Katie Marsal
Discovered by Cult of Mac, dozens of pictures of new iPod touch and iPod nano cases show camera holes on the external covers. The iPod nano camera hole is placed on the bottom left corner of the back of the device, while the iPod touch lens looks to be at the center of the device, unlike the iPhone.
If legitimate, these pictures seem to support previous, recurring rumors that some of the iPod line would be receiving camera upgrades this year.
Manufacturers are reportedly already sending out samples of the cases to resellers. Cult of Mac obtained pictures from e-mails and PowerPoint presentations sent from several different Chinese companies to U.S. accessory makers.
Also reaffirming prior rumors, the case for the new iPod nano reportedly features a wider screen. The case suggests the new screen would carry a 1.5:1 aspect ratio, compared to the 1.33:1 featured on the current model. The case also accommodates a smaller click wheel.
While the iPod nano has never featured a camera before, the media player has shipped with a built-in photo viewer.
The iPod touch also already has a built-in photo viewer, while the camera software would likely be ported over from the iPhone OS.
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28 Comments
Those cases sure are stylish. They really show off the dramatic new look of the nano and touch.
I know people are going to discuss the camera placement on the nano again as it would apparently be right where everyone would put their fingers. However, I've been looking at it and I don't think it woud actually be in the way if you are right handed. When holding the nano in portrait mode, your fingers would cover, but not touch the lens as your fingertips will hit the back left side of the device and the camera is on the back right. When taking a picture, most likely in landscape, your fingers would be below the lens. Now if you are left handed, that lens is definitely in an awkward place, however I can't think of anywhere else it could go if it can't fit behind the screen.
I like how the cases do a great job of covering up how obviously shopped these images are.
Seems like a sure thing, especially for the iPod touch, which could also handle video recording (and thus would include a mic). We've heard rumors about orders for 5MP, which wouldn't be out of the question considering the base iPod touch has always had twice the storage of the iPhone and the 2nd generation iPod touch had a faster processor than the iPhone 3G.
Cameras would certainly put the hurt on the Zune HD and other rivals by changing the equation so now they have to compete on photo and video capture, sharing/uploading, etc.
I know people are going to discuss the camera placement on the nano again as it would apparently be right where everyone would put their fingers. However, I've been looking at it and I don't think it woud actually be in the way if you are right handed. When holding the nano in portrait mode, your fingers would cover, but not touch the lens as your fingertips will hit the back left side of the device and the camera is on the back right. When taking a picture, most likely in landscape, your fingers would be below the lens. Now if you are left handed, that lens is definitely in an awkward place, however I can't think of anywhere else it could go if it can't fit behind the screen.
I was thinking the same thing, that it couldn't be put behind the screen. Or behind the clickwheel, probably. That doesn't leave many other options. I'm also wondering if the nano will get a little thicker? Or maybe the camera lens sticks out a little bit? It will be a challenge to create a good optical path for good quality photos in such a narrow space. Same goes for the touch. It's thinner than the iPhone, so it will be interesting to compare the photos from each device.