PMP Today

The rumor mill among upstream suppliers is churning out buzz that a new iPod video will be released on August 2007. DigiTimes says that the next-generation 6G iPod video will feature touch-screen panels similar to the iPhone. The reported supplier of the capacitive touch-screen panels is Taiwan-based manufacturer WinTek. WinTek has yet to make an official statement due to customer confidentiality, but sources from upstairs have confirmed the news. The estimated shipping date of the panels is late 2007.

Aside from this, a similar iPhone-type OS X is believed to be a feature of the new iPods. Apple CEO Steven Jobs said during a meeting with Apple employees that his Mac OS X division has been tweaking not just the iPhone interface but the iPod interface as well.

Well, I’ll believe it when I see it. A touch-screen is one hell of an upgrade to the iPod that will take the market by storm, but I admit I’m a little apprehensive about the idea. Touch-screens lack tactile response, and I can just imagine how it can lower the usability of the iPod while increasing the cost. Not to mention how annoying it’ll be to constantly remove the grease and smudge stains. The only thing I really care about when it comes to upgrades is if these innovations will make my life easier. And perhaps I’m just really easy to please, but I’m quite content with the click wheel as it is. It’s all pretty much just speculation at this point, so hang on to your wallets and stay tuned for more updates.

[via digitimes]