New iPod Nano and Shuffle patent hints at speakers

Looks like folks at Apple know no rest! Just when news about a niggling flaw in the battery of their latest iPhone has been doing rounds, Apple’s plans of modifying their iPod Nano and Shuffle have trickled out, too. According to a report in Patently Apple, the Cupertino-based company had been seriously contemplating making some interesting additions to its popular iPod Nano and Shuffle, and have subsequently filed for a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 

What Apple has in mind!

Now, getting down to the interesting bit. The tiny blue arrow that you see in the image above is exactly where Apple wants to introduce a tiny speaker. Yes! A speaker. According to the images posted at the Patently Apple site, Apple is working at introducing this speaker in the clip attached on the rear side of the iPod Nano. The report further states that the introduction of a speaker clip to both the Nano and the Shuffle will prove to be a game-changer.

Among those additions to the iPod Nano and Shuffle, which now come under Apple's list of patents include, a slightly depressed region on the clip, making enough space for the tiny speaker to fit in, as well as have a perfect output for the sound released and probably a guide structure. According to the report, the guide structure, which too may find its way into the modified device will essentially help the speaker align itself well, within the limited space of the clip. The speaker itself, is an accoustic one, essentially a pizeoelectric one. Reportedly, the speaker will include an electrical channel, made of any suitable material like a coaxial cable, flex microstrip, et al.

While this does seem to be an interesting addition to the stylish Nano and 'been there' Shuffle, only a try will make the picture clearer.