According to rumor mills, Apple may be developing an iPod Nano- sized phone, something on the lines of the iPhone, but smaller. News reports reveal that Apple has filed fresh documents at the US patent office for the new product.
Reports say the documents contain details about a Nano sized telephone device with a display on the front, which may not necessarily be used as a touch screen and a back side interface which is designed to be touch and force sensitive, for one hand control of the device. The document reportedly states that due to the size of the device, a touch screen interface on the front of the device would result in visual obstruction reducing the effectiveness of the display.
The device is also rumored to have a translucent look, enabling the people to use multiple control interfaces using the small screen space. Using varying opacity, the user will be able to interact with one control mechanism, such as a numeric keypad or keyboard, while retaining partial visibility of information available via other interfaces on the device.
Analysts say this new 'Back-Side Interface for Hand-Held Devices', technology would not only save space but would solve some of the other problems inherent to touch screens. Also, Apple’s patent application has direct implications for both future iPods and iPhones. Reports say illustrations contained within the patent show the main screen's interface that allows on-screen overlay of the iPod click wheel as well as a keypad for placing phone calls or a keyboard for text entry. It could also address PDA-style functions.
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