Apple patent applications are home to lots of barmy schemes but a new iPod touch focused filing looks like a goer. In the wake of the camera-packing new iPod touch, Apple has submitted plans for a zoom lens accessory using magnets to hook up with the media player. It’s a great idea, especially as lots of people have been disappointed by the limitations of the new iPod touch camera, and the Apple document suggests it could take it even further…
In the Apple patent application, it outlines several methods for attaching a zoom lens accessory to the new iPod touch. The preferred approach uses an advanced magnetic array coupling. The plans even include a way of personalising the arrangement of the magnets to stop someone from swiping your lens.
Apple also puts forward a range of other ways of hooking up accessories to the new iPod touch including mechanical fastenings, clips, adhesives and Velcro.
The patent application goes even further with a vision of a successor to the new iPod touch including a port to hook up a wider range of external accessories. It describes the potential for not just additional camera lens accessories but speakers and sensors. The latter would definitely encourage further use of the iPod touch as a handheld device in places like hospitals.
There’s not guarantee that Apple will be granted a patent based on this application or that it will put the plan for attachable iPod touch accessories into action. But we’re excited by the possibilities of a range of additional lens for the iPod touch and iPhone as well as other magnetic add-ons.
Let us know: what attachable iPod accessories would you like to see? Activate your imagination and hit the comments.
Out TBC | £TBC | Apple (via Patently Apple)
