Apple to unveil 'big screen' iPod touch?

London, Jan 6 (ANI): Rumours are abuzz that Apple may launch a 'big screen' version of its popular iPod touch device to make it even easier to surf the Internet and watch movies.

A report from Michael Arrington of TechCrunch, a popular technology industry blog, says that Apple has developed an iPod touch device with a 7- or 9-inch display.

Sources have told that blog that prototypes of the device are already being shown to Apple's manufacturing partners in Asia, reports the Telegraph.

The gadget would enable users to listen to music, watch films and surf the Internet on a more comfortably sized screen than the 3.5in display currently used.

TechCrunch claims that Apple has been experimenting internally with large form tablet devices for year.

"But there was concern that users wouldn't like the device," said Arrington, who now argues the time is right for such a gadget.

He says this is due in part to the success of the iTunes App Store, an online marketplace that allows people to download games and software for their iPhone or iPod touch.

Arrington said that a larger touch-screen would make the new iPod would be 'one heck of a device'.

The prospect of a larger iPod touch has also been welcomed by analysts, who believe a more substantial gadget would allow Apple to compete directly with manufacturers of ultra-portable laptops, such as Acer.

Arrington's sources suggest that the larger iPod touch won't be officially unveiled until later this year. (ANI)