James Delahunty
30 Aug 2005 1:13
It appears that Apple Computers is preparing to make a big announcement next week which may be as critical to the company as the release of the iPod was in 2001. Reporters have received invitations from the company for a "special event" that takes place in San Francisco on Sept 7th. "1,000 songs in your pocket changed everything," the invitation reads, referring to the release of the first 5GB iPod nearly four years ago. "Here we go again."
Anytime Apple prepares to announce anything, details are always very scarce but rumours always run wild, and this time is no exception. Some clues are around as to what the company might be planning. Firstly, Apple recently has made a deal with Samsung for about 40% of the company's flash memory production. This could mean that Apple is hoping to make a larger capacity iPod Shuffle or maybe even change its iPod mini to flash based memory instead of HDD-based.
Another rumour has stemmed from record company executives that have said Apple has been asking to license music videos for distribution through the iTunes music store. Could Apple be working on, or have completed an iPod that is capable of playing video? It has been all success for Apple in recent years, mainly due to the demand for iPods amongst consumers. Now, Motorola has revealed that a long awaited iTunes phone will ship before the end of September.
It could be possible that the announcement will just be related to the iTunes compatible phone. Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg said that the iTunes phone is the most likely candidate but called the rumour of an iPod capable of playing video unlikely. "When it comes to Apple announcements, expectations are often set unrealistically by Apple enthusiasts," Gartenberg said. "But Apple has been known to pull rabbits out of the proverbial hat. It may be a new category of device altogether." he said.
Source:
ZDNet