Rumor: iPhone 4 Casing Will Be Touch-Sensitive
Looks like the DJ at the Apple Rumor-rama has finally changed the record.
With Apple's tablet launch so close that we've started dreaming of days where we can go weeks without hearing about the damn thing, the Apple rumor mill has changed its tune. It looks like the new flavor of the week, month, quarter, is the new iPhone.
Rumors have been doing the rounds all week. Whether it's the fact that Apple might release the fourth iteration of the iPhone in April as opposed to the usual June launch, or weird concepts about iMac inspired designs, it seems Apple fans have found something new to speculate about.
One of the more interesting rumors is that the casing of the device will be touch-sensitive, much like the design of the Magic Mouse. Goldman Sachs analyst Robert Chen told Bloomberg that the new iPhone will feature a 5 megapixel camera as well as touch-sensitive plastic casing similar to what Apple used for the Magic Mouse. Chen says the use of such material could see Apple offer touch-sensitive features on the rear of the handset.
“Apple’s going to put a lot of innovation, not just on the hardware, but also on the software of the new iPhone,” said Chen. The analyst also believes that the device will go into production in April and launch in June as per other iPhone launches.
Though the prediction might sound a little left-of-field, Apple did patent confusing controls for what people originally thought would be the iPhone Nano. The patent details a dual-sided, touch sensitive device that uses one side for display and the touch-sensitive back-side of the device for controlling the UI.
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doesn't sound practical for a device that you pick up on a random basis, as one could inadvertently trigger any of these controls on the casing. Also, the prospect of fitting an actual protective casing on this kind of phone would go down, leaving it more vulnerable to "trauma".
I would not even consider buying it. After all, it's a phone, not some kind of delicate jewelry. Bad idea.
The rumor mill wont stop churning this stuff out will it.
how do you put a case on it to prevent it from being dropped? If there are touch-sensitive controls on it, then there is no place to put a case. Also opens you to pocket dialing. Sounds like the simplicity is going away...
Sounds like it's gonna be awfully expensive.
Where is the post
''but can it play crysis?''
Can't wait for the next IPhone
Pretty soon there going to come out with a new iPhone every few months no one will want one the way technology is moving. I'll keep my 32gb 3gs for a while blah to touch sensitive backing.
Useless and stupid.
Useless and stupid.
Sry for dbl post
Now, if engineers at Apple could only invent a way to replace the battery easily on an iPhone. Maybe some sort of removable cover...possibly with a spring loaded catch. I might be on to something here....
Jane.. for as much as you say you hate the apple rumor mill, you keep feeding it to us. Cut it out for a little while will ya?
She should report on what is happening. For instance I cant stand Sony anything. Doesnt mean if I was a Tech reporter I wouldnt not report a story just because its Sony. Dont be a retard think before you speak.
Jane keep writing the news
Jane.. for as much as you say you hate the apple rumor mill, you keep feeding it to us. Cut it out for a little while will ya?
I try and keep it to a minimum.
Notice how in this post, I rounded up several rumors at once instead of posting each one individually, which would have been more annoying for you but more lucrative for us. Still, I refrain because I love you people.
There are tons more rumors (about the Apple tablet in particular) that I haven't posted - stylus patents, name patents, launch dates, shipping dates, prices, etc.
Like I said, I'm doing my best to post only the notable stuff. Sorry if it rubs you up the wrong way but it's part of my job to keep everyone informed.
She should report on what is happening. For instance I cant stand Sony anything. Doesnt mean if I was a Tech reporter I wouldnt not report a story just because its Sony.
What he said.
I'm tired of these constant updates , everytime we get an updated version the rumors start "the next generation of iPhone to include this and that..." and i feel sorry for myself because i had spent $200 on a device that will become the out-dated model in 9 months.
What he said.
What she said!
I never said don't post any Apple articles ever. Why twist what I originally said? You complain about apple rumors and then post an article almost everyday about them. If you must report them, consolidate the rumors even more and post them less!
I wish I could thumb you down to -20 myself. Shut it.
I never said don't post any Apple articles ever. Why twist what I originally said? You complain about apple rumors and then post an article almost everyday about them. If you must report them, consolidate the rumors even more and post them less!
I didn't twist anything. I just said I try and keep it to a minimum.
doesn't sound practical for a device that you pick up on a random basis, as one could inadvertently trigger any of these controls on the casing. Also, the prospect of fitting an actual protective casing on this kind of phone would go down, leaving it more vulnerable to "trauma".I would not even consider buying it. After all, it's a phone, not some kind of delicate jewelry. Bad idea.
It's designed by apple they actually take some thought in their engineering, I doubt it'll be easy to "inadvertently trigger".
You're point about the protective casing is valid, but if you're only looking for a device to function as a phone, look elsewhere. I know, I know the name is misleading but it does do a heck of a lot more then send and receive voice, you have to admit.
But does it MMS?
"Chen says the use of such material could see Apple offer touch-sensitive features on the rear of the handset."
...
why?
F U Apple, I'm not going to play any of your stupid "lets leak ideas out and see what people think" game anymore.
so yes, I think this is a fantastic idea, I think that the extra cost, complexity and the fact that it still doesn't have tactile feedback is a small price to pay for something soo awesome, becuse just adding some decent buttons on the side would be lame.
I think that reports like "magic mouse best Apple mouse ever but still not as good as a normal mouse" should be ignored, and are just the comments of the elitest few who were blessed with the sense of touch.
and I think the new input system is really going to take off, cause all developers will instantly use it and won't mind having to write completely different input systems for old versions of the device, I mean look at all the people eagerly harnessing the extra power and tech in the 3GS!!
...
honestly, anything that gets your fingers off the screen is good I suppose...
Personally, I find Jane the only reporter on TH who doesn't make me feel like puking from Apple OD (overdose).
Also, Tom's Commentators seem particularly rabid today!
It's designed by apple they actually take some thought in their engineering, I doubt it'll be easy to "inadvertently trigger". You're point about the protective casing is valid, but if you're only looking for a device to function as a phone, look elsewhere. I know, I know the name is misleading but it does do a heck of a lot more then send and receive voice, you have to admit.
It is marketed as a phone, right? Besides, I mentioned it as a device to be picked up -and sometimes dropped- on a random but frequent basis, so my point is valid.
I don't care if Apple designed one thing or another, if it is stupid I will call it out - they're not gods and in my opinion, not even the best designers in the world. Take the HD2 or the Hero - both examples of superior design, also with their own flaws, but overall better in my opinion than a lot of other smartphones out there. Try to think outside the apple box and you'll feel better.
Why this hatred toward Jane on pretty much every article?
^agreed, you few jerkoffs always have something to say about someone reporting this or that. this is a tech site and its their job to report on this stuff. honestly, if you don't like it, why are you still here? go elsewhere, this crap isn't needed here.
Why this hatred toward Jane on pretty much every article?
It's because I'm so pretty.
KILL THE MESSENGER!!!
j/k
Whoopie, another rumor!
NEXT!
It is marketed as a phone, right? Besides, I mentioned it as a device to be picked up -and sometimes dropped- on a random but frequent basis, so my point is valid.I don't care if Apple designed one thing or another, if it is stupid I will call it out - they're not gods and in my opinion, not even the best designers in the world. Take the HD2 or the Hero - both examples of superior design, also with their own flaws, but overall better in my opinion than a lot of other smartphones out there. Try to think outside the apple box and you'll feel better.
It's marketed as more then a phone, do phones all have apps for that? who are you kidding. And if you can't handle not dropping something on a frequent albeit random occasion then look for a phone that markets durability, not versatility in function.
I Don't think the engineers at apple are gods either, but they clearly put more thought into materials used and function of the various components then the average company, meaning they're probably not going to put a control like that on willy-nilly. You'll still have to hit the home button to turn the thing on so you don't accidentally call your grandma at 4 in the morning.
And I don't know how you could call this function stupid as it's not assured to be implemented and you haven't seen it in use or how it would be put to use on the phone.
If you're not looking for anything more then a phone that's great, simple solution, don't buy it, they clearly aren't making it for you anyhow. and learn to think outside of your own box.
It's because I'm so pretty.
Rumormill
Rumormill
Not true. I have a twin sister who tells me almost daily.
It's because I'm so pretty.
+1 That was awesome lol.
I never said don't post any Apple articles ever. Why twist what I originally said? You complain about apple rumors and then post an article almost everyday about them. If you must report them, consolidate the rumors even more and post them less!
I must have missed the part where tom's started clicking links you weren't interested in on your behalf... Or did you click on this story of your own volition after all?