lot too it -- just a reasonably stylish wristband with a "port" that's able to accommodate the Nike+ attachment. No word on a price just yet, nor is there any indication that it will come in colors other than white -- though that seems a safe bet if the company's previous watch band is any indication.
B&W Zeppelin Air looks cool, connects via AirPlay
At CES, Bowers & Wilkins announced the Zeppelin Air, its next generation iPhone/iPod speaker dock with AirPlay support. This lovely piece of audio hardware features class D amplifiers, improved bass thanks to Flowport technology and digital signal processing and exceptional performance courtesy of new 25bit-96KHz capacity DACs. In addition to its standard USB connectivity which lets you sync to iTunes on your computer, this latest Zeppelin model now supports AirPlay so you can wireless stream your music directly from any iOS 4.2 device or iTunes 10.1 Mac or PC. If you prefer to dock your device, the Zeppelin Air has a spring-loaded docking port that accommodates all models of the iPhone, all models of the iPod touch, the iPod classic and the iPod nano (6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd generations). Pricing is not yet available, but if previous models are any indication, this fusion of style and function will not be cheap. Click through for the press release after the break or head to B&W's website for all the details on this gorgeous AirPlay speaker system. [Via Engadget]
Apple patent application suggests yet more possible gestures for iPods
Apple's already put some basic gesture controls to use on its sixth generation iPod nano, but a recently published patent application suggests that it may have some grander designs for a no-look interface of sorts. As you can see above, Apple's using a nano in its illustrations for the patent, but the actual claims suggest that the gestures wouldn't necessarily require a screen at all -- possibly for something similar to that back-side interface that also turned up in an Apple patent application? As for the gestures themselves, they'd apparently involve things like a single tap to pause or play, a double tap to skip forward, a triple tap to skip back, and a circular motion to control the volume. Of course, that aforementioned patent application was published in 2007 and we've yet to see anything result from it, so you may not want to hold your breath for this one either.
Discovering iPod nano recovery mode
Steven Troughton-Smith writes on his personal weblog that he may have discovered a way to put his iPod nano into some kind of DFU-like recovery mode. By holding down the restart buttons through two reboots, iTunes will see the device and alert the user. Entering DFU/Recovery mode allows hackers to submit customized software to iOS devices, and doing so with the nano offers the promise of adding modified software. Troughton-Smith tells TUAW that, now, he "can push firmware files to the device and have them execute." From there, he can boot disk mode or the OS using those firmware files. Check out the video on the next page for a screencast of the process in action.
HEX ships iPod nano watch band, dares you to destroy it (video)
It's highly improbable that you actually need yet another option when looking for a watch band to house your iPod nano 6G, but if that first-run version you sprung for is already in tatters, HEX has a little something worth considering. The company has just started shipping its HEX Watch Band in the US of A, with $29.95 netting you a soft, flexible band that requires no complicated plug-and-play action whatsoever. Just pop your nano into the face, strap it on your arm, and roll. It's designed to be remarkably rugged (as seen in a torture video just past the break), and the headphone socket is arranged in a way that nicely runs the cable up your arm towards your cranium. The only problem? Choosing which of the nine hues fits your personality best. %Gallery-112168%
iPod nano hacked, may open door to future jailbreak
The latest generation iPod nano has been hacked, a preliminary step that may lead to an eventual jailbreak. The sixth generation iPod nano became available in September of this year and featured an operating system that superficially resembled iOS. Under the hood, the mini MP3 player runs an alternative operating system that has been poked and prodded by devs since its launch. Developer James Wheaton is the first to crack open the nano and install a Springboard hack that let him remove an app and create a black space. To achieve this hack, Wheaton first figured out how to bypass the cache comparison on the device. The cache comparison scans the Springboard file and reverts it if modifications are discovered. Wheaton was able to bypass this step and boot the device using a modified Springboard plist file. This opens the door for other devs to take this work one step further and possibly jailbreak the device. Wheaton also discovered some hidden features on the device including support for Apps, vCards, Calendar events and more. Some of these hidden features, such as movie and TV support, were originally spotted when the device first landed on retail shelves. With a little bit of time and effort, Wheaton hopes to enable some of these hidden features on the iPod nano. For those interested in the Springboard hack, Wheaton promised to post additional details later this week. While you wait, check out his proof of concept video after the break. [Via MacStories]
iPod nano hack nixes an app, can't add your own yet
We're still a ways off from living our dream iPod nano watch scenarios, but here's a small step in the right direction. As the story goes, on a flight home James Whelton booted up an iPod nano with a modified SpringBoard plist file that "removed" an app from the screens and replaced it with a blank space. What does this mean? Not much at this point, but it could provide a pathway to further hacking, jailbreaking, and yes, writing and installing those dream apps that make this a great wrist accessory. Video proof after the break.
Minimal Studios iPod nano watch kits raise a million dollars on Kickstarter, yes, a million dollars
Well that didn't take long. Less than a month after we reported on the TikTok and LunaTik concept iPod nano watches hitting Kickstarter the company behind them, Minimal Studios, has met its goal -- and then some. Way then some. The project has clocked in nearly $1,000,000 in funding, helped in large part by a $25 pledge getting you first in line for a $35 MSRP TikTok watch kit, while $50 scored you the metallic LunaTik, which will go for $70. If you missed your chance to pile on the money you can now pre-order officially, with an expected shipment date in January. Again we're not particularly keen on the whole nano as a watch thing, but obviously ya'll have your own ideas, and we say more power to you -- and to Minimal Studios founder Scott Wilson.
Nano watchband includes bottle opener
Picture, if you will, the following. It's a hot summer day. You're hanging out doing some yard work with your iPod nano strapped to your wrist when you reach for a cold bottled beverage. That's when the moment of horror strikes: you have no bottle opener. You have nothing which with to pop open that wonderful refreshment. All you have is your iPod nano wristwatch. Okay, that's probably not a common scene for most of us, but apparently the creators of the Richard Tracy nano watch strap have been there. This wristband for the iPod nano features a leather strap and laser-cut anodized steel adapter to hold the nano firmly in place. But since the steel adapter could be in any shape, really, they tooled it into the shape of a bottle opener. I guess if you're going to wear an iPod nano watch strap, a little extra versatility is a good thing. [Via ThinkGeek]
Frontal Concepts' Infuse iPod nano watch strap wins imaginary design award, our hearts
By now, you've decided if you're going to use Apple's iPod nano 6G as a watch. We obviously have our own feelings on the matter, but those who can't be bothered with actual functionality should definitely be looking in the direction of Frontal Concepts. This Australian outfit has just released its first product, and it's far and away the most sensibly designed iPod nano watch strap to date. Rather than just looping a band through the device's rear clip, the Infuse strap actually has a simple, one-click locking mechanism to keep your digital timepiece in position. It's also positioned to allow the audio cord to run upwards along the arm, and it's built from polycarbonate plastics and silicone -- plenty tough to withstand the occasional gym visit. Americans can get their pre-order in today for $24.95 (black, white and brown hues are available), with the first shipments expected to head out in around a fortnight. Time's ticking, Santa. %Gallery-109228%
Apple's Australian Store discounts most things by around 10 percent, foreshadows Black Friday deals
Just like last year and the year before, Apple's kicking off its Black Friday sale in the land of Oz first. Australian Mac lovers can now buy the iMac, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air for A$121 less than their usual price, while the iPad and iPod touch dip down by A$51 apiece and the iPod nano is now A$25 cheaper. It's all for today only, but should also be followed by similar discounts in the US and Europe.
How would you change Apple's iPod nano (2010)?
Without question, Apple's latest iPod nano is its most interesting one yet. And considering that it's the first nano with a color, multitouch LCD slapped onto it, it's also one of the most multifaceted. The engineers in Cupertino certainly cut away from the nano's past in order to create this new shuffle-like form factor, and it's expectantly drawn quite a bit of heat from both side. Now, let's say you were allowed inside the Apple lairs, and told that you could revamp the nano in any method you pleased. Aside from figuring out if it would blend or not, how would you go about tweaking the new nano? Enlarge the device (and thus, the screen) just a bit? Throw a second display on the rear for kicks and giggles? Throw in a pair of Bluetooth headphones? Talk to us in comments below.
