Rumours circulating the Internet claim that Apple engineers are working on a smaller version of the iPad, dubbed the 'iPad nano'.
The device is said to resemble Apple's popular iPad device (due to launch in the US this Saturday, and in the UK late April) with a multi-touch enabled touchscreen (with a single home button), location services, and accelerometer to determine orientation.
Obviously, the key differentiating factor will be the size of the device, rumoured to much smaller than the iPad (perhaps even half the size).
Like the iPad, we imagine the iPad nano to sport other controls including volume and the home/lock button. Although its smaller stature may mean that some iPad accessories, like the keyboard dock and case may not be supported.
Unlike the iPad, rumours point to a smaller screen size, between three and four inches, enabling the device to be placed in the pocket (overcoming one of the key hurdles identified with the iPad). What impact this will have on the keyboard and display layout remains to be seen though - although the slightly spaced-out icons on the iPad display, plus the shortened 'Slide to unlock' control certainly hint that smaller screen sizes are a consideration for Apple.
Like the iPad the iPad nano could support Apps. App developer April Zuerst, from Germany-based Dummkopf Software told us: "A smaller iPad would certainly be a challenge for us developers; we'd have to completely reformat our iPad apps to fit on the smaller screen size." however, she hadn't heard anything from Apple regarding the iPad nano: "Apple doesn't tell us anything in advance, and [laughs] even if they did I wouldn't tell you because it'd break my developer agreement."
An Apple spokesman told us: "Apple does not comment on rumour or speculation."
Update: A second set of rumours indicates that like the iPad, the iPad nano will come in two different versions. One WiFi and one supporting 3G networks. The 3G network is also rumoured to support native voice calling functionality.
Editors note: Some eagle-eyed readers (well everyone apart from one person) may have spotted that this was 1 April and a joke on our part. Looks like we've got egg on our faces though as Apple is now reportedly, genuinely working on a smaller version of the iPad. Albiet one with a 5-7in screen. Click here for that story.
An artists impression of how the iPad nano might look
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Comments received
CW said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
2010-04-01 :-)
craig.w said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
Hmmmmmm... I'm pretty sure I've allready seen an ipad nano... Oh wait it's called an iPod touch!
Seriously though whoever thought up this rumour needs to understand that the reason the ipad falls under a new category is that it is big, not like an iPhone.
polkadotmouse said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
With so much scope, it's a tad disappointing you couldn't come up with something a bit more original and plausible!
Grinner said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
Anybody can make up something original and plausible. The idea is that it has to be 'implausible' and 'funny'. Made me laugh at any rate.
tonymcgowan said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
I thought it was pretty funny too - don't think it was ever going to fool anyone, but the idea is very pleasing. Actually, it did seem to fool one person - wake up and smell the coffee, craig.w!
Dragonfly said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
@tonymcgowan
If only craig read the first reply :).
Dragonfly said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
" App developer April Zuerst, from Germany-based Dummkopf Software told us:" :-)
macspotter said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
Wow,
I'm sold. But if it would have 3G on board, and with that size, you could even use it as a phone! Then it really would be an insanely great product. You guys have any info on when to pre-order one of these babies? I'm willing to dump my iPhone 3GS for it!
All the real technologists said this iPad/iSlate thing wouldn't work out anyway. And here comes Apple with the answer to their prayers.
Prem Quatresemaine
macspotter said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
Wow,
I'm sold. But if it would have 3G on board, and with that size, you could even use it as a phone! Then it really would be an insanely great product. You guys have any info on when to pre-order one of these babies? I'm willing to dump my iPhone 3GS for it!
All the real technologists said this iPad/iSlate thing wouldn't work out anyway. And here comes Apple with the answer to their prayers.
(Sorry, I was so overwhelmed, I even misspelled/mistranslated my own name.)
Prem Quatremois
Nicintosh said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
hohoho!!!! Very good MacWorld! :)
jragosta said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
Sorry, no one will ever buy it. After all, there's no replaceable battery and it doesn't multitask or run Flash. Obviously, they'll never sell.
miranda00 said on Thu, 01 Apr 2010
Cute. I love how you even put the iPad home screen on it!
Mark Hattersley said on Thu, 08 Apr 2010
Would you believe it? Apparently Apple is working on it after all (screen size 5-7 inches though)
www.macworld.co.uk/digitallifestyle/news/index.cfm?newsid=3219004&pagtype=allchandate
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