The Digitimes have been reporting that Apple is looking into bringing two new Apple iPad sizes into the market in time for Christmas, a 5.6 inch and a 7 inch Apple iPad featuring OLED screens.
For those of you that were following the Apple iPad rumour mill a year ago, you will remember that many back then believed that Apple would release the Apple iPad in at least two different sizes, so there is nothing really new in these rumours resurfacing again now.
The timing however is a bit interesting as Apple prepares for the annual iPod event, where it is also expected that they will announce the 4th generation iPod Touch 4. But is there room for a new iPod Touch as well as a smaller screen Apple iPad in the market? We think not.
The traditional iPod Touch has a 3.6 inch screen and is a fairly portable device that Apple has targeted towards the mobile gaming community, while the current Apple iPad with its large screen is probably a little bit too big for the mobile gaming market, or at least to compete directly with the likes of PSP and Nintendo DS. Combine that with other rumours that Apple might be bringing touchscreen to an even smaller device, and we could be looking at a complete shake up of the iPod range.
Have a think about this scenario. Apple could bring a new 5.6 inch Apple iPad Mini to replace the current iPod Touch range, making it a device that would for all purposes be small enough, and big enough, to take on the portable gaming competitors. At the same time they could be reinventing the iPod Touch as a smaller iPod device, maintaining the touchscreen functionality, but focusing it more towards the mobile music and sports market, a replacement for the current iPod Nano range if you like. Give it some additional new features etc and you could be looking at a device that hit home with a lot of people who are still primarily looking for a device to listen to music while being on the run or excercising.
Now this might just be my imagination running wild, but in some ways it could make sense. Now all we have to do is wait until Apple reveals their future plans for the iPod range, likely to happen around September time.
Author: Daniel Tangen is owner and editor of iPodRepublic.com covering news and reviews of Apples range of iPods, iPhone 4, and the Apple iPad, including accessories. Follow him on Twitter (www.twitter.com/iPodDanny)
Image: Courtesy of fonearena.com
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