Hongfujin Precision Industry Co., the contracted manufacturer of Apple's iPod media jukebox have filed lawsuits against two Chinese journalists who wrote articles about working conditions at factories where iPods are made. According to Chinese press, Hongfujin, which is a subsidiary of TaiwanÂ?s Hon Hai Precision Industry Ltd.Â?s Foxconn Technology Group, is seeking 30 million renminbi (US$3.77 million) in damages from the two journalists.

Published articles written by the two journalists accused Apple and Hongfujin Precision Industry Co. of exploiting workers at their factory in southern China. The Shenzhen Intermediate Court, which accepted the case, froze the assets of the two reporters, Weng Bao and Wang You. The journalist rights group Reporters Without Borders have requested that the iPod contractor drop the lawsuit, but as of yet no news on Hongfujin Precision Industry Co.'s reply has surfaced.

A couple of weeks ago, Apple responded to iPod "sweatshop" accusation and reassured the public that the company is committed to ensuring that workers are treated with respect and dignity. It didn't take long for Shanghai Business Review to defend Apple to defend Apple, even saying that quality of factories in China are better than in Europe. Of course, the accused, Foxconn had already spoken. And it continues to speak, but this time, bashing domestic and international media for the irresponsible reporting without independent verification of the actual working conditions in Foxconn's iPod plants.

Edmund Ding, speaking on behalf of Foxconn Electronics (registered trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry), has submitted a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange strongly criticizing the media for erroneously reporting less than humane conditions in its iPod factories in China. Again, Foxconn has denied allegations of sweatshop conditions in light of reports that the company has admitted to breaking labor laws in China, by asking employees to work 80 extra hours every month and only giving an equivalent of $50 in pay.

In response, Ding stated that Foxconn pays an overtime rate equivalent or better than that required by Chinese laws. He further stated that "Foxconn does not comment about customer information, much less make a public announcement on behalf of a customer."

There have been so many rumors about the release of the next iPod  - none of which has been confirmed, not a single one. Whenever someone from Apple tries to answer those backfence talks, their replies usually result in more speculation - thus it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that they are not speaking up.

Just like this one, we have already featured in our earlier reports about some weird Apple patents that have something to do with the body's motion. Apparently, in a recent statement by CEO Terry Gou of Hon Hai (iPod makers for Apple), it was implied that Apple is about to unveil the next generation of the iPod, the best-selling music player in the U.S., using a "none-touch" concept. The "none-touch" part sent the rumormongers running to their blogs.

Maybe something's just lost in translation. But the only sensible possibility is that the next iPod will feature an internal motion sensor somewhat similar to the one Apple already uses in its laptops and along the lines of the upcoming Nintendo Wii controller. If this one is proven to be true, I'd be one of the many applauding Apple! But since this is just a rumor, we leave the speculation part to you. What do you think about this rumor? Would you like it or is it a bad idea? Let us know through your comments.