We are currently up to the sixth generation iPod Nano which means that the next device will be the company’s seventh iteration of the iPod Nano and we could be seeing the return of a camera for the minature pocket-sized audio player.

If you are a regular buyer of iPod Nano products, you’ll know that the current model does not feature a camera of any sort. However, the fifth generation iPod Nano featured an integrated video camera, although quality was hardly sufficient for consumers with just a 0.3 megapixel sensor.

Now though, fresh reports this week are suggesting that Apple may be tempted to bring back the camera to the next iPod Nano. An article published by Taiwanese site Apple.pro has included alleged photos of the new model and we can clearly see that the camera is there in attendance, as well as a new design allowing users to clip the Nano to their clothings.

Apple.pro are no strangers to the odd Apple leak as you may remember, as the site has been responsible for many legitimate leaks in the past, so seeing these images plastered on the net for the first time, could indeed be the first glance at Apple’s next iPod Nano. Additional details from the site also suggest that this camera will be upgraded from a 0.3 megapixel camera seen on the 5th gen iPod Nano, to a higher quality 1.3 megapixel shooter.

Previous iPod Nano models have also included voice recording capabilities via a built-in microphone, so we definitely wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Apple’s new Siri software making its way to this elusive iPod Nano either, making it very appealing indeed for those looking for a more compact audio solution than the large iPod Touch.

What are your initial thoughts of Apple bringing back a camera in their new iPod Nano? Worried about potential costs, or would you buy this in a second?

At first many owners reported to be receiving like new first generation models that had seemingly been refurbished. Some complained that there was a slow turnaround for the replacement units to arrive, and others said that some Apple support staff had said that Apple was experiencing shortages to complete the process.

Now according to MacRumors is seems Apple has completely run out of refurbished first generation iPod Nano’s, and instead begun sending out the latest model of the music player. There has been a variety of users saying they have received email acknowledgment for the shipment of their new device.

When checking with the serial numbers on Apple’s own site it has shown them to be sixth generation versions. This model was first released in September 2010, and although it went on to receive a price reduction and new software a while back it is still considered to be the sixth generation model by Apple.

Delighted owners have now stated to have received current models of the device, with some originally sending their first gen Nano back to Apple one month ago. They have found that the serial number shows the warranty has expired, so it is not known if these are refurbished or the warranty simply deactivated.

The new version of the iPod Nano is a lot smaller than the original, and also has a 1.5-inch touchscreen that uses software that looks similar to iOS. Did you receive a replacement iPod Nano from Apple? Which model did you receive?

Although not labeled as a recall by the company, Apple has clearly admitted on their website that certain 1st-gen iPod Nanos are prone to overheating in ‘rare’ cases as they call it. If you have a iPod Nano bought between September 2005 and December 2006, then you are eligible for this offer and you can proceed to fill out Apple’s replacement form so that the company can send you a box to pick up your device.

For a device that is six years old, this is pretty good going from Apple. One aspect of this recall though that a lot of consumers are asking about is whether or not Apple will be sending you a brand new 6th gen iPod Nano as a replacement. We can tell you that although it’s not officially confirmed 100%, it is highly unlikely that Apple will be sending brand new 6th-gen Nanos to consumers for free just like that. Instead Apple probably either sending out refurbished 1st-gen iPod Nanos, or just replacing the battery in your current model and sending that back to you within six weeks.

As noted by Apple is that consumers who have a personal engraving on their 1st-gen iPod Nano will not receive a customized iPod Nano back from the company, so take that into account if you paid a lot of money for it. If you meet all the criteria, you can get started on the official form here by giving Apple your serial number first.

What are your thoughts on the replacement program, it’s pleasantly surprising news – wouldn’t you agree? Let us know if you have any questions regarding your replacement.

Over the past year iPod Nano owners have been wearing their device like a watch, so Apple are selling right now watchbands, with a selection of 18 different faces. These include Mickey or Minnie Mouse, Kermit the Frog, a range of faces to look like a fancy watch, but my favorite has to be Animal from the Muppets – he was the ultimate when I was a child.

As there are a range of color choices for the new iPod Nano you will need a range of styles and colors that best match your model, and all these are available on Apple’s online store now. Prices start from $24.95 and go up to $79.95. The range includes iWatchz Q Series, HEX Icon, LunaTik and many more. All of these are designed transform your Nano into a premium watch.

The new clock faces are included in the new software, but we are certain that more will be made available in time. It does look as though Apple are now starting to become a little more fun, maybe this is the direction that Tim Cook will now take the company in? The new iPod Nano comes in 7 different colors and is priced at $129 for the 8GB version and $149 for the 16GB version. How come Apple only increases the price by just $20 for doubling storage with the Nano, but $100 for the iPhone?

Firstly we will introduce you to the OZAKI iCoat Watch, these are fashionable, lightweight watchstraps which are perfectly designed to allow full access to your 6th-gen-iPod Nano, one neat feature is a water resistant cover which should keep your Nano’s headphone socket and iPod dry. The standard iCoat watch bands feature a regular watch fastener, however the iCoat Watch+ features a slap-on strap, you can see how this strap works here. If you would like to find out more about the iCoat watch strap check out this link.

If you want a more professional product you should check out the LunaTik conversion kit, this product costs $79.95 and is made from aerospace grade aluminum, high grade silicone rubber and solid stainless steel, again it is designed for both 8GB and 16GB 6th-gen Nanos and is regarded as a more permanent solution, you can find out more about this impressive piece of kit and perhaps buy it over at Lunatik.com. You can see a video showing off the product and the relatively simple assembly procedure here.

One more professional solution is called the Paradox and it will retail for $79, currently this is still under development and people have been pledging money to get the project underway, now it has reached its goal production has started. The Paradox is made from high-grade stainless steel and it has been designed to completely enclose the 6th-gen iPod Nano it features a high-quality rubber silicone strap, a stainless steel flap which allows access to the iPod dock connector and it also comes with a set of screwdrivers and a spare set of screws. Check out this link for more information and some impressive-looking photos.

Finally we will tell you about the SwitchEasy Ticker, you can see a video review of this product over at YouTube (we have embedded it below), you can buy this strap for just $24.99 here and it is available in various vibrant colors, it is it features a Elastomer material and polycarbonate push though buttons, this is not only affordable but very durable as well.

If you know of a better iPod Nano 6G watch strap let us know in the comments section below.

If the photo turns out to be legitimate the next-gen iPod Nano has a similar form-factor to what we have seen previously, sources claim that it will feature a 1.3 megapixel sensor, which will probably be better for videos than still images.

One noticable difference when you compare last-year’s model to the leaked image is the fact that there is no clip on the back, the 6th-gen Nano could easily clip onto your clothing (see here), whereas a clip would cover up the camera’s lens on the next-gen Nano.

Apple will obviously keep things quiet until the official reveal (which will probably take place in September 2011) if it does feature a built-in camera it won’t be the first time as the 5th-gen (2009) model featured a 0.3 megapixel video camera. The 2010 model was a lot smaller, which probably meant that at the time Apple could not fit in a camera, but a year on technology advances will have probably allowed this.

As and when we hear more we will keep you posted, do you think a 1.3 megapixel sensor is enough?

The current Nano has a host of features, such as Multi-Touch display and an interface very similar to iOS; so when 9 to 5 Mac learned that these new features were to stay we were a bit shocked. We say this because it is believed that Apple will keep the same form factor while bringing back the camera.

You can clearly see by the image on their website that there is indeed a hole for where a camera would sit, and their source is very reliable, as they were the ones who gave details on features of the iPad 2, which came true. However, there are concerns about where the belt clip is, as 9 to 5 Mac says that it will need to be moved if a camera were to come back.

Now the one burning question is whether a camera is needed on such a small device? Taking photos can be tricky enough with a smartphone at times, what will it be like? It is no secret how small the iPod Nano is, so trying to hold it and take a photo without getting a finger in the way will be one for the Apple engineers to work out.

Does the 2011 iPod Nano need a camera?

The main issue with the iPhone 4 is its price, so Bloomberg’s report that the iPhone Nano could cost $200 is a shock. IntoMobile believes that the price could actually be a game changer. Most of you with a new high-end smartphone will know that this is the same price you pay for a handset that is on a contract; that’s after huge subsidies.

The thought of a smaller iPhone with a cheaper price tag is a much bigger deal that it was the last time that this was mentioned, as not only will they have AT&T but also Verizon shifting the units as well. Maybe it will be a dual-chip to support CDMA and GSM, as the iPhone five is rumored to do so.

TechCrunch reports that the reason why Apple will be able to sell the iPhone Nano for much cheaper than the standard version is because they will use components that were used for older versions of the phone. However, this idea is flawed, as we know that the old components will not be able to work if they are to go dual-band.

So we know that this rumor does not want to go away, so how much chance do you think there is of seeing the iPhone Nano in 2011?

With the clickwheel now gone, making way for the future in the sense of touchscreen fever, Engadget have taken the device and experienced it first hand, and overall they seem happy with what Apple have done.

Engadget say that the device is “super thin, super light” and that the “capacitive multitouch works very well” with a few snags.

The only real problem that seems apparent is the navigation from sub menus and back, although I’m sure it ‘s a new feature that we will all just get used to in the end. The screen is said to be crisp and overall enjoyability seems rather… addictive.

Check out the gallery over at Engadget for a full hands on look at the iPod Nano.

Source: Engadget

This is the biggest, most un-expansive revamp the Nano has had to go through yet. The clickwheel has disappeared and is now 46 percent smaller than previous models.

The clickwheel has made way for a new touchscreen interface, probably to keep up to date with the touchscreen trend and has been square shape sculptured, which in turn makes the device 42 percent lighter.

The volume buttons do still exist in the form of physical buttons though, and are placed on the side with a clip on the back. Battery life is also said to have enough juice to last 24 hours. There is no saying how they tested this with different volume levels though.

The new Nano will also come in seven selected colors. White, green, pink, blue, yellow, silver and red.

As for the price, you are looking at $149 for 8GB of storage or $179 for the 16GB model.

Images of the new Nano can be found via the source below.

What are your impressions of the new iPod Nano? Do you want one?

Source: Engadget