Apple media event - September 9th

Sad Professor

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/17/apple_annual_music_event_to_be_held_sept_9_report.html

Right on the button - the iPod rebate offer ends the day before. So we can expect new iPods (with cameras, ugh). There's unlikely to be any Mac-related announcements as Apple tend to keep their music and Mac events separate. Rumours suggest Snow Leopard could arrive at the end of August.

AI also thinks there won't be a tablet until 2010.

J-blk

Sad Professor wrote: »

AI also thinks there won't be a tablet until 2010.

- crap...

iPods with cameras... meh. The Zune HD is looking a helluva a lot more interesting at the moment...

Red Alert

No surprise announcement of the tablet I wonder?

JordanDC

It doesn't seem like the right time for Apple to release their tablet right now. We can definitely expect iPod updates, although a camera seems stupid on anything less than the Touch.

Simon201

Is it gonna be Beatles finally on iTunes with the digitally remastered stuff out the same day?

kevteljeur

J-blk wrote: »

- crap...

iPods with cameras... meh. The Zune HD is looking a helluva a lot more interesting at the moment...

But what else could they possibly do with the iPod? It's an MP3 player with a lot of extensibility and wi-fi, and a touch screen. If the Zune has some killer feature over and above that, I'll be very interested to know what it is. I don't say that as a fanboi, by the way, the new Zune is physically very, very nice, but it's still just another media player.

Of course, they're better for squirting stuff at people.

Red Alert wrote: »

No surprise announcement of the tablet I wonder?

A little part of me can't help holding my breath, but if we're all discussing it, then they might just launch it some other time, while having whoever leaked it assassinated. It does look like they might actually launch this thing though, doesn't it? And if they do, I wish I could afford one...


.

J-blk

kevteljeur wrote: »

But what else could they possibly do with the iPod? It's an MP3 player with a lot of extensibility and wi-fi, and a touch screen. If the Zune has some killer feature over and above that, I'll be very interested to know what it is. I don't say that as a fanboi, by the way, the new Zune is physically very, very nice, but it's still just another media player.

The Zune HD can use (though it's optional) an HDMI connection and output content to an HDTV at 720p - the video demos of the UI are pretty good, it even looks like a full blown media center when hooked up to a TV. Pretty cool IMO. And that's what I want from a media player: improved media playback. WTF is a camera good for (though ok, on the Touch, it just brings it even closer to the iPhone)?

I'm probably just annoyed that the tablet probability has dwindled again... I keep hoping for it to exist .

-Blanco-

Rumors of a built in microphone on the itouch, some people making the assumption it could be used as a skype phone over wifi....
A report from business week is saying that Apple may have 2 tablet prototypes in the works, one being essentially a bigger itouch and an even larger one that could run OS X...

Doesn't look like Apple will be releasing a tablet anytime soon though, but then again it's impossible to tell so fingers crossed:D

projectmayhem

All I want for Christmas is a new iPod classic design!

-Blanco-

projectmayhem wrote: »

All I want for Christmas is a new iPod classic design!

uhoh, better not read this..
http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/15/ipod-classics-future-in-doubt-due-to-shrinking-market-for-1-8-hard-drives/
:pac::pac::pac:

projectmayhem

-Blanco- wrote: »

uhoh, better not read this..
http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/15/ipod-classics-future-in-doubt-due-to-shrinking-market-for-1-8-hard-drives/
:pac::pac::pac:

Yeah I recall reading grim stuff along those lines alright. I still have hope though. The iPod Classic is the younger brother to the original iPod range so I hope Apple don't ditch it.

Sadly I own far, far too much music to not have a large capacity player. I own an 8GB iPhone which has a bare minimum of music on it just in case I forget my iPod in the gym and what not. My classic has been mine since the launch of it post-iPod video. 80GB's of (now dirty) white matte metal substances with a horribly worrying dent in the back from being dropped and beaten up too many times.

I loved my Creative Zen Vision M beforehand, and when it blew I had no choice but to frustratingly buy an iPod (I loathed them at the time). Since then I've gone on to buy two iPhones, iMac, two Macbook Pro's, mobileME and a plethora of Apple-centric gifts for others (including a Mac Mini for a previously Windows-based household).

I really hope Apple keep the classic line going. High capacity is the only way I can go as swapping out tracks just seems a real chore. They can't update their Nano range (except for this camera lark) too much this year as they only refreshed them last year. Other then having higher capacity iTouch's I'm at a loss as to what they can refresh or launch fresh this year, other then work the classic. The only update it's had is to have a uniform capacity at 120GB.

J-blk

projectmayhem wrote: »

Sadly I own far, far too much music to not have a large capacity player.

I feel the same and my 80GB iPod Video is always packed to the brim with music only and comes along on trips - the 16GB on my iPhone just doesn't cut it...

Unfortunately, with the availability of 32GB flash based players and the very real possibility of a 64GB iPod Touch this year, there is less and less demand for the very large capacity players - I think it is very probable (though sad) that this is the year that Apple drops the Classic completely .

Dman001

I don't think Apple will drop the Classic yet, I think it has another year or two left yet.

I reckon that we may see the death of the Apple TV this year, and this Tablet may takeover as being the living room media platform.

I thin there could be a possibility of the Touch getting HD output, maybe in the form of a dock. Apple already allows HD rentals on a limited number of movies through iTunes and without the need of the Apple TV.

J-blk

Dman001 wrote: »

I thin there could be a possibility of the Touch getting HD output, maybe in the form of a dock.

The existing iPod Touch doesn't have the processing power to play back an HD file though so there would need to be some major hardware changes to allow that, other than adding HDMI/Component or something via a dock. And other than Nvidia's Tegra, there's not much hardware that can do HD on a mobile device - if Apple used the Tegra in a new iPod Touch, they'd look like they are aping the Zune HD but who knows? Maybe they will.

su_dios

There have been rumors of a fresh imac design coming before xmas, which I'm holding out for. Does that mean it won't be launched at this media event?

What are the trends for releasing updates and new models at this event.

J-blk

su_dios wrote: »

There have been rumors of a fresh imac design coming before xmas, which I'm holding out for. Does that mean it won't be launched at this media event?

I doubt you'll see any iMac/MacBook update at this event - it has been traditionally an iTunes/music centric event and it'll probably be spent on iPod/iTunes announcements only (and possibly other media devices - so the mythical tablet still fits. The Apple TV was announced at an iPod event back in the day...).

I still expect to see iMac updates but these may come at a later event (late September or October) or even be a silent update (though if they have "new and exciting" - according to the hype - features, then I'd expect Apple to make a big deal out of it).

So, no iMac update at the September 9th event, but I'd still hold off on a purchase if I was you until October...

Sad Professor

Based on previous update cycles, new iMacs aren't due until early next year. Unless Apple want to get some "affordable" models out there sooner. I'm sceptical we'll see anything before Christmas... but who knows.

Dman001

J-blk wrote: »

The existing iPod Touch doesn't have the processing power to play back an HD file though so there would need to be some major hardware changes to allow that, other than adding HDMI/Component or something via a dock. And other than Nvidia's Tegra, there's not much hardware that can do HD on a mobile device - if Apple used the Tegra in a new iPod Touch, they'd look like they are aping the Zune HD but who knows? Maybe they will.

It actually looks like the iPhone is capable of playing back HD videos so it could be a possibility the Touch could get HD output.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/iphone-3gs-totally-capable-of-1080p-video-playback/#continued

jpfahy

I think we'll see Steve back on stage with Paul McCartney and Ringo to introduce the Beatles on iTunes. Should be a nice moment.

J-blk

Dman001 wrote: »

It actually looks like the iPhone is capable of playing back HD videos so it could be a possibility the Touch could get HD output.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/iphone-3gs-totally-capable-of-1080p-video-playback/#continued

Cool, now hopefully Apple will enable it fully (and upgrade the Touch hardware to match the 3GS) because the gist of that article is that it seems to kinda work but really doesn't... I'd love to see HD content playback to an HDTV (hopefully using an HDMI connection, just like the Zune HD, rather that some random other connection...).

banquo

I'd love to see Steve back on stage.

I'd say the 64gb iPod Touch with camera is a shoe-in.

Also, there's been rumours of a $30-$40 a month watch-all-you-want subscription service to Apple Tv, which I think is really what it needs to be a viable product. Anyone with an XBox 360 has no need for an Apple Tv. I'd consider it with the subscription service.

Tablet has been rumoured since forever tbh. It would need to have some killer features to be viable at the price that a 10-inch (or whatever) multi-touch device would come at. Like if it was a regular macbook but somehow folded out into a fullscreen, seamless surface. Otherwise, you basically have a touchscreen macbook air (it being built for portability)

Dman001

A subscription service would save the Apple TV. I'd hate to see it killed off cos it is a nice product.

J-blk

Dman001 wrote: »

A subscription service would save the Apple TV.

It's not a bad idea but if it happened, would anyone outside the good ol' USA get it anytime soon? Look at the sorry state of the Irish iTunes store for movies/TV anyway...

Sad Professor

What the Appletv really needs is to be made cheaper. And with greater video support. I know it can be hacked to play almost anything but that really shouldn't be necessary. €300-400 for a so-called media centre that is crippled out of the box is crazy.

And where are Irish iTunes movie/tv rentals, goddamnit?!! :pac:

Dman001

It is over priced here alright. A subscription service would only really work in the US where they have 95% of current TV Shows on iTunes and alot of HD TV Shows, all commercial free. Also with slow broadband speeds and download caps here, a subscription service wouldn't be that great here.

We should be the next country to receive the Video Store as all the major countries have it.

banquo

Broadband speeds supposedly aren't so different from here in the States, but I suppose you have to take inot account the sheer size and diversity of the USA.

Download caps are a problem though. Still, some ISPs have pretty reasonable usage.

Anyone know where this event can be watched live from?

J-blk

banquo wrote: »

Anyone know where this event can be watched live from?

I don't think anyone ends up live video streaming these events but a lot of the bigger blogs like Engadget or Arstechnica typically have a liveblog going, with constant updates as the event goes on...

Hobbes

-Blanco- wrote: »

Rumors of a built in microphone on the itouch,

Second generation iTouch you can use the headphones with Mic from the iPhone to use VOIP with OS3.

banquo

Hobbes wrote: »

Second generation iTouch you can use the headphones with Mic from the iPhone to use VOIP with OS3.

Much kudos to you.
/buys mic'd headphones

Sad Professor

Macrumours is reporting that the Classic will also be getting a camera.

Dman001

I can understand (but I don't agree) why the Touch would get a camera but the fact that the Nano and the Classic getting a camera is just pointless, but I really, really can't understand why the Classic would get a camera. It seems to be laziness on Apple's part. Also, I am aware these are just rumors and they may not be true but there is a very good chance they are true.

I think this is an indication that Apple is putting in alot of time into the Apple Tablet.

Dman001

It's officially on the 9th:

http://gizmodo.com/5349460/apple-its-only-rock-and-roll-ipod-event-september-9

I think the invitation could be a hint that The Beatles are coming to iTunes. I'm not expecting much from this event. Cameras on the iPods will be the major iPod upgrade but I'm more interested in iTunes 9.

I reckon the Tablet won't be released until MacWorld next year, as there is alot of rumors that it won't be released until next year.

aidan_walsh

I reckon the Tablet won't be released until MacWorld next year

We might be a long time waiting if we want Apple to announce it at MacWorld

Dman001

Ha Ha! Oh yes I forgot they dropped out.

There is a bit of talk about a subscription service for iTunes which sounds good. Also, O2 and AT&T are due to lose exclusivity of the iPhone which is good news although this is only speculation. The more networks that have the iPhone the better.

banquo

Asked a guy in an 02 shop and they said that a few weeks ago 02 renewed the exclusive contract for another year. So no official iPhone on any other network for a while.

As much as I'd love a camera-65GB ipod touch, iTunes 9 interests me more as well, especially the notion of a subscription service. Done well, and released in Europe (LOL) then it could be a real tv-killer.

I only use tv to watch tv shows, if you know what I mean. Not so much the news or daytime chat shows or anything like that. Just things like the Simpsons, Scrubs, etc. So I'd be one of the first in line for this. They might want to be able to do a big ''everything in HD'' release simultaneous to that, so it might be another year away.

/hopes otherwise.

Beatles also a likelyhood. I can picture Steve Jobs seeing on the the news that MJ died and then running around high-fiving people

Edit: I'd also like to see my favorite asshole, Steve Jobs, presenting.

Dman001

It could be true that O2 signed another contract but TBH that employee could be just saying that to get a sale.

I think Apple wants to loose those exclusivity deals even though they are making a fortune from it.

I'm not expecting any Video Subscription service for Ireland or any of Europe but that wouldn't bother me because the US Store has more content. Netflix is getting bigger everyday in America so a Subscription service would be the way to go for iTunes and Apple TV.

thecommander

Dman001 wrote: »

It could be true that O2 signed another contract but TBH that employee could be just saying that to get a sale.

O2 won't loose the exclusivity on the 3GS for a good while yet. Its possible that other carriers can sell the 3G, but not 3GS.

Sad Professor

AppleTV is now showing a 2 week wait time. Update imminent? It's about time.

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/01/40-gb-apple-tv-shipping-date-slips-leads-to-speculation-of-updates-next-week/

Dman001

Sad Professor wrote: »

AppleTV is now showing a 2 week wait time. Update imminent? It's about time.

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/01/40-gb-apple-tv-shipping-date-slips-leads-to-speculation-of-updates-next-week/

Looking good alright. I don't think the Apple TV really needs a hardware update. Maybe just some software tweaks and a price drop.

I reckon the talk of the "Cocktail" service is more focused on the iTunes Store as a whole rather than updated albums.

banquo

Nice find. We can probably bet on the specs/price 'slide' typical of the iPod line.

Don't think I buy an Apple television, would probably be ridiculously expensive. With a subscription service and a computer, the specialised HD isn't such a big deal, if not completely redundant.

I had to look up DVR a while ago to see what it was. Diploma in veteranarian radiology, apparently.

J-blk

Dman001 wrote: »

I don't think the Apple TV really needs a hardware update.

From Apple's perspective, it probably doesn't need much of a hardware update but I'd like to see one with a bit more horsepower, so third party apps like Boxee and XBMC on it could smoothly play back 720p (or even 1080p) .mkv files - if that was the case, I could totally get an Apple TV over a Mac Mini (which I've been contemplating since I gave my last one away ).

Extreme wishful thinking on my part though .

WizZard

The AppleTV does need a hardware update. Aside from the fact that it stutters on HD files, it uses an IDE hard drive interface which must be getting difficult to buy (for Apple) these days.
I'd at the least expect it to be upgraded to use a SATA drive, and ideally a better CPU.

banquo

I think, first and foremost, it needs to be useful.

Found an interview with Jobs from 2003 in Rolling Stone where he said that he hates the idea of subscription services, and notes that they usually fail.

So we might be kissing goodbye to that idea.

Dorsanty

banquo wrote: »

Found an interview with Jobs from 2003 in Rolling Stone where he said that he hates the idea of subscription services, and notes that they usually fail.

So we might be kissing goodbye to that idea.

Don't forget this is the same Steve Jobs that said video playback would never turn up on a ipod. Apple are smart enough (if a little slow) to go with market forces. If the market wants a particular service then Apple aren't going to ignore them forever. They tend to let these new markets to get passed the infancy phase and then do something impressive to gain market share.

I just hate how licensing has left Europe behind in terms of iTunes sotre catalog quality. For all the 'Union' in European Union the licensing of copyright material is still on a country by country basis. This really needs to change in the future if we europeans are to be treated on equal terms with the US. Combined we are a bigger market.

Sad Professor

The Loop reports that "very reliable sources" are claiming that there will be no update to the Apple TV at next Wednesday's media event in San Francisco.

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/02/no-apple-tv-refresh-at-next-weeks-media-event/

Dman001

banquo wrote: »

I think, first and foremost, it needs to be useful.

Found an interview with Jobs from 2003 in Rolling Stone where he said that he hates the idea of subscription services, and notes that they usually fail.

So we might be kissing goodbye to that idea.

Alot has changed since 2003. Look at Netflix, it's booming in America.

banquo

Here's hoping.

pleasant Co.

Dman001 wrote: »

Alot has changed since 2003. Look at Netflix, it's booming in America.

^^This

Jobs tends to say one thing, but then does another as time goes by.

Dman001

Mactard wrote: »

^^This

Jobs tends to say one thing, but then does another as time goes by.

LOL yeah. He called Blu Ray "A bag of Hurt" but I guarantee BR will be on Macs soon.

carlmango11

I don't see Apple getting rid off their iPhone one-network deal. The thought of the iPhone varying from network to network with different prices and services etc. doesn't seem to go with the whole seamless Apple approach. I can't imagine Steve Jobs needing to rely on every network in the world to provide a service he wants to build into the iPhone. Visual voicemail, MMS etc.

But if the iPhone exclusive deal ever switches over the Meteor I'll be first in line :pac::pac:

J-blk

carlmango11 wrote: »

I don't see Apple getting rid off their iPhone one-network deal. The thought of the iPhone varying from network to network with different prices and services etc.

Um, you do realize that in other countries the iPhone is already sold by two (or more) carriers right? That's already the case in Greece and Italy. There are others too but can't remember which ones. Exclusivity to one carrier is not a worldwide phenomenon.

carlmango11 wrote: »

I can't imagine Steve Jobs needing to rely on every network in the world to provide a service he wants to build into the iPhone. Visual voicemail, MMS etc.

Again, 3 years in and O2 Ireland can't even be arsed to provide Visual Voicemail so much for the seamless experience across the world...