"No-Look" Interface for iPod nano Patented

A patent applied for over a year before the new iPod nano came to light - but released last week - shows Apple is considering a simplified multi-touch interface for its smallest media player that allow a user to control it without looking at the touchscreen. Addressing issues some users have had operating the device when it's worn on a clip, the interface includes different combinations of taps and holds for playback and volume controls.

The patent application notes that having physical buttons on a device increases the size of the device, but that smaller devices with fewer buttons are difficult to operate when looking away from the device, such as during a workout.

http://modmyi.com/forums/iphone-news...-patented.html