We've been talking about and waiting around for the true video iPod for what feels like years now. There have been loads of rumors about the upcoming device, and it was originally supposed to have come out by now. However, Apple isn't one to rush to release things that aren't totally done, so we're stuck waiting. A recently filed patent application by Apple sheds some like on what exactly the true video iPod will look like and how it'll work. While it's generally been assumed that it'll have a touchscreen that calls up a click wheel, the new patent makes it look like a whole new control scheme is in the works. Rather than risking scratched, smudgey screens with people's thumbs rubbing all over them, the new patent shows the iPod being controlled by the bezel around the outside of the screen. Frankly, this is a seriously innovative design, and we hope it's what we'll be seeing on the next-gen iPods. It allows for your iPod to stay looking pretty but will keep your Cheetos-dusted thumbprints from ruining it. We'll let you know when concrete details about this bad boy are available. — Adam Frucci

Hrmpf, via Gizmodo