Two days ago Apple Computer unveiled the new iTunes Store - losing the the "Music" part because they now sell movies. Granted they only sell Disney movies so far, but just like the music and TV selection has grown since their introduction, I bet they'll expand their offerings soon.
They also revealed the newly redesigned iPod nano and iPod shuffle, and previewed the new iTV transmitter box that will come out in a few months.
They like to think big, eh?
The new iPod nano is now smaller and more colorful, and also the black comes in an 8 gig size. Still, I think I like my first generation nano better.
The new iPod shuffle, however, is fantastic. It's a tiny clip. The world's smallest music player, they say. And I believe them.
But elsewhere on the internet last week something even cooler showed up. It's Apple's patent application for a Multi-functional hand-held device.
The long-awaited Apple iPhone.
The patent application revealed that the entire face of the device is a touchpad, so instead of buttons or an iPod click wheel, there are Virtual Controls. It can have buttons for just about anything at all. Such as ...
FIG. 10 is a diagram of a cell phone mode.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of a music player mode.
FIG. 12 is a diagram of a video player mode.
FIG. 13 is a diagram of a game player mode (left or right handed!!)
FIG. 14 is a diagram of a camera mode.
FIG. 15 is a diagram of a GPS receiver mode.
FIG. 16 is a diagram of a hand top mode.
FIG. 17 is a diagram of a remote control mode.
Isn't this genius? Sure, my current phone is cool, even if iTunes still is in Russian. (If you missed that story, see Phone Fun). But imagine this Apple phone replacing your cell phone, iPod, digital camera, PDA, even a GPS ... wow. It would be the only device you'd need!
Rumor has it this bad-boy is coming out in 2007. I, for one, can't wait. (I'm just happy I don't have to learn Russian to get it to play the songs I want ...)
