Apple dropped another bomb today by unveiling a new patent application appropriately titled "Electronic Device Having Display and Surrounding Touch Sensitive Bezel for User Interface and Control." At least they are specific with the title.

The focus of the patent is the incorporation of a touch-sensitive bezel (edge of screen) that can adapt to the screen contents to provide an input method for the user. Hrmpf suggests that the use of this non-screen area would eliminate many of the "smudge" and "scratch" concerns for a full-screen touch iPod.

The only downside to this finding is the possibility that the full-screen touch iPod could get delayed even longer. – Travis Hudson

Apple describes new interface for iPod (more pics here) [Hrmpf! via Mac Rumors]

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