Apple’s New Video iPod May Get Nvidia GoForce Graphics.

Apple New iPod May Feature 3D Gaming

A report by analyst suggests that Apple Computer’s next-generation video iPod player with large screen will feature a 3D-capable graphics processor by Nvidia Corp., instead of a chip from Broadcom. This may indicate that Apple wants its new-generation digital media player to be able to play games.vP

“Based on our analysis, we believe Nvidia is designed into the next-generation vPod socket at the expense of Broadcom. We believe the Nvidia chip adds 3D graphics functionality in addition to all of the existing features (such as H.264 [decoding]) that Broadcom supported with the existing vPod,” said Satya Chillara, an analyst with American Technology Research wrote in a new report.
The analyst refers the next-generation iPod player with large screen and video capabilities as vPod. However, adding 3D graphics capabilities means that Apple plans to take advantage of it, making not one – video playback on large screen – but two selling points for the upcoming device – video playback and three-dimensional gaming. In fact, Microsoft's rumoured iPod rival is expected to feature gaming as well.

In mid-February it was reported that the “true” video iPod would be released in Spring. However, it was later said that the product had been delayed due to issues with touchscreen display and now it is reported that the device will see the light of the day no earlier than in 1H 2007. It is unclear, whether Apple decided to fully redesign the new iPod, or just faced issues that postponed the release by two or three quarters.

Originally it was reported that the new “true” video iPod will have 3.5” colour touch screen that will serve for both video and navigation purposes. Those, who have seen the device, reportedly said that it would have 3.5” display that will occupy the entire front face of the gadget. The new iPod features a digital click wheel, one that overlays the touch-sensitive display and appears when a finger touches it and disappears when the finger is removed.

Apple Computer did not comment on the news-story.