Is Apple planning to add a camera to the next-gen iPod nano? According to the images shared by Apple.pro, they might be. According to the post, the photographed nano prototype features the same compact square case, but with a noticeable hole at the back that’s filled with a mobile camera’s bits and pieces.

The design reportedly ran into some issues though. It features a1.3MP cam that’s said to be prone to taking overexposed photos, while a 2MP camera that was tested also proved to come up with below-standard images.

While it’s not impossible for Apple to experiment with such designs, it doesn’t make sense to add a camera to the next nano. Anyone who rocks a nano is likely to also be packing a mobile phone, and today’s average phone cam should be better than whatever they can fit into the nano’s tight frame. Adding the ability to take photos would also take up an already-limited storage space, not to mention the added cost that could push the price enough to make it impractical to choose over the iPod touch. And besides, that screen is simply too small to appreciate photos.

For all we know, this is just one of the prototypes that just wasn’t good enough to make it to production. If we had to choose a feature for the next nano, we’d rather they find a way to add Bluetooth for use with wireless headphones. That way, wearing it as a wristwatch wouldn’t make it too awkward with a headphone cable running from our wrists to our ears.

[via MIC Gadget]

Apple also used the “Let’s talk iPhone” event to announce updates to the iPod touch and iPod nano. What’s on tap for the world’s most popular line of music players? Nothing big, really. For the iPod touch, they announced lower prices and a new white variant, while the iPod nano got a number of interface tweaks along with lower prices.

For a more pocket-friendly intro to iOS, the 8GB iPod touch will now start at $199 (down from $229), but will keep the same price points for the 32GB ($299) and 64GB ($399) versions.

The iPod nano’s updates includes improvements to the Nike+ feature, giving it an interface with larger icons for easier on-the-go operation. The built-in Nike+ tech also got really simplified. You don’t have to pick up an extra adapter for tracking steps, distance or calories anymore. And for the people who rock the nano as a wristwatch, Apple has something for you too: they’re adding 16 new watch faces for you to use, including classic and chrono styles, as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse watch faces with moving hands.

The iPod nano is still available in seven colors but with a lower price, costing $129 for 8GB and $149 for 16GB.

Sony looks all set to enter the high-end portable media player market taken up by Apple’s iPod touch and Samsung’s Galaxy Players. They just announced the Walkman NW-Z1000 series, a PMP that sports a 4.3-inch screen with a 600 x 640 resolution and an Android 2.3 operating system.

It basically rocks the same specs as the average Android smartphone, but, like the iPod touch and Galaxy Players, this one comes without the phone bits. The NW-Z1000 runs on a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processors, will come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities, and a battery life that’s listed to last up to 20 hours of music playback. It also comes with an HDMI video out, Wi-fi n and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as DLNA support for streaming media to other devices in the network.

The device uses Sony’s stock W.Music app for music playback, but it also has access to the Android Market for installing other players. For entertainment, the NW-Z1000 series supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including MPEGG-4 AVC/H.264, .MP4, M4V, and WMV videos at up to 1920 x 1080 HD quality and 30fps, and MP3, WMA, ATRAC, ATRAC Advanced Lossless, AAC and HE-AAC.

The NW-Z1000 series is set to debut in Japan on December 10, with no word on international availability yet. In Japan, the series starts at ¥28,000 (or $364) for the 16GB NW-Z1050, and tops out at ¥43,000 ($559) for the 64GB NW-Z1070 in black and red colors. A special white 64GB version, the NW-Z1070 will only be sold in Sony stores for ¥45,800, or $595.

[via Impress]

Samsung already pulled out a number of interesting products during IFA late last week, but they didn’t stop with the new tablets, phones, and well… this tabet-phone hybrid-type thing. They also pulled out this little number: a smaller version of their mobile media player line called the Galaxy Wi-fi 3.6 that rocks a smaller 3.65-inch LCD screen, which makes for a more affordable device compared to the existing AMOLED-sporting Galaxy Wi-fi 4.0 and 5.0 devices.

The player looks to be designed to fit the needs of people who want a more affordable device, or people who want a more compact, iPod touch-sized media player. Behind the smaller screen, the Wi-fi 3.6 runs on a 1GHz single-core TI-OMAP processor and 8GB/16GB of integrated storage. The spec’s rounded out by a three-megapixel camera at the back, a VGA camera up front, and Android 2.3 with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI preinstalled.

The Wi-Fi 3.6 is set to land in Europe first in October, priced at around $240 for the 8GB model and $275 for the 16GB version.

According to CNET, the new A series player won’t come with built-in Wi-fi, so the listed wireless functions are likely going to be done via Bluetooth. According to the pre-order page on Play.com, the player will also feature an FM radio and karaoke (karaoke!) functions, lyrics and iTunes sync support, and an aluminum body to keep it light.

Despite the spacious touch screen, this player won’t be powered by a smart OS, so it’s going to be limited to mobile multimedia playback duties. The prices are a bit of a letdown though, especially for people who aren’t exactly Sony fans. According to CNET, prices start at $225 for the 8GB model, and top out at $494. If that’s true, then it’s way more expensive than the latest iPod touch (from $229 to $399), and this player won’t even serve up Angry Birds. Question is: how much do you really enjoy karaoke?

The new Walkman is available up for pre-order now on Play.com, and is listed to ship on July 31st.

We already know what Samsung’s Galaxy Player (or Galaxy Wi-fi 5.0) was all about after the company introduced it early last month; like the iPod touch, or the “iPhone without the phone”, the Galaxy Player is basically a Galaxy S but without the phone bits. Samsung never gave a definite release date so we still have no idea when this device is going to start shipping, and they didn’t announce a price—at least not officially. That bit of info just got revealed though: a listing for the 5-inch player’s 8GB version just got spotted when it turned up at Best Buy’s mobile app with a $270 price tag.

If you’re into comparisons, that’s $40 more than the 4th-gen 8GB iPod touch’s price, but you get a bigger screen, dual cams (3.2MP main cam), HDMI ports and DivX video support on this one. Still no word on a release, but the listing is a likely sign that this player’s due out soon.

[via Engadget]

It doesn’t have the same catchy ring to it as “it’s like an iPhone but without the phone,” but Samsung has finally started shipping the Galaxy S Wi-Fi. Previously known as the Samsung Galaxy Player, it’s basically what the iPod touch is to the iPhone: it’s a compact multimedia device that comes with (almost) the same spec as Samsung’s Galaxy S phones, but without the phone or 3G/4G connection.

The Galaxy S Wi-fi comes in two versions: the Galaxy S Wi-Fi 4.0 and 5.0, with the numbers pointing to the model’s screen size. “The Galaxy S without the phone” description is pretty accurate though, since the Galaxy S Wi-fi basically packs the same spec: 4 or 5-inch screen with an 800 x 480 resolution, 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 3.2MP main cam, front facing VGA cam for video calls, 8GB and 16GB capacities and Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating systems. They’ll also feature HDMI ports and support for DivX too, which makes them awesome mobile movie machines.

While they both have similar core specs, the two models have slightly different features though: the Galaxy S Wi-fi 4.0 is listed with a WVGA Super Clear LCD, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, and Proximity and Light sensors, while the 5.0’s spec seems to be toned down a bit, with a WVGA TFT LCD and no Proximity and Light sensors. It does make up for a larger battery with a 2,500mAh battery though, while the 4.0 comes with a 1,200mAh pack.

Pricing and specific international availability wasn’t announced, but South Korea naturally gets first dibs. The Galaxy S Wi-Fi 4.0 is also listed to launch in Russia (most other markets will probably get the 4.0), while the 5.0 is headed for Switzerland.

Press release:

Samsung Launches GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0:Smart Mobile Entertainment
- Two different sizes combine greater entertainment opportunities with smartphone-like innovation and app experiences

SEOUL–(Korea Newswire) May 2, 2011 — Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading provider of Smart Mobile Devices, today launched GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and a fresh addition to its smart player portfolio, the GALAXY S WiFi 5.0.

Each featuring 4″ and 5″ screen-sizes and delivering the powerful application experiences as the original GALAXY S, the two versions give users an unrivalled entertainment experience through a clear display, a swift 1GHz processor and the Android™ 2.2 “Froyo” platform. The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 will be first available in Russia and will be gradually rolled out in other countries. The GALAXY S WiFi 5.0 will be first available in Switzerland.

“With the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 we’re delivering a rich, immersive experience for multimedia enthusiasts.” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “A large, high-quality screen, a world of fun and useful applications and great communications services make this a powerhouse device at an affordable price.

The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 will deliver all the rich smartphone experiences of the GALAXY S smartphone. With video communications via VoIP services and rich video and music entertainment with multi-codec support, the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 will keep you constantly entertained.

Stunning Performance, Powerful Features

Key Features of the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 include:

- Display: The clear display makes web surfing and multimedia viewing a joy. Keep your lifestyle mobile – enjoy movies, your favourite TV shows, photos and web-browsing anywhere. Samsung’s latest mDNIe image engine technology ensures that video and images look stunning.

- Android™ 2.2 “Froyo”: The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 feature the Froyo operating system, with a possibility to upgrade to 2.3 Gingerbread.

- Application Customization: With access to over 150,000 apps available on Android Market™, the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 are fully customizable smart devices. Integrated GPS support further expands the capabilities of the device, letting you benefit from Google’s map services and directory applications.

- Google Mobile Services: Enjoy premium Google™ services such as Gmail™, Google Talk™ and YouTube™. Utilize voice recognition technology to search with Google faster than ever on the Internet. Stay plugged into the world with premier Google applications.

- Samsung Social Hub: Your entire social life in your hand. Simultaneously post messages and pictures on Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter using Samsung’s Social Hub. The integrated address book provides the ultimate command & control station for the most popular SNS services. Synchronize your personal calendar with friends, family, and the latest events.

- VoIP Voice & Video Calls: The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 utilize cost-effective video and voice communications services. The Qik application allows video chat which can be shared over social network services.

- HD Video & Images: A camera lets you shoot and share your life, capturing high-quality video or still images. The Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 support DivX HD, allowing high-definition video playback; Support for various codec standards including MPEG4, H264, DivX, XviD, WMV codecs ensures you can enjoy huge catalogues of content from all over the web.

- Audio excellence: The Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 “Smart Player” put entertainment at its core, designed to deliver the best possible audio and video experience. Samsung SoundAlive™ technology provides unrivalled sound quality, with deeper bass and greater tone articulation.

- Enhanced Memory Capability: Packed with generous 8/16 GB memory, plus mircoSD slot and powered by a powerful 1GHz for an industry leading performance, the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 are equipped to handle any user demand.

A leaked image of the next-gen iPod nano doesn’t really show much, but it does say a lot. We don’t know the specs and we don’t know all the features, but here’s a couple of things we can get from this rather blurry shot of a nano’s empty shell: it looks like they’re going to keep the tiny touchscreen form factor, and, unless that hole in the corner’s a clever new way to fit some kind of lanyard, it looks like the 7th-gen nano’s going to rock a camera again.

The 5th-gen “tall n’ slim” iPod nano packed a video camera, but that feature was dropped on the latest model, most likely because of space or battery issues. Whatever the reason, a lot of people missed having a tiny player that can record videos while out and about.

The report from Apple.pro looks legit though, and despite the significant size reduction from the wide-screened 5th-gen player, it certainly isn’t impossible to pull off. Probably the only question is: would videos played back on the current nano’s tiny square screen look any good? [via 9to5Mac]

The 1.1 update will now let you add optional controls for the sleep/wake button up top. A double-click can now either serve as a play/pause button or as a way to skip tracks, while a long press will not let you turn the player off—and not just set it to sleep—completely. The new controls will also work on the FM radio, and can be set via the player’s settings interface.

It’s going to be powered with the same 1GHz processor and Android 2.2 for running the show, but will skip on the AMOLED screen (thanks to a supply shortage) and will instead pack a four-inch, 800 x 480 Super Clear LCD. It should be way cheaper though, thanks to the screen downgrade and a lesser 3.2MP main cam. It adds a VGA front cam for video chats though, and will still feature Wi-fi and Bluetooth 3.0 for data connectivity.

The spec is rounded out by a T-DMB TV tuner for Korean models, a SoundAlive audio processor, GPS, and a microSD slot for adding storage to the built-in 8GB, 16GB or 32GB memory. Samsung didn’t give out pricing and release info yet, but we should know in a week when CES rolls around. [via Samsung Hub]