Hasta La Gadget!

I’ve always thought that hardcore Apple fans were so serious about their dedication to the brand that it’s almost like a religion to them. So when I saw these shrines made for the iPad and iPod nano, I thought they were very appropriate.

The ornate TonSchrein for iPad and iPod nano were created by Georg Dinkel, and they clearly elevate these gadgets to a level of fanaticism not seen before.

The intricate details of the two shrines were made using polymer clay, and the iPad version houses a 2.1 sound system, while the iPod nano version is just a two-speaker mono setup.

While the iPad version would work well as a mantle clock, the iPod nano version seems even more ridiculous to me, adding substantial heft to Apple’s diminutive music player, as it hides behind the doors of the shrine.

You can check out more photos of the TonSchreins over on Dinkel’s website.

If you thought that maybe the design on Apple’s iPod touch and nano are getting a bit old and could do with a refresh, it seems that you might not have to wait too long for that to happen. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, he has recently released a new report suggesting that Apple could be releasing all new iPod touch and nano devices this September. So far both devices have yet to receive substantial upgrades, with the iPod touch receiving a new color (white) last year and seeing its entry level price drop, both devices have remained pretty much the same which in the tech world where things are evolving at a fast pace, might be considered to be “old”. September is also when Apple is expected to announce and launch the next-gen iPhone, so perhaps there is a chance that both the iPod touch and iPod nano could be announced alongside it. Kuo has been pretty accurate with his predictions in the past, but since the future is uncertain and is subject to change, we suggest you not get your hopes up just yet, and be sure to check back with us at a later date for the follow-up.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: iPod touch to get camera in spring?, iPods to die when their gross margins will be too low,

It may very well be time for a brand new media player from Apple, the seventh generation of the tiniest of iProducts, the iPod nano to be exact. This 8th gen iPod nano is said by sources familiar with the matter speaking with Macotakara to be returning to the tall and thin form of the 5th generation iPod nano and will have the thinness (or close to) of the current generation iPod touch. This device will also herald the end of the music service Ping – this according to these same sources in China.

This next-generation iPod nano will do away with the click-wheel that for so long has been the calling card of the iPod in general, opting instead for the same sort of thumb-sized button that the iPhone and iPod touch currently has in place. This device will also be shorter than the tallest iPod nano thus far, it having a body much closer to the first generation nano, but this time having a display that’s essentially the same size as the 5th generation (something like 2.2 inches diagonally.)

More of everything, please, thank you.

The image you see at the top of this post comes from 3D renderer and developer Taiyo Fujil who has done rendering work for Macotakara before. In other words, it’s not a real photo, it’s a mock-up done with software – don’t be fooled! Head below to see the rest of the news we’ve got recently surrounding the iPod nano. It’s not often this device comes up anymore – perhaps this is the best indicator that it’s due for a refresh? We’ll more than likely see soon!

iPod Nano 8th gen drops the click-wheel and gains iTunes is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

iPod Nano straps have been around for a year or so now and they’ve been approximately exciting as tying a string to an iPod Classic and hanging it around your waist. Here’s something completely different. The Syre is a Bluetooth-enabled Nano watch case that transmits the audio wirelessly to compatible headphones. That’s right – no more looking like a weirdo with headphone cables sticking out of your wrist.

No battery specs but the entire watch encases the Nano, protecting the headphone port and jack from water and perspiration. It has a built-in battery.

The case, created by Anyé Spivey, is about to launch as a Kickstarter project but you can check it out now right here. They’re going to sell the watches with Bluetooth for $50 and they’re aiming for $75,000 in funding before they manufacture.