The 'iPhone nano' patent surfaces

Although the iPhone is really a wonderful piece of tech-beauty (in form, and partially in function), there are probably market needs for an Apple-esque handset that is not packed with so many features. The above concept image shows an intriguing possible solution to this market need, as it appears that the design is all-iPod (not iPhone). We like the iPod design with a phone thrown into the mix ala click wheel; we really do. We'd love to see this device from Apple as the iPhone nano, and with a patent recently on a "touch pad with symbols based mode," maybe the iPhone nano is on its way. For the legit needs of a cellphone simpleton, this may just fir the bill if it ever materializes.

[greg3d Posted Jul 6th 2007 7:07AM]

Apple invents the Rotary Phone! Meh

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 9:34AM]

Well.. whenever there's a patent, we can be very sure it will be a reality in the near future.

A smaller iPhone model was inevitable anyway. But, personally, Apple can come up with something more creative than this. It's like they're taking a step backward by shrinking down the screen.

The rotary dial-thingy should be interesting though!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 10:38AM]

anyone think about the issues with sms text messaging with such an unorthodox input method?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 7th 2007 1:16PM]

good luck texting.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 10:41AM]

This is complete rubbish, the rotary dail thing has been done before, nokia did it a couple of years back, i had the phone and it was just a pain in the arse.

C'mon an iphone nano whould never look like this.
I was expecting something looking much more like a conventional phone...

Like being slightly smaller then the origanl and having a keypad instad of the large multi-touch screen, but the overall design like the silver freame and black plastice coved in glass.

anybody feeling my rift?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 12:22PM]

I remember that and that's the first thing that came to mind. What WAS that phone? I remember Nokia learned that people do NOT LIKE unconventional dial pads... Rather, they hate them.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 10:47AM]

What next, huh? iPhone Shuffle?

http://iphone.corank.com

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 11:01AM]

yeah the iphone schuffle....it randomly dials for u until u get the # u wanted in the first place...Brilliant!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 2:46PM]

the original iphone is already apple-esque that's not so packed with features

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 6th 2007 2:51PM]

Are you serious? rotary dial has become obsolete on normal phones, but I guess it is now cool on cell phones to use old technology.

How long will it take to dial a number?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 9th 2007 9:33PM]

The image here is misleading. The actual patent application has the
touch interface on the back (bottom) and the display on the top
(front). For those who don't feel like taking the 3-click-trip, here
are the relevant
links:http://www.unwiredview.com/2007/05/10/next-gen-ipod-and-iphone-nano-full-screen-with-touchpanel-at-the-bottom/http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220070103454%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20070103454&RS=DN/20070103454I
believe that was posted here or on engadgetmobile back when it was
filed in May

(For anyone who saw this comment on Engadget, sorry for the double-post. I initially meant to just post it here because this image is more misleading than the one there.)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 5th 2007 5:09PM]

So our telling me you took the ipod nanos design then added some different functions to it then called it the iphone nano hopeing to have apple buy he design from you? Good luck if you want to see a better iphone nano design click the link http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/004855.html it even has a picture fir the iphone shuffle LOL