A patent has been unveiled showing an iPod Nano as a phone, using a dual-surface user interface to operate and allow users to control the device using their fingers.
The patent, which surfaced from a US Patent via an Australian filing, shows a dual-surface interface with one side being a full display, whilst the other surface would be the 'control panel' allowing users to use a force-sensitive touch based surface to operate the device.
The dramatic design will offer users a variety of interfaces or modes to work with including one for a phone, text messaging, a traditional iPod, a camera mode and more.
MacNN reports.
The design may also, according to Apple, simply offer consumers with a dual-sided display option in lieu of a force sensitive controller surface.
According to the patent, the back side of the device could contain a click-wheel function, which could possibly be etched into the device. The user would then use their fingers on the back of the device as a cursor. On another possible device mentioned in the patent, the front LCD screen would also contain a possible etched keyboard.
Though the report is still unclear on which idea would work best, John G. Elias is credited by Apple as being the sole inventor of this patent application.
