Apple file Patent for iPod touch-screen
Apple has filed a patent application that has been made public detailing a touch-screen interface for an iPod or similar device. Looking at the pictures this must be the clearest sign that a touch screen iPod video is due to be released at some point.
The patent filing, which is titled “Proximity detector in handheld device,” describes and illustrates how the interface would allow users to navigate menus and make selections by moving their finger on the screen. The touch-screen interface would sense when a user’s finger approached and would automatically display a virtual scroll wheel or other interface elements. AppleInsider has a large portion of the patent’s visual diagrams and verbatim descriptions. Apple’s long-rumored “true” video iPod is said to employ a 3.5-inch touch-screen display. The patent can be viewed at the USPTO site with full abstract and images.