iPod New Square iPod nano really a new iPod Shuffle

[LLPE33]

As I just noted in another thread the cases and the mock ups for this new nano/shuffle don't match at this point.

To agree with others, I want this to be a new shuffle-esque product and want a larger form factor 32GB nano. I'm not holding my breath as I never do with Apple, but that's just my 0.02.

 

[LLPE33]

Having posted the previous, it begs the question: is the nano keeping the same form factor with more memory and maybe a camera upgrade (and therefore no need for new cases) OR is going the way of the dodo?

...again, based the idea that this new critter ain't be a nano.

 

[shinerburke]

Okay well maybe not dual screens but how about a large screen with the bottom portion multi touch?

I'd buy that in a heartbeat!

 

[Warbrain]

I originally thought it could be a nano but now I think it's a shuffle. The size and everything just screams shuffle instead.

 

[gianly1985]

About the possible naming scheme:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/on-ipod-names-goodbye-ipod-touch/

My 2 cents:

1) iPod Touch
No revolutions in naming. I know that the (maybe up to 128gb) iPod Touch becoming "the iPod™" is a fascinating scenario, but it would confuse people imho. The "funniest ipod ever" has been heavily marketed for 3 years as "iPod Touch", that's the name people and KIDS know, that's the product kids are gonna ask to Santa next Christmas. They cannot waste the "iPod Touch" brand power.

2) iPod Nano/Shuffle/square_thingy
Here things get weird.
Will the "Nano" be downgraded? (screen for videos and clickwheel games, and what about the video-recording? How do you hold that small square?)
Or the "Shuffle" become oversized (compared to the current) and gain a screen? Will it be marketed as a necklace-able device? (with your friends being able to see the album art of what you're listening to). And, if the "square ipod" is the new shuffle, what wonders await us for the real 6th gen Nano we still haven't seen? Maybe we don't have case leaks because the Nano will keep the same form factor? (which would TOTALLY make sense, why go thinner than half-pencil-thin? or smaller than it's ergonomically possible to hold? just improve the battery, maybe a retina-grade screen, better video-recording, etc.)
My bets are on:
- the Shuffle being the square-ish one. Old shuffles still available for a while. (already happened, right?)

- the iPod Nano continuing to serve as the "default" ipod, with a PROPER (hand-holdable) form factor, not some weird stamp-inspired uncomfortable necklace-pod design.

- the iPod Touch not dropping the "touch" moniker, who cares if the shuffle get a touch too. (I'm talking to you, iLounge). Oh, stop the 2.8" non-sense already. That's not possible on so many (app store) levels.

- the Classic living on for its niche.