On the other hand, what I think can be derived from reviewing these new illustrations, at least for starters, is that there's a possible new and potentially huge trend that could be emerging here in light of the new Apple + [url=http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/]Nike[/url] joint-venture that was announced in May. Here, Apple customized a specialty iPod nano to work Nike's Air Zoom Moire runners, which are marketed as the first footwear designed "to talk to iPod." Could there be more joint ventures like this in the wings? Perhaps, especially in light of some of the many iterations of the iPod nano that Apple has registered. In my opinion, there's just too many of them to end up all being for Apple-only applications. But which ever way it works out in the end, it sure demonstrates that Apple is burning the midnight-oil to find new and interesting applications and markets to expand their iPod nano into - in the coming months and years ahead.

First up: a TV remote or a nano phone?

In the first series of new iPod nano illustrations, it's number 0009 that sparks the imagination most. It appears to look like either a TV remote/channel-changer or a nano phone – which of course would be sold with a wireless headset with a microphone (not illustrated).

Is Apple adding biometrics to the iPod?

In the second series of iPod illustrations, you'll note that this particular design below represents a video iPod, whereas illustration 0010 above is in nano form. What first comes to mind here is that it could be illustrating an iPod using [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biometrics]biometrics[/url] for [url=http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=876531]fingerprint security[/url]. If correct, this iteration of the iPod would of course have to be used in conjunctions with Apple's [url=http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/apples_roadmap_voice_activated_media_management_system_for_the_ipod/]voice activation[/url] patented technology.

Some real "head-scratchers"

Well, you'd have to admit that some of these new nano illustrations below are real "head-scratchers." Illustration 0006 could be illustrating a touch pad while 0004 could just be a variant of 0010 noted above. As for illustrations 0005 (below) and 0008 (above) – I draw a complete blank.

Saving the best for last

I've save the best for last. There's one more illustration to review - and it's been filed in a separate Macsimum News report. If you haven't seen it yet, then check out [url=http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/has_apple_designed_an_ipod_nano_based_game_controller/]illustration number 0007[/url]. If it's what I think it could be, then I think your going to be one happy camper today!

So, now it's your turn. What potential new markets can you see being derived from these iPod designs? Can you think of any cool ideas for applications using these designs? Can you figure out what illustrations 0005 and 0008 could be used for? To any of the above, email me at neo@macsimumnews.com