True Video iPod Soon?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Engadget claims that Apple is ready to announce their rumored video/wireless iPod (http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/10/apple-about-to-announce-wireless-video-ipod/) in the "very near future," which the site takes to mean before the end of the year. According to the report, the much-hyped widescreen iPod would contain wireless connectivity, however which specific technology would be used was not detailed.

Meanwhile, ThinkSecret has gone back (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/09/20060916223336.shtml) and forth (http://notes.thinksecret.com/secretnotes/0609secretnote2.shtml) on the possibility of the device coming before the new year. While quoting "reliable" sources, Endgadet has repeatedly been off the mark with their Apple phone rumors, which may give insight into how good the site's sources are at Apple (claims of the iPhone in August (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/07/20060729213347.shtml), fake 'iChat Mobile' pics (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/08/20060802215346.shtml)).

[generik]

Yeah, Apple isn't going to sit back and let Zune steal its lunch!

Those who bought the 5.5g ipods lately probably are going to feel bummed.

[crees!]

Just bring it! That's all. Bring it!

[spicyapple]

Please Apple, re-orientate the screen so it's portrait, add extra resolution, add icon browsing and surely you'll have a winner. I don't really want a real video iPod, nor with wireless. (unless it's Bluetooth for wireless headphones!) :)

[berkleeboy210]

I knew it! I just bought an Archos 504

[stevehp]

Wireless would work well with iTV too. Stream songs right from your iPod through your entertainment system, controlled through your TV with no cables...Heck, the iPod could stay in your pocket! I'm not holding my breath though...Maybe they are trying to get this out before/at the same time as the Zune?

[berkleeboy210]

Remember when at one event apple announced iTunes 6, then a month later i think it was announced iTunes 7? Well here we are a month later, just about from when apple annnoucned the 5.5g and now the 6g ipod will be announced soon hopefully.

[bdj21ya]

Looking at those rumors they got wrong was quite disappointing. I really would love for them to come out with it before Christmas, but if not, I guess I can leave the tree up til MFSF and hold out hope.

[noservice2001]

6g?

[boxandrew]

I really hope this is true. Yesterday, my iPod started permanently showing the sad iPod icon and there's no way I'm replacing it now with so many rumours around.

Perhaps Apple is selling less of the newly released iPods than they thought 'cos many people are holding off until the iPod Video is released...

BTW - I'm not interested in wireless, just a bigger screen.

[hvfsl]

Well if they do launch it so soon, it probably won't replace the current iPods, but be a new highend model.

[thejadedmonkey]

Perhaps Apple is selling less of the newly released iPods than they thought 'cos many people are holding off until the iPod Video is released...
They can't be bummed since they aren't advertising it. The average consumer probably couldn't even tell it's been upgraded (except for the screen brightness)

[rockthecasbah]

Well if they do launch it so soon, it probably won't replace the current iPods, but be a new highend model.
I agree, the 5.5 release is too soon to have it be a full replacement. Additionally it will likely be a lot more expensive and an unnecessary extra cost to those who don't need that functionality. Now the question remains however, will there be multiple capacities for the "true video" or just one large on?

[Philberttheduck]

Those that bought the 5.5G is going to be similar to the 4G situation when they released the Photo. One'll be the higher end ones (60/120 set), while the other'll be "music-oriented." That, with the lowered prices and Zune release, you got a concoction Steve Jobs sees as "all in the money."

Hell, we remember last year's new nano release followed up in just months by the iPod with Video.

[bdj21ya]

They can't be bummed since they aren't advertising it. The average consumer probably couldn't even tell it's been upgraded (except for the screen brightness)

Hey now, don't forget games, search feature, and alpha transparency letter scrolling :rolleyes:.

No, I think that this was just a stop gap to keep demand up at least a little more while they get the real update ready for market. However, I don't think that real update is coming until at least January, unless this last update was really just to get rid of excess components. But then, I'm with those who say the new update will be released above the current model's price point, not as a replacement (though that would be a few too many models for Steve to think we could comprehend).

[longofest]

6g?

Nope... we're thinking this will be a totally different iPod product, separate from the normal iPod or the nano or the shuffle.

[OdduWon]

Yeah, Apple isn't going to sit back and let Zune steal its lunch!

Those who bought the 5.5g ipods lately probably are going to feel bummed.
yea i would be bumed if i paid for an ipod software update too.

[noservice2001]

Nope... we're thinking this will be a totally different iPod product, separate from the normal iPod or the nano or the shuffle.

so like an iTV kinda thing?

[twoodcc]

well i hope it's true. i'll believe it when i see it though

[OdduWon]

Mwsf.

[Rocketman]

Nope... we're thinking this will be a totally different iPod product, separate from the normal iPod or the nano or the shuffle.

On the wireless topic, isn't there a faster or larger range or higher bandwidth Bluetooth now?

If they would only make it about 3/16" thicker, the hard drive could have double the platters.

Rocketman

[storage]

Wireless YouTubePod! ;)

[Kingsly]

Gawd. Will this rumor just die already?

I want a vPod as much as the next guy... but please make the madness stop! :(

[Willis]

argh... enough with the speculation. these guys are shooting blanks.

[billchase2]

:D i knew i didn't buy a new ipod yet for a reason...

my money is going towards one of these...

[arn]

moved to page 1, not because I necessarily think it was accurate, but because it's gotten wide exposure already and also that while Engadget generally has very low-standards for publishing rumors, this time they are claiming it's reliable...

we'll see...

arn

[Flowbee]

Well, if Apple's going to do it this year, it will most likely be before the end of October. Much later than that and they'll miss a chunk of the holiday shopping season. Wanna grab people before they've ordered their Wiis and PS3s.

[MattyMac]

Yeah, Apple isn't going to sit back and let Zune steal its lunch!


Agreed!


So please please please let it be:D

[icsedge1]

so sorry family, but i had to cut your Xmas present budget by 50% so i could get a new video iPod.

actually, as we are all Mac Addicts, i think they would understand...

Sedge

[MattyMac]

Wanna grab people before they've ordered their Wiis and PS2s.
Don't you mean PS3's?

I just pre-orded mine today for the:D launch date

[Anonymous Freak]

I'm sorry, but with the release of the "true video" iPod "imminent" for months now, I'm just not going to pay any attention whatsoever until I have one in my hands.

Just like the iPhone, PowerBook G5 (and more recently, Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro, although that release hasn't been "imminent" often enough yet,) etc.

I'm starting to doubt page 1 rumors just as much as I doubt Page 2 rumors. Unless you (MacRumors, not the 'source' website of the rumor,) have credible, reliable, direct sources, it belongs on Page 2. If you don't have direct sources, (as rumors on other websites would be,) it does not belong on page 1. By your own standards.

Just because it's getting a lot of talk, and Engadget claims their sources are good, is no reason to upgrade it to page 1 status. (Heck, the iWalk got a lot of talk back in the day, and SpyMac claimed their sources were good. That didn't make it true.)

[toughboy]

I'm sorry, but with the release of the "true video" iPod "imminent" for months now, I'm just not going to pay any attention whatsoever until I have one in my hands.

Just like the iPhone, PowerBook G5 (and more recently, Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro, although that release hasn't been "imminent" often enough yet,) etc.

I'm starting to doubt page 1 rumors just as much as I doubt Page 2 rumors. Unless you (MacRumors, not the 'source' website of the rumor,) have credible, reliable, direct sources, it belongs on Page 2. If you don't have direct sources, (as rumors on other websites would be,) it does not belong on page 1. By your own standards.

Just because it's getting a lot of talk, and Engadget claims their sources are good, is no reason to upgrade it to page 1 status. (Heck, the iWalk got a lot of talk back in the day, and SpyMac claimed their sources were good. That didn't make it true.)

+1

[dejo]

Does that mean all the existing iPods that play video are somehow fake and/or unreal? ;)

[parenthesis]

I think Apple should keep the name "True Video iPod," just as a salute to all the rumor mongering.

I'd laugh. (and then buy one)

[icsedge1]

nope, it just means they are iPods with video, as opposed to Video iPod. :rolleyes: it's got to be widescreen before i am going to watch tv on it.

Sedge

[Flowbee]

Don't you mean PS3's?

I just pre-orded mine today for the:D launch date

Oops. I guess it's pretty obvious thet I never made it past the PSone. :o

[gugy]

yes, I hope it's true.
I have the gut feeling that Apple is holding off until end of October to:
• first, sell as many ipods as they can
• wait for the Zune
• have a special event for the Video ipod
• have momentum for the Xmas season

I look forward a 120gig drive nd a way to input data on the road ala PDA. that would be very nice.

As for ThinkSecret, who cares what they say. Like macrumors says they go back and forth because they just have no clue and if this indeed happen or not they will say they were right. What a joke.
Right now the most reliable site is Appleinsider.

[balamw]

I think Apple should keep the name "True Video iPod," just as a salute to all the rumor mongering.

I'd laugh. (and then buy one)
Do you think it's a coinkidink that the acronym for True Video iPod just so happens to be TVi? TVi, iTV, what's the difference.:p

B

[Flowbee]

I'm starting to doubt page 1 rumors just as much as I doubt Page 2 rumors. Unless you (MacRumors, not the 'source' website of the rumor,) have credible, reliable, direct sources, it belongs on Page 2. If you don't have direct sources, (as rumors on other websites would be,) it does not belong on page 1. By your own standards.

Just because it's getting a lot of talk, and Engadget claims their sources are good, is no reason to upgrade it to page 1 status. (Heck, the iWalk got a lot of talk back in the day, and SpyMac claimed their sources were good. That didn't make it true.)

I think you're looking for MacFacts.com... better known as Apple.com.

[Ino]

The virtual scroll wheel interface would pretty much wreck the games that were just released for the 5/5.5G iPods...

...unless the game itself occupies only half the screen and the other half is just the click wheel on some sort of background, whether in portrait or landscape. I'm a little skeptical on how that kind of user experience might be though...

[arn]

I'm starting to doubt page 1 rumors just as much as I doubt Page 2 rumors. Unless you (MacRumors, not the 'source' website of the rumor,) have credible, reliable, direct sources, it belongs on Page 2. If you don't have direct sources, (as rumors on other websites would be,) it does not belong on page 1. By your own standards.


I'm not sure where you got those criteria... but those aren't the criteria for which story make the first page.

Readers aren't asked to blindly believe page 1 rumors... Whether Page 1 or Page 2, rumors are presented in their context.... with historical context of the sites involved. Engadget generally has pretty low standards regarding rumors - in that they will post whatever they want on their site if they find it remotely interesting -- that being said, I've not seen them post Apple Rumor items using their own sources with any degree of certainty before. As a result, they get this front page spot. If "joerumorblogIveneverheardof.com" posts a rumor from "reliable" sources, it won't even get a mention on Page 2.

arn

[wakerider017]

Just my opinion...

This iPod will be 400+ when/if it comes out...


For that kinda money I would much rather invest in a macbook!!!

With student discount Macbook is only about 500 more...


Yea they are apples and oranges... but a liitle macbook would make a nice portable video device.

[archurban]

so what will 6G be if it is not? that's question, huh?

[Cassie]

The 6g? I don't know. Maybe it'll be like a PDA, with iPhone capibilites,and CompactMac OS 1.0 :D

Actually, that would be pretty neat. An iPod/iPhone/PDA? C'mon, you've gotta admit that would be cool!

I really don't care about any video features and such. Hell, add an Intel Core Duo 2 processor, for all I care! Just as long as it still plays music, I'm happy.:)

[Stridder44]

No guys it's coming out for reals this time. Just go down the isle with the MacBooks with C2D's in them. If you pass Duke Nukem Forever you've gone too far though.

[spjonesi]

I'm sorry, but with the release of the "true video" iPod "imminent" for months now, I'm just not going to pay any attention whatsoever until I have one in my hands.

Just like the iPhone, PowerBook G5 (and more recently, Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro, although that release hasn't been "imminent" often enough yet,) etc.

I'm starting to doubt page 1 rumors just as much as I doubt Page 2 rumors. Unless you (MacRumors, not the 'source' website of the rumor,) have credible, reliable, direct sources, it belongs on Page 2. If you don't have direct sources, (as rumors on other websites would be,) it does not belong on page 1. By your own standards.

Just because it's getting a lot of talk, and Engadget claims their sources are good, is no reason to upgrade it to page 1 status. (Heck, the iWalk got a lot of talk back in the day, and SpyMac claimed their sources were good. That didn't make it true.)

+1

The quote, "G5 powerbooks on tuesday" comes to mind.

spjoneSi

[OdduWon]

yes, I hope it's true.
I have the gut feeling that Apple is holding off until end of October to:
• first, sell as many ipods as they can
• wait for the Zune
• have a special event for the Video ipod
• have momentum for the Xmas season

I look forward a 120gig drive nd a way to input data on the road ala PDA. that would be very nice.
if apple dosen't let zune come out first, it will be funny. Ms is all counting days and hopeing apple has already show it's hand w/ 5.5, then a day before..bam. apple will release the wonderpod and all will be well.
i agree also that this release would require an event. the new comming weeks may produce silent Mb Mbp upgrades with shuffle/ xserve if were lucky. so i dont think it will be october for wonderpod. before nov 14?
also zune has a lot more going on in the device so people and developers will like it. ipod needs to add some pda conviences to "keep up" with the zune.

[sushi]

Well if they do launch it so soon, it probably won't replace the current iPods, but be a new highend model.
This would make sense.

To get a decent sized HD, wireless, good battery life, it may need to be bigger. Also, I would think folks would prefer a larger screen than the current iPod size.

[jholzner]

I'm not sure where you got those criteria... but those aren't the criteria for which story make the first page.

Readers aren't asked to blindly believe page 1 rumors... Whether Page 1 or Page 2, rumors are presented in their context.... with historical context of the sites involved. Engadget generally has pretty low standards regarding rumors - in that they will post whatever they want on their site if they find it remotely interesting -- that being said, I've not seen them post Apple Rumor items using their own sources with any degree of certainty before. As a result, they get this front page spot. If "joerumorblogIveneverheardof.com" posts a rumor from "reliable" sources, it won't even get a mention on Page 2.

arn

I just checked joerumorblogIveneverheardof.com and the site isn't even real! Jeez, how about some fact checking 'round here.:p

Anyway, I want this to be true sooo bad. This device could be so awesome.

[hyperpasta]

While I don't know about Engadget's "reliable" Apple sources, their reliable Microsoft sources gave em everything about the Zune, even a PICTURE.

So don't dismiss this, it's Page 1 worthy, but it's also not more than 50% likely, as it would be if this was AppleInsider we were talking about.

[JGowan]

:: Comments removed due to my stupidity :: Thanks for the info/tip, though, iMeowbot!!

[amin]

Yeah, Apple isn't going to sit back and let Zune steal its lunch!

Those who bought the 5.5g ipods lately probably are going to feel bummed.

Can't speak for the others, but as a happy new 80GB iPod owner, I wouldn't be bummed. A new iPod doesn't make mine any less great!

[p0intblank]

I love these rumors! Bring on the iPod video! :D

Zune who?

[Cinch]

I think this a typical engineer/geek/nerd wet dream. I also think the current iPod is too big for the gym (I use the Nano). Watching TV shows or movies on the iPod doesn't appeal to me. Imagine watch a TV show on a screen a little bit bigger than a business card, fabulous, good times!

An iPod that plays Movies and TV shows on a bigger screen like your TV sounds more plausible. But think how complicated this scenario is. Lets keep it simple, lets watch TV shows on our TV beam via cable/satellite. If you have to make a decision to download TV shows (note the one that you like and ignoring the rest) then download it to your TV then simplicity is lost. The product i.e. video iPod is dead on arrival.

Cinch

[Zadillo]

While I don't know about Engadget's "reliable" Apple sources, their reliable Microsoft sources gave em everything about the Zune, even a PICTURE.

So don't dismiss this, it's Page 1 worthy, but it's also not more than 50% likely, as it would be if this was AppleInsider we were talking about.

Well, the difference there is that Microsoft used Engadget and others as part of their marketing campaign - "leaking" product information and photos to them to try and drum up interest. They did the same thing before with their "leaks" of Origami to try and build up hype. Of course, Zune seems to have gained more traction than UMPC (perhaps because the Zune is basically using a model that has been proven successful by the iPod).

Apple on the other hand just doesn't seem to leak product information ahead of time any more, and they also don't seem to need to do that kind of thing to generate hype and excitement for their products.

-Zadillo

[840quadra]

I'm starting to doubt page 1 rumors just as much as I doubt Page 2 rumors. Unless you (MacRumors, not the 'source' website of the rumor,) have credible, reliable, direct sources, it belongs on Page 2. If you don't have direct sources, (as rumors on other websites would be,) it does not belong on page 1. By your own standards.



I'm not sure where you got those criteria... but those aren't the criteria for which story make the first page.

arn

I have to agree with arn on this one.

This is a site about Apple or Mac industry rumors as opposed to facts. There has been allot of criticism lately with regards to what does or doesn't make it to the front page. It is fine to not agree with the decisions made by those who run the site and forums, that is human nature. Now, calling out or complaining about something posted on a rumor site as not being factual or credible, does nothing but make whomever is complaining about it look silly.

If readers can't handle rumors, speculation or anticipation, perhaps those people should avoid the front page and go directly to the Mac Hardware or other such forum.

[Virtualball]

Apple on the other hand just doesn't seem to leak product information ahead of time any more, and they also don't seem to need to do that kind of thing to generate hype and excitement for their products.

-Zadillo


*caugh*the word MacBook was leaked on the Apple site in May*/caugh*
haha that was one llloooonngggg caugh :)

[MacQuest]

Apple will utterly HUMILIATE microsoft's zune device by releasing this "true" video device .

What's funny is that m$ actually thinks that they're gonna compete with the iPod when it's [i]this device that they should be chasing.

The zune won't even stall the current 5.5g's iPod sales, but the combination of the current iPods strong [as usual] sales and this "true" video device will absolutely SLAUGHTER m$'s zune.

[bdj21ya]

I think this a typical engineer/geek/nerd wet dream. I also think the current iPod is too big for the gym (I use the Nano). Watching TV shows or movies on the iPod doesn't appeal to me. Imagine watch a TV show on a screen a little bit bigger than a business card, fabulous, good times!

An iPod that plays Movies and TV shows on a bigger screen like your TV sounds more plausible. But think how complicated this scenario is. Lets keep it simple, lets watch TV shows on our TV beam via cable/satellite. If you have to make a decision to download TV shows (note the one that you like and ignoring the rest) then download it to your TV then simplicity is lost. The product i.e. video iPod is dead on arrival.

Cinch

Disagree strongly. There are PLENTY of times when people are doing things that go perfectly with the video iPod (airplane travel, roadtrips, commuting via bus or carpool, just to name a few). Just because it doesn't fit into your lifestyle doesn't mean it won't be the greatest thing since sliced bread to a whole lot of others. When you miss a show you want to see (I still do occassionally, even with a DVR) it is AWESOME to be able to get it quick and easy on iTunes, at a pretty dang good quality.

Also, have you TRIED watching TV on an iPod. Even the current screen at 320x480 looks great with as bright and high resolution (per inch) as they've made the current iPod. If Apple really does go wide screen as so many are hoping, the picture may look nicer than a big screen TV (since any screen gets smaller the further you get from it).

[chuckles:)]

yawn.

[macFanDave]

I really love it, but if the "true video" iPod comes out in, say, a brown color, I might not be able to resist. . .

[OdduWon]

has anyone seen this yet
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/k51.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/k52.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/k53.jpg
there is a very mac 84 like video on the samsung site. also they came out with a 10 megapxl phone too.

[JGowan]

This sounds very intriguing!

[p8ntballguy]

i made a quick mockup of what it could be like, i left out some details. I changed the dvd icon to a mail/gtube one(youtube) because it supossdly has wi-fi.....opinions?

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/374/ipodmockzr0.jpg

[Stridder44]

has anyone seen this yet
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/k51.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/k52.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/k53.jpg
there is a very mac 84 like video on the samsung site. also they came out with a 10 megapxl phone too.


I work at Best Buy and I've messed with it. It's actually pretty cool until you roll out the giant piece of crap that is the speakers.

[NewSc2]

hah, new iPod? yeah right.

out of all the rumors currently circulating, the only one i give some importance to is the iPhone (with Cingular and T-Mobile claiming it). The new Macbook Pro WILL come out, just a matter of when, and whenever somebody claims to have a "reliable source" I really doubt it, especially those Chinese sites.

I think this might be ready at MWSF. If they release MBP's, iPhones, and vPods before MWSF, what the heck are they gonna surprise us with there? Nothing.

[SRSound]

wake me up when they release a full-function smartphone/pda that runs "OS X lite" and is a fully featured phone, iPod and PDA (for iLife syncing, etc)

[iMeowbot]

[ was a response to a deleted post ]

[MattyMac]

i made a quick mockup of what it could be like, i left out some details. I changed the dvd icon to a mail/gtube one(youtube) because it supossdly has wi-fi.....opinions?

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/374/ipodmockzr0.jpg
Dude that would be sweet!

If it was like a PDA too and had MAIL...I would be all over it.

EDIT: I would be all over it anyway...what the heck am I talking about.

[sartinsauce]

i made a quick mockup of what it could be like, i left out some details. I changed the dvd icon to a mail/gtube one(youtube) because it supossdly has wi-fi.....opinions?

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/374/ipodmockzr0.jpg


Dude, you gotta learn to spell!

Please!?!

[iAlan]

yes, I hope it's true...<snip>

As for ThinkSecret, who cares what they say...they go back and forth because they just have no clue and if this indeed happen or not they will say they were right. What a joke.

Right now the most reliable site is Appleinsider.

Actually right now the most reliable site is Apple -- once they announce and update their webpage :D :D :D

[rtdunham]

i made a quick mockup of what it could be like, i left out some details. I changed the dvd icon to a mail/gtube one(youtube) because it supossdly has wi-fi.....opinions?

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/374/ipodmockzr0.jpg

...and an integrated spell-checker! :D

[ct-scan]

I think that if/when they announce the 'true video iPod', whatever it will be...will be done at MWSF.
Zune is already announced, it's old news...if someone is going to buy it, good for them...the content management is enough for me not to even think about getting one (let alone Microsoft being the largest reason).

MWSF gives them enough time not to get caught up in the rest of this hoiday season's consumer electronics...PS3/Wii (more non-MS products :D )...and get a fresh audience at the start of their fiscal Q2.

[p8ntballguy]

...and an integrated spell-checker! :D

lol yea....like i said, it was quickly done....fixed:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/984/ipodmockge4.jpg

[macenforcer]

The wireless will be used to buy music right from itunes. I can't wait.

[darwen]

What a shocker. Can this really be considered news anymore?

I saw this on Engadget a couple days ago... it is seriously getting old. Engadget does not have any good sources at apple.

[mdntcallr]

At this point, ill believe it when it happens

[mclihah2]

At this point, ill believe it when it happens

Well personally, I'll fervently believe in it, until it happens, at which point I will stop believing in it at all.

[Some_Big_Spoon]

I'm sure I'll get snarkey comments, but here goes: If I can't check my email on it, I'm not interested.

I've got a couple iPods and a shuffle. They play music, and that's great, but I want something that gets MY information to me. When that happens, they've got me sold.

[thejadedmonkey]

I'm sure I'll get snarkey comments, but here goes: If I can't check my email on it, I'm not interested.

I've got a couple iPods and a shuffle. They play music, and that's great, but I want something that gets MY information to me. When that happens, they've got me sold.
That's really funny.. I was just wishing my iPod (3G) could sync my email from outlook for reading on-the-go.

[Macnoviz]

I think that would be really great, because now, Zune and iPod are on par, with Zune slightly ahead for consumers that don't think too much (no, it is not widescreen, but try telling that to people)

Now Apple has a chance to realy boost Christmas sales by just blowing Zune out of the water with a cheaper "music" iPod (30 gigs, no video?, $199) and a video iPod (60/120 gigs, widescreen, touch controls $349, $449)

I don't know about the specs or prices, but new and better iPods could kill Zune in it's first season, before m$ completes the lineup with more players and devices.

[ezekielrage_99]

Yeah, Apple isn't going to sit back and let Zune steal its lunch!

I am leaning towards a new iPod product before the end of the year for two reasons:

1) Zune is being release, Apple needs to steal the limelight here.
2) The last iPod update was a huge deal for the Nano and a non-event for the 5G iPod.

[OdduWon]

cover flow is going to look great on the ipod cinema. with cell under the hood the downloading games fom you wii will be easy.

[macintel4me]

cover flow is going to look great on the ipod cinema. with cell under the hood the downloading games fom you wii will be easy.
NICE!!!

[macintel4me]

First, I'm not sure what kind of wireless is being discussed here. Wireless earphones? wireless docking stationg? wireless internet connectivity? wireless ipod-to-ipod connectivity?

Second, the battery drain on a widescreen video iPod doing some wireless connectivity would be immense. I just can't see how it would last much longer than 1 movie.

Third, I want a wireless earphone setup for running so I don't care about the video!!!!

[sunfast]

I agree with the idea that this would be an extra product to the line-up rather than a replacement leaving it

iPod Shuffle | iPod Nano | iPod | iPod Video

That's got to work for everybody. I was personally concerned when these stories first emerged (ages ago :rolleyes: ) that the iPod would be replaced as, in it's current incarnation, it's exactly what I want.

[OdduWon]

this is the new wireless protable speaker set from apple. isound. use new wirless ipod cinema, or through dock wireless adapter for 5g ipods and gen 2 nanos , to control the speakers while you move about freely with no wires attatched. isound bringing your music to you with out limits.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/isound.jpg

[Stridder44]

this is the new wireless protable speaker set from apple. isound. use new wirless ipod cinema, or through dock wireless adapter for 5g ipods and gen 2 nanos , to control the speakers while you move about freely with no wires attatched. isound bringing your music to you with out limits.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/isound.jpg


Cuz the market needs another set of crappy speakers for iPods.

I dig your effort, but try something different.

[OdduWon]

no, it needs crappy WIRELESS speakers. :cool:
a quickly constructed... ultra cheesy.. aqua sort of speaker thing... um yeah.

[JonasLondon]

I work at Best Buy and I've messed with it. It's actually pretty cool until you roll out the giant piece of crap that is the speakers.

Anything with built in speakers should be confiscated and trashed. How I dislike these wanna-be cool guys on the busses playing their Gangsta HipHop through tiny horribly sounding speakiers on full blast. I'm telling one off every week... it works, but why they can't just get headphones is beyond me... :mad:

sorry for the rant, bring on a nice iPod Video with NEF/RAW reading capability for us photographers, I'm a waiting customer. And yes, a smaller MacBook with 10 hour battery life, non-reflective screen and a graphics card to use it with Aperture/RAW would be sooo nice... :)

[OdduWon]

a nice iPod Video with NEF/RAW reading capability for us photographers, I'm a waiting customer. And yes, a smaller MacBook with 10 hour battery life, non-reflective screen and a graphics card to use it with Aperture/RAW would be sooo nice... :)
the macpod pro could be a notepad device that has the ability to interface with ext hard drives adn icoul be like a wireless ouch screen 3/4 in thin

[kevinliu4]

initially i was skeptical of the design as i was wondering how anyone is supposed to hold this thing (while watching video) without blocking the screen. then i realised when i use the ipod to watch video, it's usually resting on a table (at work) or in my palm (on the train). i don't actually watch video while i'm walking down the street for example.

however, i think with a virtual touch screen click wheel, the screen of the ipod is gonna be a mess in no time...fingerprint city. i also have visions of me forgetting to click hold as i wipe the screen to remove the finger prints, then inadvertently blasting my ears off as the volume on the virtual wheel goes up. i dunno. having said that, can't wait to see it!

[Belly-laughs]

…

I don't know about the specs or prices, but new and better iPods could kill Zune in it's first season, before m$ completes the lineup with more players and devices.

It may kill the first iteration of the Zune, but MS has stated it´s a multiple years effort – they acknowledge it´s going to be hard to beat the iPod bastion, and if at all possible it will take time. But, I suspect Apple have plenty of different prototypes in their labs, ready to be launched to complement new market demands.

[iJaz]

It may kill the first iteration of the Zune, but MS has stated it´s a multiple years effort – they acknowledge it´s going to be hard to beat the iPod bastion, and if at all possible it will take time. But, I suspect Apple have plenty of different prototypes in their labs, ready to be launched to complement new market demands.

I sure hope that Apple will keep Zune and MS will one step behind, they really should be able to.

[Macnoviz]

It may kill the first iteration of the Zune, but MS has stated it´s a multiple years effort – they acknowledge it´s going to be hard to beat the iPod bastion, and if at all possible it will take time. But, I suspect Apple have plenty of different prototypes in their labs, ready to be launched to complement new market demands.

And of course, multiple years effort is eufemism for pumping billions of dollars into the Zune withouth making profit until the market is flooded, and then abusing the monopoly.


Oh no, there goes the market

[freeny]

And the saga continues....
Apples new codec reading giving the ipod twice the play time on a battery charge does give a little backing to the story....

just release the damn thing already.

[prady16]

I hope Apple gets their priorities right (or align them with mine :D ) and release C2D MB/MBP before or along with the vPod ASAP!

[Tommyg117]

yeah, it'll come at the same time as the iphone.

[Yvan256]

I knew it! I just bought an Archos 504

On behalf of all of us who want a true video iPod/PDA/etc, we thank you for your purchase. You've now pushed the true video iPod ahead of schedule. :D

[cherrypop]

Makes total sense to me: Microsoft's Zune introduction naturally raised the bar for MP3 players. Some of the press Zune is getting for its larger display, clean design and usability is adding to the pressure for Apple to ship an answer to the Zune.

Apple is ready to announce their rumored video/wireless iPod

[jaigo]

I really hope the Zune becomes a real competitor and threat to Ipod. I am sick of apple sitting on their ass and giving us minimal improvements to the ipod. I want a wide screen, good battery life, THIN and sleek and sturdy. I will not buy a zune but I hope this pushes apple to bring us the goddamn widescreen ipod. :mad:

[lunarworks]

At this point I've lost all interest in iPod rumours. Such repetition, and rarely anything right.

"The boy who cried wolf."

It'll show up when Jobs wants it to, and no sooner.

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I really hope the Zune becomes a real competitor and threat to Ipod. I am sick of apple sitting on their ass and giving us minimal improvements to the ipod. I want a wide screen, good battery life, THIN and sleek and sturdy. I will not buy a zune but I hope this pushes apple to bring us the goddamn widescreen ipod. :mad:
Don't get your hopes up too high, since the iPod's screen is the same resolution as the Zune, it has better battery than the Zune and its thinner than the Zune.

[ianogden]

I think this might be ready at MWSF. If they release MBP's, iPhones, and vPods before MWSF, what the heck are they gonna surprise us with there? Nothing.

I think you are forgetting about the TOP SECRET feaures of Leopard, iWork 07, iLife 07 and the actual release of the iTV with a new name.

ha!

[bdj21ya]

exactly. I am tired of these damn rumors.

:D You're joking, right? If you're tired of rumors, it's just so easy to stop directing your browser to a site called macRUMORS.com

[milo]

No freaking way. Even thanksgiving is a long shot, early next year is more likely (which would be around the same time as iTV).

:D You're joking, right? If you're tired of rumors, it's just so easy to stop directing your browser to a site called macRUMORS.com

People aren't tired of rumors. We're just tired of the same old repetitive, idiotic, blatantly wrong rumors. I don't want to hear rumors unless they have a reliable source and have a solid chance of being accurate. This one is just stupid.

[prady16]

I am leaning towards a new iPod product before the end of the year for two reasons:

1) Zune is being release, Apple needs to steal the limelight here.
2) The last iPod update was a huge deal for the Nano and a non-event for the 5G iPod.
Thats a good call!

[Rocketman]

and whenever somebody claims to have a "reliable source" I really doubt it, especially those Chinese sites.

Actually the chinese sites are direct sources. These are trade newspapers reporting the contracts the local factories have received. As such they are accurate and timely for forthcoming products.

Of course it does not addrerss specific features of the device, but if 20 truckloads of iPods leave the factory we KNOW about it, then Steve announces them 2 weeks later, when the boat arrives.

The Foxconn announcement on MacBooks indicates Apple is trying to meet demand by adding another factory for a particularly popular item. Switchers join us!

Rocketman

[Chundles]

Actually the chinese sites are direct sources. These are trade newspapers reporting the contracts the local factories have received. As such they are accurate and timely for forthcoming products.

Of course it does not addrerss specific features of the device, but if 20 truckloads of iPods leave the factory we KNOW about it, then Steve announces them 2 weeks later, when the boat arrives.

The Foxconn announcement on MacBooks indicates Apple is trying to meet demand by adding another factory for a particularly popular item. Switchers join us!

Rocketman

Except Digitimes - those guys are terrible. My G5 iBook is now over a year overdue.

[iflipper]

Yeah, Apple isn't going to sit back and let Zune steal its lunch!

Those who bought the 5.5g ipods lately probably are going to feel bummed.

I've just bought one, but I bought one in the full knowledge that the 6g may be appearing soon. I've had a true PMP in the past and I just didn't use it, as what I want is primarily a music player with very occasional videos. Unless this has some real killer feature no-one has thought of yet (and I'm including all the wild speculation in this) I will be perfectly happy.

[Mac-Addict]

Well, the difference there is that Microsoft used Engadget and others as part of their marketing campaign - "leaking" product information and photos to them to try and drum up interest. They did the same thing before with their "leaks" of Origami to try and build up hype. Of course, Zune seems to have gained more traction than UMPC (perhaps because the Zune is basically using a model that has been proven successful by the iPod).

Apple on the other hand just doesn't seem to leak product information ahead of time any more, and they also don't seem to need to do that kind of thing to generate hype and excitement for their products.

-Zadillo
But apple doesn't need to drum up any excitement for the products, leaking just makes people think.. wow.. thats really nice (10 seconds later) yeah seen it, boring! So apple doesnt leak much makes everyone think hmm i wonder what apple has in store for us next.. could it be a ipod the size of my house or whatever. The way apple deal with there products is the way they create these communities.

[slffl]

Man I think this 'true' video ipod thing is dumb. Are widescreen TV's called 'true' TVs? Until ALL video content is 16:9, you're going to have black pillars on half your content whether it's 4:3 or 16:9.

Screw a widescreen ipod. Give me the current ipod video with the screen turned sideways and made larger like the zune.

[jephrey]

Even though Apple has a good foothold, and the current iPod can probably hold off the Zune for a while, I don't think Apple will even let the Zune get any kind of momentum. If Apple wants the iPod to continue to be THE music/movie player for everyone, they at least should be able to match the wifi and larger screen. This really isn't a rumor, more of just logical speculation. The 5.5G really isn't major enough. I believe that the only major improvement was the firmware aside a bigger drive and brighter screen. Basically, I don't think that will have any bearing on a G6. It would be nice if there was more difinitive evidence of this, but I don't mind the speculation. It just shows that others are thinking like me, and that hopefully Apple is too.

J

[amin]

Don't get your hopes up too high, since the iPod's screen is the same resolution as the Zune, it has better battery than the Zune and its thinner than the Zune.

A bigger screen than the iPod's would be preferable, even without an increase in pixel count. A 320x240 video on my iMac display is far easier on the eyes than a 320x240 video on my iPod when both are set to the same brightness. Why? Because the iPod display is too damn small for long-term comfortable viewing.

[Macnoviz]

A bigger screen than the iPod's would be preferable, even without an increase in pixel count. A 320x240 video on my iMac display is far easier on the eyes than a 320x240 video on my iPod when both are set to the same brightness. Why? Because the iPod display is too damn small for long-term comfortable viewing.

Yep, I fear that the Zune may let the iPod screen look small. Now is Apple's turn to make people think the Zune has a small screen in comparison to the vPod

[OdduWon]

yea! comming zoon
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/microsoftzune.jpg
MAC: wait PC... pC are you ok.
PC: no, i had zune for lunch and .. ugggh,, oooh gawd, i think im going to blue screen
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/jonathaniliff/Pc_blue.jpg

[nemaslov]

we all know this was (is) coming so if you just bought an new updated iPod so what? I just bought an 80GB which is already full of music. I don't want a wide screen TV Movie version. For me "it's the music stupid." *

I for one feel that this wide screen video pod should be just another great option but please keep the other ones too.

* the last time i wrote this line, someone in the UK got pissed that I was calling people here stupid. Those in the US should recall the Clinton 92 campain..."it's the economy stupid."

:D

[berkleeboy210]

Thats a good call!

They did this same thing last year. in September held an event for the nano and the itunes phone.

and in october an event for the ipod w/ video and for the imacs....

[bloodycape]

I kinda of find it odd that the Best Buy's Insignia player called the DVxG comes with bluetooth and ogg support. I have a few ogg files so that is key but bluetooth is not when I am looking to make my next video player purchase. But the surprising thing is the fact that a major brand generic like player has bluetooth and ogg support which is rare(separately but even more rare together).

If Apple want to compete they should look at some of the Korean players specs to see what they need to compete with.

[EagerDragon]

If the rumor is true and the video iPod is relased soon, Microsoft better be ready to lose more than $50.00 a unit. Apple may lower the price of the older iPods and the the Video iPod around the same price of their top level iPod (5.5G).
That will throw another:D monkey wrench on the works, LOL.

[weazle1098]

I'd like to see this thing come out soon, but I'm not in the market for anything of the sort, unless it's more like a PDA than the current iPods. But, for now, let's all let it go, the prophecy will come true. Besides who's actaully going to buy that brick of a MP3 player anyway, it looks thicker than my Powerbook. Micro$oft hasn't gotten the whole elegance thing down yet, so no worries.

[whatever]

Disagree strongly. There are PLENTY of times when people are doing things that go perfectly with the video iPod (airplane travel, roadtrips, commuting via bus or carpool, just to name a few). Just because it doesn't fit into your lifestyle doesn't mean it won't be the greatest thing since sliced bread to a whole lot of others. When you miss a show you want to see (I still do occassionally, even with a DVR) it is AWESOME to be able to get it quick and easy on iTunes, at a pretty dang good quality.

Also, have you TRIED watching TV on an iPod. Even the current screen at 320x480 looks great with as bright and high resolution (per inch) as they've made the current iPod. If Apple really does go wide screen as so many are hoping, the picture may look nicer than a big screen TV (since any screen gets smaller the further you get from it).
Hey don't you watch Heroes? The Japaneese guy watches his porn on a iPod.

[whatever]

It may kill the first iteration of the Zune, but MS has stated it´s a multiple years effort – they acknowledge it´s going to be hard to beat the iPod bastion, and if at all possible it will take time. But, I suspect Apple have plenty of different prototypes in their labs, ready to be launched to complement new market demands.
For starters I think it's odd for MS to state publicly that they expect the Zune to have poor sales. Talk about lack of faith in their marketing department. The product is half bad, they should have been pushing this product's launch in commercials and made prototypes available to retail chains in preparation for it's launch. But for some reason, MS has lost confidence in it's marketing team. I bet if the co-branded it with the X-Box product line it would sell quite well. What do you buy the spoil brat with all of the latest X-Box toys, an X-Box Zune. But that's just me.

Microsoft is know for killing a product (see: BOB) after a lackluster launch. Don't be surprised if the Zune fades away.

[clintob]

I'm not sure I understand the people who (a) don't believe this is coming soon, or (b) don't believe it's coming at all because "people won't use it - it's too small." That's garbage.

Not everything Apple releases has to be an "earth shattering" revolution. Some stuff can just have a niche market and be better than what's out there. They're in it to make money first and foremost. And frankly, if people could carry an iPod-sized object, with wireless headphones, and that could play widescreen movies on a 4" or so screen (AND, oh by the way, carry their iTunes library to boot), it would be the death of the portable DVD player.

No, that's not a huge market, or a cash cow by any means. Nor is it a revolutionary product. But at the end of the day, it's pretty damned cool which means most of us will buy it (despite our attempts not to), and it's certainly another cha-ching to add to the list for Apple.

[Anonymous Freak]

I'm not sure where you got those criteria... but those aren't the criteria for which story make the first page.

Readers aren't asked to blindly believe page 1 rumors... Whether Page 1 or Page 2, rumors are presented in their context.... with historical context of the sites involved. Engadget generally has pretty low standards regarding rumors - in that they will post whatever they want on their site if they find it remotely interesting -- that being said, I've not seen them post Apple Rumor items using their own sources with any degree of certainty before. As a result, they get this front page spot. If "joerumorblogIveneverheardof.com" posts a rumor from "reliable" sources, it won't even get a mention on Page 2.

arn

From the very top of "Page 2":

Page 2: Uncertain news and links

I always took that as an implication that page 1 rumors were from more reliable sources, and should be considered more likely to be true. I didn't say that they were guaranteed to be true, just that they are more reliable.

You also (used to, at least, I can't see any current stories that do,) have disclaimers on Page 2 stories stating that the sources were unreliable, so that's why they were on Page 2. Again, implying that page 1 rumors were more reliable.

Ever since Macslash went downhill, and the significantly more frequent postings of Mac "news" on page 1, I had taken page 1 to be a "news and reliable rumors" page, while Page 2 was a good old fashioned "random rumors of questionable accuracy" page.

[arn]

I always took that as an implication that page 1 rumors were from more reliable sources, and should be considered more likely to be true. I didn't say that they were guaranteed to be true, just that they are more reliable.

I agree but you said

"Unless you (MacRumors, not the 'source' website of the rumor,) have credible, reliable, direct sources, it belongs on Page 2"


and, again, that's not the criteria.

Page 1 stories are generally more reliable than Page 2 stories... and that's true in this case but it's not a hard and fast rule. People get too hung up on Page 1 vs. Page 2. If a more unceratin rumor gets posted on Page 1, it is generally posted with caveats, as in this case.

arn

[skunk]

that's not the criteria.Nor is it the criterion.

[Jetson]

I certainly hope that Apple doesn't develop a video iPod using the same materials that they continue to use on the 5G iPod.

How Apple can put out a video product that scratches with even the gentlest handling is beyond me. I have not yet bought a 5G iPod because I don't want to shell out $350 bucks for something that scratches so easily.

With the release of the latest Nano in aluminum I can see that Apple is aware of the problem. But they failed to upgrade the plastic on the 80GB iPod. The 4G iPod and earlier didn't have this scratch prone problem.

I would hate to see them pass on this faulty scratch magnet material to any new iPod models.

Apple, please get off the dime and fix this very annoying problem.

[vi2867]

It's obvious that Steve Jobs was going to release the True Video iPod soon. I think they intended to release the true video iPod in October when they announced Movie downloads. Something must have happened that the iPod was just not ready, so they scrambled and made some minor upgrades that they intended to do anyways.

Apple knows it has to get it right or it could be a big disaster. Their goal is to release it before the holidays, but if for some reason they can't, it will be released at Mac World. I think their main issues that have caused it to be delayed is the battery life and the screen cover. The battery life has to be from 4 to 6 hours and the screen has to have some kind of protection that won't be damaged if it is touched constantly.

If it is going to be released it will happen anytime from now until the second week of November or during the first week of December. If it does not happen during these two time frames it won't happen until Mac World.

[gugy]

the deadline i think is Nov. 14 when the Zune is coming out. If passes that I would think maybe at MWSF.
The main goal is the holiday season. After middle of November is too late to launch such a product.
So I have my fingers crossed for the last week of October. That's the perfect timing.

[Apple Shmapple]

It's obvious that Steve Jobs was going to release the True Video iPod soon. I think they intended to release the true video iPod in October when they announced Movie downloads. Something must have happened that the iPod was just not ready, so they scrambled and made some minor upgrades that they intended to do anyways.

Apple knows it has to get it right or it could be a big disaster. Their goal is to release it before the holidays, but if for some reason they can't, it will be released at Mac World. I think their main issues that have caused it to be delayed is the battery life and the screen cover. The battery life has to be from 4 to 6 hours and the screen has to have some kind of protection that won't be damaged if it is touched constantly.

If it is going to be released it will happen anytime from now until the second week of November or during the first week of December. If it does not happen during these two time frames it won't happen until Mac World.

Great post. I've been saying this all along. The widescreen iPod is a severly delayed product. And don't give me semantics about how an unannounced product can be delayed. That's just Apple's way to shirk around the responsibility that comes along with a deadline.

This product will not drop during the holiday season. Who knows if it will even be ready by January.

[Cassie]

wake me up when they release a full-function smartphone/pda that runs "OS X lite" and is a fully featured phone, iPod and PDA (for iLife syncing, etc)


Did you see my earlier post?:p

[scu]

I think it will come out only if the video iPod that is out now is starting to slow down in sales. The product cycle determines how quickly the next upgrade comes out. On the Apple Store the iPod is in 2nd place. When it drops down to 4th we might see the new video ipod. Although Apple might not wait that long and introduce it sooner to keep demand strong.

If the rumors are true about using it with iTV then this item will become a hot gadget quickly and iTV will sale even better when it does come out.

I have not bought an iPod in 3 years and own 3. For the first time I might buy a new one if this video iPod comes out with these specs.:)

[bloodycape]

Judging by how the PMP market is going this may cost $300 for the 30gig to compete with the Creative ZVW. But then again that player does not offer too much extras. The players that do offer the extras, like fm raido, audio and video recording, and even usb host cost at least $375 for the 30gig.

[KidHoliday]

Sweet! Now all I need is a car charger and some silly putty to stick it to my dashboard

[Whistleway]

I am pretty sure Apple has to refresh its iPod line for holiday sales or it is bye-bye stock prices and holiday sales.

The question is what will or can they do by november 14th. And it is very unlikely that it will be large video iPod. Heck, Zune has the same resolution as the iPod and i am not sure what the big deal is. It is not like adding 1" or 2" will make it all the better.

[SavMan]

For the last time, folks...

THE MATERIALS ON THE 5G iPOD ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN THOSE ON THE 4G!

The main differences are the addition of black underlay on one model, and the change to squared edges from rounded. The top layer of acrylic on an iPod is clear, and like any clear solid, will shunt light along it. Ever look at fiber-optic cable? Notice this: if you shine a light at the terminal of the cable (the leading edge of the fibers) they will duct light to the other end. You won't see the light from the sides, nor will shining a light at the side of the cable cause light to be refracted through the cable ends.

What happens on the new iPods that didn't happen on the old ones is that a large amount of light is coming through the flat edges of the acrylic. When your iPod is shiny and new (or if you're smart enough to put a modicum of protection on your $250–$400 appliance) light just shunts from one side of the iPod to the other. When you start making scratches in the acrylic however, the light escapes through the new "edge" (the gouge), effectively illuminating the otherwise innocuous scratch. This is also why the black iPods seem more affected than the white: the contrast is obviously higher against a black background.

Another huge issue: most iPod users prior to this year owned the nearly scratch-proof iPod mini. The contrast between the anodized aluminum's resilience and the acrylic's proclivity to mar caused a lot more people to bitch. A lot of nanos were sold to folks who assumed they could just toss it in their pocket next to their coins and keys.

To recap: there were no material changes in the acrylic used on the new iPods. Period. The only difference is the manner in which the acrylic is shaped. The round sides of the old iPods didn't allow light to enter the skin to any significant degree. Check out a 4G sometime, God knows I see enough on a daily basis myself. They'll be every bit as scratched (usually more), but it won't effect the appearance nearly as much. Thank you.

(I wish I had a "The More You Know" image right here.)

[Jetson]

Nice try, SavMan. But I'm not buying your interesting yet psuedoscientific explanation for why 5G iPods only 'appear' to scratch more easily.

White 5G iPods are just as easily scratched as the black ones, as any disappointed owner will tell you. I've had a 4G iPod for 2 years, carrying it back and forth to work in my pocket. I take it out of a Belkin case to recharge it, then put it back in for transport. The thing still looks practically new. I know someone else who purchased a new white 5G iPod. Within moments of gentle handling, the thing is covered with light scratches.

It seems to me that a softer grade of acrylic is being used on these latest iPods. I'm not the only one who's noticed this problem. I don't believe that it's the result of some optical coincidence. Everyone knows that there are hundreds (if not thousands) of complaints to be found on the net.

Whatever the reason is, a manufacturer who doesn't care what their customers have to say about their expensive products will soon find those customers flocking to other companies' products. Hellooooo Zune!

And no amount of fanboy cheerleading will stop it.

[Chupa Chupa]

Hellooooo Zune!


Have fun. You seem like a brown Zune guy. That way no one can tell if its dirty or not.

[SavMan]

Jetson, I'm glad I'm taking your word, as someone who doesn't even own a 5G iPod, over my own, someone who sees 50-60 iPods a day. I couldn't possibly know better.

The fact remains: The acrylic used on the 5G is the same as the 4G.

[OdduWon]

it would be a shame if apple only made the ipod cinema a wide screen ipod with lite quicktime like functions. zune though flushable has something going for it....you can actually use it to do things without a computer. chat w/ friends, set screen savers, share music, wifi. its like a psp that you can fit in one hand (minus the three good psp games ). ipod need to be a portable ilife interface. it should have full connectivity with itv and be able to surf and chat.front row type interface would be cool or even key not like! itunes mobile will help to conquour the evil beast that is comming zoon. we cannot let zune get a foothold or developers may come to the aid of dollar bill and create the windows " it's what im used to" syndrome, people will be stuck with these little turds and they will love it because they can myspace on them.

[QuarterSwede]

I'm not sure I understand the people who (a) don't believe this is coming soon, or (b) don't believe it's coming at all because "people won't use it - it's too small." That's garbage.

Not everything Apple releases has to be an "earth shattering" revolution. Some stuff can just have a niche market and be better than what's out there. They're in it to make money first and foremost. And frankly, if people could carry an iPod-sized object, with wireless headphones, and that could play widescreen movies on a 4" or so screen (AND, oh by the way, carry their iTunes library to boot), it would be the death of the portable DVD player.

No, that's not a huge market, or a cash cow by any means. Nor is it a revolutionary product. But at the end of the day, it's pretty damned cool which means most of us will buy it (despite our attempts not to), and it's certainly another cha-ching to add to the list for Apple.
That's exactly what happened with the iPod. It was just another mp3 player but had an interface that was very simple to use, plus it looked much nicer than the competition.

[MonkeyClaw]

Nice try, SavMan. But I'm not buying your interesting yet psuedoscientific explanation for why 5G iPods only 'appear' to scratch more easily.

White 5G iPods are just as easily scratched as the black ones, as any disappointed owner will tell you. I've had a 4G iPod for 2 years, carrying it back and forth to work in my pocket. I take it out of a Belkin case to recharge it, then put it back in for transport. The thing still looks practically new. I know someone else who purchased a new white 5G iPod. Within moments of gentle handling, the thing is covered with light scratches.

It seems to me that a softer grade of acrylic is being used on these latest iPods. I'm not the only one who's noticed this problem. I don't believe that it's the result of some optical coincidence. Everyone knows that there are hundreds (if not thousands) of complaints to be found on the net.

Whatever the reason is, a manufacturer who doesn't care what their customers have to say about their expensive products will soon find those customers flocking to other companies' products. Hellooooo Zune!

And no amount of fanboy cheerleading will stop it.

No its not really fanboy cheerleading, its called physics. He hit the nail on the head with that post, the acrylic is the same, its just the shape. Thats not psudoscience, its elementary high school physics :rolleyes:

But if a couple of scratches rub you the wrong way, then go ahead and get a zune, no one will really care ;)

[iBeard]

I don't understand why everybody wants a Video iPod other than the fact its a new gadget. When I watch movies/DVDs on anything smaller than my 42" plasma I'm underwhelmed by it, hahah. Why would I want to watch it on a 5" LCD?

Unless all of you travel alot and miss your shows all the time I don't see a big need for a video iPod.

I have a 5G iPod and I think I've watched 1 or 2 videos on it ever...

[jephrey]

iBeard, you're assuming that the only thing a larger screen is good for is movies/tv. With a 4" screen on the pod, you have a larger viewing area for more than movies/tv. You have it for games, pictures, chat(when available), text, better view of album artwork, and so on. It may not be for you because you may only use your pod for music, but you gotta admit there's a huge market for it.

J

[bdj21ya]

iBeard, you're assuming that the only thing a larger screen is good for is movies/tv. With a 4" screen on the pod, you have a larger viewing area for more than movies/tv. You have it for games, pictures, chat(when available), text, better view of album artwork, and so on. It may not be for you because you may only use your pod for music, but you gotta admit there's a huge market for it.

J

It's not just that though, a 4 inch screen that you can move around easily (without scratching the spinning DVD) would be awesome for watching movies. I would even go so far as to say that it could be a larger viewing area than your bigscreen plasma.

[Jetson]

The reason I posted my concern about the scratches on the 5G iPod is because I'm a longtime Apple customer. I was one of the first to buy the iPod when it came to market. I love Apple products.

However, Apple has responded to this scratch issue very poorly. Apple won't even acknowledge that there is a problem, blaming scratches on customer abuse.

Well when you start blaming the customers, then you are definitely on the wrong road. Customers who are not enamored of Apple (don't own a Mac) will switch to the Zune. If you can't understand the basics of how the market operates, then I can see why you are taking potshots.

SavMan hasn't provided any reference or link to support his claim, true or not, physics or not. His claims are anecdotal. Second, whatever the cause of the proliferation of scratches which have generated many, many complaints, denying that scratches exist is foolish, indeed stupid.

If Apple wants to keep its iPod cash cow, I sincerely hope that they address the scratch issue. There is serious competition on the horizon (Zune) and you can't take the customer for granted anymore.

[Anonymous Freak]

Nice try, SavMan. But I'm not buying your interesting yet psuedoscientific explanation for why 5G iPods only 'appear' to scratch more easily.

White 5G iPods are just as easily scratched as the black ones, as any disappointed owner will tell you. I've had a 4G iPod for 2 years, carrying it back and forth to work in my pocket. I take it out of a Belkin case to recharge it, then put it back in for transport. The thing still looks practically new. I know someone else who purchased a new white 5G iPod. Within moments of gentle handling, the thing is covered with light scratches.

It seems to me that a softer grade of acrylic is being used on these latest iPods. I'm not the only one who's noticed this problem. I don't believe that it's the result of some optical coincidence. Everyone knows that there are hundreds (if not thousands) of complaints to be found on the net.

Whatever the reason is, a manufacturer who doesn't care what their customers have to say about their expensive products will soon find those customers flocking to other companies' products. Hellooooo Zune!

And no amount of fanboy cheerleading will stop it.

If you have a black nano or 5G iPod, try putting black electrical tape on the sides, covering the 'face' of acrylic. The scratches will seem significantly less obvious. I can attest that my 3G iPod (rounded corners) has just as many scratches as my white nano, and my 3G iPod was very well taken care of (always in its included case,) whereas my nano was usually just thrown in my pocket.

SavMan's explanation seems to be a very good explanation. Not fanboyness. (If I did more than just listen to music on my nano, I'd probably be angry about the more obviousness of the scratches on it. But since I almost never look at the screen, it just doesn't bother me. Just like the scratches on the 3G's screen don't bother me.)

[izzle22]

:D i knew i didn't buy a new ipod yet for a reason...

my money is going towards one of these...



Do we really think it will be under $500.00?

[billchase2]

i bet it will. i'm guessing $400-$500.

[QuarterSwede]

Just noticed something at work (large retailer). The iPod case is unusually empty of iPod videos. We may have 15 total when the case usual has 50-100. The iPod Nanos on the other hand are completely stocked full. Usually this only happens when Apple is going to release a new version and stops sending the store product. I know it sounds weird because they just upgraded the 5G but it was a very insignificant update. Just thought I'd add that to the rumor mill.

[sushi]

Just noticed something at work (large retailer). The iPod case is unusually empty of iPod videos. We may have 15 total when the case usual has 50-100. The iPod Nanos on the other hand are completely stocked full. Usually this only happens when Apple is going to release a new version and stops sending the store product. I know it sounds weird because they just upgraded the 5G but it was a very insignificant update. Just thought I'd add that to the rumor mill.
Most interesting.

Gut feeling says that we will see something available for holiday purchases.

Then again, with the recent updates, it causes me to think it will be later. The introduction of the Zune may push things up a bit.

The most important thing to consider is that the video iPod is introduced when it is ready for prime time. Apple learned that lesson the hard way with the Newton. I don't believe they will repeat that mistake. The video iPod must work flawlessly to be a success.

[Chris Bangle]

Im hoping and I think that there will be a new ipod by december.. but lack of ipods at a retailer doesnt signify anything... John Lewis and Amazon every so often run very low on stock, but releases never follow. An example of this, which I mae a big fus about was during either WWDC or the hi-f1 launch, or probably both when shipping dates were 4 weeks or somthing.... But there were no updates...

Also I think that apple will sell the full screen one alongside the 30/80gb ones, so there will be no reson for the lack of 30/80gbs... The fullscreen one wont replace the present one.

[Jay42]

Just noticed something at work (large retailer). The iPod case is unusually empty of iPod videos. We may have 15 total when the case usual has 50-100. The iPod Nanos on the other hand are completely stocked full. Usually this only happens when Apple is going to release a new version and stops sending the store product. I know it sounds weird because they just upgraded the 5G but it was a very insignificant update. Just thought I'd add that to the rumor mill.

Mmmm, they're not replacing the current iPod-With-Video models. If anything, they will add another model "on top" of the ipod family. Not sure if your shortage of iPods really means anything.

If Apple really is going to release something, it is already in full production as we speak. They will need to announce it and get it into stores by November to make the holiday season and that would still be last minute. After October, I'm not holding my breath.

[demo]

Just noticed something at work (large retailer). The iPod case is unusually empty of iPod videos. We may have 15 total when the case usual has 50-100. The iPod Nanos on the other hand are completely stocked full. Usually this only happens when Apple is going to release a new version and stops sending the store product. I know it sounds weird because they just upgraded the 5G but it was a very insignificant update. Just thought I'd add that to the rumor mill.

woo, that sound excited.

[greggl1]

Apples Releases its 3Q numbers after the market close this Wednesday. There have been many times where Jobs has used blow out earnings announcements to launch new products in tandem. I wouldnt be surprised if they launched the video/wireless during their earnings call on Wed.

[Konfabulation]

Apples Releases its 3Q numbers after the market close this Wednesday. There have been many times where Jobs has used blow out earnings announcements to launch new products in tandem. I wouldnt be surprised if they launched the video/wireless during their earnings call on Wed.
But when have thhey ever announced new products on a wednesday? Except after a long weekend? (C2D iMac) If anything it will be 10/24. (Mac Expo London, and a Tuesday)

[MattyMac]

But when have thhey ever announced new products on a wednesday? Except after a long weekend? (C2D iMac) If anything it will be 10/24. (Mac Expo London, and a Tuesday)
The iPod's 5 year anniversary is that Mon. October 23rd:D

[OdduWon]

I suppose this tuesday (10/17) is more likely than last tuesday was... As we approach the holidays, each week brings more promise. But I'm not getting my hopes up...
yes, and the 5th anniversary of ipod is this week as well :eek: . shuffles a ship'n soon, and ipod cinema :eek: may added to mark the date. or maybe it will be april all over again :p

[skipsandwichdx]

Wi-FiPod Leather TubeSock?

[jaigo]

Bottomline, don't expect a true video ipod or macbookpro merom update until late 2007 :confused: