Today Apple chose to pull the plug on its iconic clickwheel by introducing the 6th iteration of iPod nano with its multi-touch, capacitive screen, sans wheely.
It's a real shame, as I believe the mighty clicker could have maintained relevance, albeit in the form of an all new cross functional device.
Imagine a new genre of iPods; a hybrid if you will, where click wheel is paired with touch screen.
The device would serve as both entertainment vessel and remote commander. For instance, the wheel would be used to control no-look menu operations and the screen utilized for soft key commands.
Add to this the endless supply of 3rd party apps and voila, the ultimate iPod. One that allows you to operate television, a/v components, game hardware, all the while providing music, movies, entertainment and web browsing.
Let's see, a device that allows me to browse my local channel guide, choose a station to watch or record and then be able to swap functions to adjust volume, then check my FaceSpace, all while sitting on the couch and ordering pizza.
That, my friends is literally equivalent to harnessing the power of the sun.
What I found most useful about the clickwheel was its ability to function without looking down at it.
Forwarding through playlist or pausing a program could always be accomplished in your pocket. And as far as remotes go, sightless control is a must. No one wants to pick up a remote from the couch and have to look at it to identify the play button.
RIP my round friend.
See video below for all that new nano freshness.
