New iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iTunes 8.0, and Blu-Ray in 10.5.6?

[MacRumors]

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


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/08/22/234140-new-nano_425.jpg

Digg.com's Kevin Rose has posted (http://kevinrose.com/blogg/2008/8/23/new-ipods-coming-very-soon.html) a new blog entry claiming to have knowledge of upcoming iPod updates with a significant number of details:

- Revamp of entire iPod line.
- Small cosmetic changes to Touch, Nano to see significant redesign (see above)
- iPods to see fairly large price drops to distance itself from the $199 iPhone.
- iPod touch 2.1 software, iPhone to get update very soon after.
- iTunes 8.0 ("it's a big update w/new features").
- All of this coming in the next 2-3 weeks.

See Video (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/22/new-ipod-nano-ipod-touch-itunes-8-0-blu-ray-in-10-6/)

Rose has been the source of a number of Apple related rumors over the years with his most recent claims (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/14/wwdc-2008-rumor-wrapup-winners-and-losers/) having some accuracy.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/22/new-ipod-nano-ipod-touch-itunes-8-0-blu-ray-in-10-6/)

[Quillz]

The rumors may prove true, but I sure hope that's not the new nano. It looks... ugly.

[NJDevils44]

Could be true, I don't know about the picture tho...

[vega07]

if it comes in the next 2-3 weeks, that's before the end of the back-to-school promotion...

[ungraphic]

When will iTunes become JUST for 'tunes' ?? Its bloated, ram hogging CRAP, and not all of us have or even want an ipod, iphone, itouch, itv, etc.

Can they just just release an mp3 ONLY application?

[a1016neo]

I'm not going to judge the design yet, but if this is true.... this redesign looks sweet... I hope it has a glass screen!

[MasterNile]

if it comes in the next 2-3 weeks, that's before the end of the back-to-school promotion...

As it's been noted before on many threads, they have released new product during the back to school promo so that doesn't mean anything, I don't think they will, but it is possible, but if it looks like that...which i highly doubt, I think I'll be holding on to my cash

[iToaster]

That doesn't really look like a new Nano to me, it just seems too quasi-futuristic for Apple. I can see Blu-Ray support coming in Snow Leopard, but I can't see what revolutionary feature will be added to iTunes in version 8.

[Aznsensation45]

sounds good...except that the picture of the supposedly new nano looks sorta alien-ish...don't like it.

[gcmexico]

I kind of like the new nano, if that's how it will look...small little wide screen...price down sounds great!

[davak]

I am trying to think what new iTunes features I would want. Plus, all of those features would have to be extended to new OS rollouts for Apple TV, iPod, iPhone, etc.

Tags on iTunes would be nice... but I can't see that getting passed down to all the hardware any time soon.

Any ideas for new iTunes features?

I can think of a ton of bug fixes.... but enough features for a new version?

[aleni]

i bet it is. the nano is following the macbook air design with stylish curve. i dont like it though. but the macbook air is awesome.

[dfnj123]

All I can say is ... YEA!!! :D

[NeoMayhem]

When will iTunes become JUST for 'tunes' ?? Its bloated, ram hogging CRAP, and not all of us have or even want an ipod, iphone, itouch, itv, etc.

Can they just just release an mp3 ONLY application?

Are you talking about the windows version? iTunes on my iMac is only using 32mb of ram after running all day. I only have a 10gb library, and a few playlists, but I dont know if that really effects the ram usage much.

[blueflame]

Please turn iTunes back into itself, ive had enough with this whole Mac OS in a bottle thing we call itunes recently. more than anything though, please please please, separate the movies and TV shows. call it cinema or iMovieAV. anyway,

[wpc33]

Puh-lease.

A curved screen? What is this, 1989?? Next, a fake woodgrain finish!

The fool who shopped that trainwreck also neglected to have the controls in the same direction/viewing angle as the screen.

[deannnnn]

Cool!
All that sounds good =)

and I'm moving to NEW YORK CITY tomorrow!
(Irrelevant to everyone else but still ;) )

Looks like the next month is going to be crazy!

[MacGohil]

Now we are talking!

Well, I wont be going back to iPod having owned an iPhone for more than a year now but guess this brings some excitement to the folks hanging in to buy a new iPod.

That said, hearing about the new iTunes features and Blue-ray support brought me almost to the edge of my seat. It would be a dream come true if I see B-Ray support in those MBP's plus iPhone like glass touch pad! :D:apple:

[150hp]

I'm excited for what happens to the Touch...

[Mr. Giver '94]

I'll believe it when Steve Jobs says it.

[QCassidy352]

if it comes in the next 2-3 weeks, that's before the end of the back-to-school promotion...

they released the current ipods during the back to school promotion last year, but only the old ones were eligible, so that doesn't prove anything.

How much can they cut prices on the ipods? Maybe the low-end nano goes to $100 and the high-end to $150? The touch to 150/200/250? The classic (if it survives) goes to $200 and $300? And the shuffle stays where it is? how much more drastic could the cuts be?

[fanbrain]

I don't have any good ideas for new additions to iTunes, but I'm sure Apple came up with something great. I would welcome a way to keep classical music organized a little easier.

[ztigerpaw]

I hate iTunes 7. I'd go back to 6 but to much is relied on 7 including the iPod Touch.

Can't wait to see how this goes.

[peter32892]

they released the current ipods during the back to school promotion last year, but only the old ones were eligible, so that doesn't prove anything.

How much can they cut prices on the ipods? Maybe the low-end nano goes to $100 and the high-end to $150? The touch to 150/200/250? The classic (if it survives) goes to $200 and $300? And the shuffle stays where it is? how much more drastic could the cuts be?

I was also thinking around those prices, also don't hate on the nano it isn't a good picture of it will most likely turn out to be very cool.

[pimentoLoaf]

That nanoPod looks like a rectangular magnifying glass with some creative painting.

[Joe The Dragon]

There displays don't have and there video chips may not have it as well.

[geenosr]

I think it looks ok, I really don't love it and I don't hate it. However
I remember last year when everyone here went wild saying the last iPod (fatty) was awful and it did fairly well.

Just saying....

[Zwhaler]

OoOoOoO So exciting! I can't wait, this looks very cool indeed.

[extraextra]

How much can they cut prices on the ipods? Maybe the low-end nano goes to $100 and the high-end to $150? The touch to 150/200/250? The classic (if it survives) goes to $200 and $300? And the shuffle stays where it is? how much more drastic could the cuts be?

I think they need to keep the classics as they're the only real "high capacity" ones. For years people have been complaining, "__GB isn't enough! I need to carry my entire 500GB collection with me at all times!" so I don't think they'll drop it.

They could maybe drop $10 on shuffles, $25-$50 on the nano's, $50 on classics, and $100 on ipod touches? or maybe $100 on classics and $50 on ipod touches, don't the classics have a regular hard drive instead of flash memory?

[ivan123]

Puh-lease.

A curved screen? What is this, 1989?? Next, a fake woodgrain finish!

The fool who shopped that trainwreck also neglected to have the controls in the same direction/viewing angle as the screen.

Good Point.
Also even if you had the controls round the other way, you would have to have a left hand and right hand version

[mlmorg]

it's funny, everyone hated the short and fat nano when those rumors started floating -- even said those were fake -- looks like we're at it again.


even so, if this is the nano then why the hell did apple change to the short and fat for a year and is now back to the tall and skinny?

[Astro8973]

I kind of like that nano design. i just want them to go back to the all aluminum case that they had on the minis and 2nd gen nanos.

[johata3]

Looks nice. I kind of like this design better than the current version.

Let's hope more Mac hardware upadates will come soon. :)

[solipsism]

This Nano photoshop won't happen. If there is a tapering it'll be on the back. On teh front adds complexity to the glass/plastic display as distortion of the image can occur and it will produce glare.

I do think Apple will go with a tall Nano if they are able to get the click-wheel controls to change when you rotate it.

This means an accelerometer, which also means that Nike+ may be built in to the device.


When will iTunes become JUST for 'tunes' ?? Its bloated, ram hogging CRAP, and not all of us have or even want an ipod, iphone, itouch, itv, etc.

Can they just just release an mp3 ONLY application?

If you only want to play MP3s then just use Finder or some other apps for music. There is no reason you have to use iTunes if you don't "have or even want an ipod, iphone, itouch, itv, etc."

If you think Apple should make an entire app just so can play MP3s, but no include support for other audio formats, video, App Store, radio and one click burning you are in a world of your own.

[Matthew Yohe]

There displays don't have and there video chips may not have it as well.

I don't follow... HDCP isn't a requirement.

[nyctravis]

and I'm moving to NEW YORK CITY tomorrow

welcome!

[RobertMartens]

I'm moving to NEW YORK CITY tomorrow!
(Irrelevant to everyone else but still ;) )


NYC is always relevant.

Side note: I was flying over NYC on the way to JFK and couldn't help but noticing that I was seeing double. I saw two Yankee Stadiums and two Shea Stadiums. My eye doctor said it was a seasonal thing.

[nickel123]

I definately think ipod touch will drop to around $200 if not $150 the ipod touch right now is a rip off considering the iphone has a phone and everything ipod touch has, for $200. anyways, if i like the new ipod touch when it comes out i will get it. the ipod nano looks relly good, it is multicolored, black wheel and silver body. one rumor was it would be multicolored. i am not going to be one of those people who say it isn't real, but i still won't make up my mind. it is possible!:D GO :apple:!!!

[RevK]

I like the idea of iTunes 8.0... I love software:D

[Diode]

Wonder if 8.0 would come with the itunes subscription rumor that has been floating around on the net.

[darklyt]

Hopefully if this is true then the controls on the clickwheel will rotate to reflect the orientation. Is that doable though given the thickness of the Nanos (accelerometer, LEDs in the click wheel, etc).

[BoingoBongo]

That Nano design looks quite nice, but it's not very...Nano.

The beauty of the current Nano is its incredibly small size.

[w00master]

I'm placing my bet down. I think one of the new features of iTunes 8 is the rumor a lot of us have been debating about: iTunes Unlimited. Beyond that? I haven't a clue.

[aristotle]

There displays don't have and there video chips may not have it as well.
DHCP might not be needed for the following reasons on the mac:
1. Apple has a great relationship with hollywood.
2. Most mac users respect copyrights of artist given that many are artists themselves.
3. Apple has been a member of the BDA board for some time so they could convince them to make an exception to just have software based protection in the blu-ray player software somehow tied into the OS to prevent ripping of the video.

[kyungjin]

Support for Blu-Ray?.. Hmm... Interesting...

It seems that there is a possibility that Apple may have Blu-Ray drives in their next models after all... I mean... Apple isn't a company that will add support now... and deliver upon it like 2 years later right? I mean... That would hint too much and would only help the hacking community since they're the only ones who can experiment with such drives...

I'm not personally that hyped for Blu-Ray cause it still seems to be getting there... I mean... DVD delivers fine picture quality for me and I don't watch that many anyway so...

But then again, I really don't know anything about Apple and stuff so... Just my two cents...

[rml4uk]

Snow Leopard alone would not be able to include Blu-ray support. The super drive hardware would have to be Blu-Ray compatible (i.e. The blue laser. As it stands right now, it is only the red laser that reads CDs and DVDs). This may, and I hope it does, happen when the new line of MacBooks and MacBook Pros come out this fall. I would love to watch Blu-Rays on a 17" HD resolution MacBook Pro!

[djcraze]

Is it just me or does Kevin Rose look a bit like David Blaine?

[ltldrummerboy]

The tall nano isn't going to happen. The fatty was the first to have the ability to play downloaded games. The screen being sideways would throw everything off. But of course, apple didn't mind charging twice for games.

[Matthew Yohe]

Snow Leopard alone would not be able to include Blu-ray support. The super drive hardware would have to be Blu-Ray compatible (i.e. The blue laser. As it stands right now, it is only the red laser that reads CDs and DVDs). This may, and I hope it does, happen when the new line of MacBooks and MacBook Pros come out this fall. I would love to watch Blu-Rays on a 17" HD resolution MacBook Pro!

.. Snow Leopard?

They are talking about 10.5.6 not 10.6.

[w00master]

DHCP might not be needed for the following reasons on the mac:
1. Apple has a great relationship with hollywood.

Kinda sorta.

2. Most mac users respect copyrights of artist given that many are artists themselves.

That's quite a generalization and assumption made of the "other" crowd. Then again, as numbers continue to rise on the Mac side, this generalization imho just is that: a generalization.

3. Apple has been a member of the BDA board for some time so they could convince them to make an exception to just have software based protection in the blu-ray player software somehow tied into the OS to prevent ripping of the video.

Highly doubt it.

w00master

[Me1000]

When will iTunes become JUST for 'tunes' ?? Its bloated, ram hogging CRAP, and not all of us have or even want an ipod, iphone, itouch, itv, etc.

Can they just just release an mp3 ONLY application?

What is an itouch and itv? :rolleyes:

Anyway, the 8.0 release would probably focus a lot on slimming iTunes down a lot. That seems to be the direction Apple is moving in for their apps.

[sammich]

they released the current ipods during the back to school promotion last year, but only the old ones were eligible, so that doesn't prove anything.

How much can they cut prices on the ipods? Maybe the low-end nano goes to $100 and the high-end to $150? The touch to 150/200/250? The classic (if it survives) goes to $200 and $300? And the shuffle stays where it is? how much more drastic could the cuts be?

Yeah, I can see some moderate price cuts in the works but not huge discounts. The iPhone is only $199 because it's been bundled with some very high monthly payment options.

[solipsism]

Hopefully if this is true then the controls on the clickwheel will rotate to reflect the orientation. Is that doable though given the thickness of the Nanos (accelerometer, LEDs in the click wheel, etc).

I think they will use somethign based on this patent to do it.• http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/25/apple_scroll_wheel_light_patent/

[coryetzkorn]

Wow! I really like the look of that nano. Curved screen is cool, but its hard to tell how big this thing is with nothing to compare it to. The photo makes it look a lot bigger than the 2nd gen nano (and the best nano released to date). Glad to see the fatty pod leaving for good. Hopefully they'll go back to bright colors too.

I for one would LOVE for iTunes to be stripped down to JUST MUSIC. And have a separate program, maybe called "iLife", that acts as an aggregator for all content accross the iLife suite. It would resemble front row, but with a less graphical interface. This would house a built-in movie rental store as well, much like on :apple:TV.

iTunes has been falsely name for a LONG time. And because I highly doubt they'll switch the name, adding an additional app would make sense. Long overdue. I can't wait!

I can already envision it: iTunes 8 will be to iTunes 7 as Snow Leopard will be to Leopard: simple, refined, and less buggy.

[heldtbt]

Does this mean the September event will focus solely on iPod and iTunes?

Do you think the MacBook and MacBook Pro will still be refreshed this September?!

I really do not want to wait until MacWorld...

[alexlovesmacs]

Hmm I don't like the new design but I'm looking forward for iTunes 8!

[timerollson]

Does this mean the September event will focus solely on iPod and iTunes?

Do you think the MacBook and MacBook Pro will still be refreshed this September?!

I really do not want to wait until MacWorld...

Well, that would suck. I was looking forward to getting a redesigned MBP. If not, I'll guess Ill just get the current one and when the update does actually roll around, sell and upgrade.

[SirOmega]

How much can they cut prices on the ipods? Maybe the low-end nano goes to $100 and the high-end to $150? The touch to 150/200/250? The classic (if it survives) goes to $200 and $300? And the shuffle stays where it is? how much more drastic could the cuts be?

The classic goes away. Buhbye.

Shuffle as-is, no price cuts
Nano 4/8GB models for $99/149, teardown costs of $50/$75
Touch 8/16/32GB models for $200/250/300 (remember that this doesn't have a commitment like an iPhone does, plus I can guarantee you that the iPhone's margins are better than a touch) - teardown costs of $100, $130, $180

No touch 64GB until next spring, the same time we see a 32GB iPhone (maybe, Apple might save the 32GB iPhone until the summer refresh because the next-gen baseband chips wont be ready until the latter part of H2 2009).

I think the same thing happens to Apple consumer hardware. The MBs all get $200 price cuts across the board, and the iMacs go to 22"/24" screens with $100-200 price cuts.


Also, I cant get to the video anymore.

[macworkerbee]

I actually like the curves of that nano (if it turns out to be even close to real). This is a nice evolution to the ipod design. I'm not so sure about turning to watch in widescreen or the fact that the screen is curved, look at that glare! Maybe the body could be curved but the screen could stay flat? I guess we won't know until September.

I hope he's right about the price points, I would love some new Apple gear.

[Bokito]

A previous iTunes 8.0 rumor that reached me was said to be a version of iTunes written in Cocoa. However this iTunes 8.0 would come to the market very early and the Cocoa iTunes might not be true. Topics about an iTunes unlimited feature all say there will be an iTunes 7.8. It might be a bit confusing in the meantime.

The Cocoa rewrite is intended to fix some longtime outstanding bugs and prepare iTunes for Apple's future development platform. So I think we will see an iTunes 7.8 very soon, but not an 8.0.

[sammich]

DHCP might not be needed for the following reasons on the mac:
1. Apple has a great relationship with hollywood.
2. Most mac users respect copyrights of artist given that many are artists themselves.
3. Apple has been a member of the BDA board for some time so they could convince them to make an exception to just have software based protection in the blu-ray player software somehow tied into the OS to prevent ripping of the video.

Quite a wishful thinking streak you have there. The first two...well they don't really stand a chance in a room full of businessmen all wanting to make sure they get their money (money = good relationship). The third point might work but then again, there is always a way around copy protection.

[zombitronic]

Any ideas for new iTunes features?

DVD and .iso playback and a corresponding front row update. This would be great for anyone with a library of their DVDs on a hard drive.

I remember a rumor about a month ago that brought up the idea of a tall nano with an accelerometer. I wonder if they'd throw in Wi-Fi and let it act as an iTunes Remote.

[MacGohil]

I'm excited for what happens to the Touch...

I know, i know ... :rolleyes:
It will get a simple front refresh like the iPhone.... warmer screen colors.
And the flaky, cranky plastic back like the 3G iPhone which I hated ever since that damn thing was making rounds in the rumor mill well ahead of its release....

It was bound to crack and discolour.... C'mon its plastic after all not some alien-age titanium.

And from the looks of the new nano... I can see apple pulling over another 1st gen nano... over some really desperate buyers....
This new design will be a scratch-magnet....
Mark my words on a rock.... oh wait ... may be we will be able to etch them on the surface of this one when it comes out.

I mean why would one want to replace a hard, rugged aluminum shell with a glossy finished plastic face which is bound to get scratched and dirty.
Why:apple:? Why?

I am a :apple: Fan boy but this design is NOT the way to go :apple:

[AidenShaw]

2. Most mac users respect copyrights of artist given that many are artists themselves.

:D

Thanks for the big laugh....

[FF_productions]

iTunes has been falsely name for a LONG time. And because I highly doubt they'll switch the name, adding an additional app would make sense. Long overdue. I can't wait!

Thank you for saying that. I must say it is convenient to have one program that connects to your iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, and does your music and CD's, etc. But I think the name iTunes probably doesn't match with how big iTunes has become.

Hopefully 8.0 will introduce some "under the hood" tweaking to get the performance up and less bugs...Of course there will be some additional features, they'd have to be pretty crazy to excite me.

It's obvious the iPod's prices are gonna get cut, if they continue at that price range, the iPod will sell way below the iPhone, and they are just shooting themselves in the foot. I'm not saying everyone wants to be an iPhone customer considering the carrier they have to end up with, but the $200 price point makes a customer wonder whether they want an iPod with no phone for more $$ compared to an iPhone for $200.

Blu-Ray has been anticipated and this puts the icing on the cake. The cinema displays have awaited an update for YEARS now, I think the next revision will finally be worthwhile. The MacBook Pro will soon be updated, and if my timing is correct, it falls right at the time blu-ray should start being introduced into OS X. Obviously the Mac Pro will follow suit (or come first, being that it is a huge pro tower) as well and the iMac will get its dose of BR as well.

And here I was thinking Apple forgot about the iPod and the Mac and just decided to sell phones. Good news today. :D

[sebastianlewis]

but I can't see what revolutionary feature will be added to iTunes in version 8.

Hopefully less bloat.

Sebastian

[flashframe]

That is the ugliest iPod design I've ever witnessed. Hoping it's a fake.

[queshy]

Kevin Rose was way off with his iPhone "leaks". Remember?

That new iPod nano looks ugly as hell, but I thought the same about the current gen nano too when I saw it (even though I think it looks great now!)

[sWaltuo]

Kevin's predictions are always a little far-fetched. The front-facing camera was definitely not true for the iPhone 3G (although I could see it being in the next hardware revision, or something similar). That said, I always have thought it as fun to SPECULATE about what apple is gonna do next.

Moving on, the new nano design (although not the best 'shop job) looks pretty nice. I think it will grow on me a little more as time goes on just like the fat-nano did. I think it is definitely a possible choice with the sexy curves that apple has been going towards in designs of the Air, iPhone 3G, and leaked Macbook/Macbook Pro cases.

If iTunes 8.0 does come out w/ new features it will be a welcome. 7.0 hasn't been the best of time for iTunes plus I always like to see what apple realizes we have been missing all these years.

Blu-Ray was gonna happen eventually, whether it comes in 10.5.6 or in 10.6 is the real question I think.

And as for the new iPhone/iPod touch firmware. I am in much anticipation. iPhone 2.0 has been shaky since the get go and I can only hope that 2.1 is right around the corner to fix all our problems. And, figures crossed, add new features (copy & paste, would love MMS but doubt it will happen, and maybe a native turn by turn app)

Just my thoughts ...

[iSpeakApple]

Hey So Basically What this is saying the New MacBook Pros Will have Blue Ray ? :apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::cool::cool::cool::cool:;):D:confused:

[Garemz]

Last time Kevin Rose predicted something it was all wrong

[queshy]

Hey So Basically What this is saying the New MacBook Pros Will have Blue Ray ? :apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::cool::cool::cool::cool:;):D:confused:

Nothing is ever certain. Especially with Apple...you have to wait. Nobody here will be able to definitely tell you yes or no. Sorry.

[minik]

Good timing! I will be back from my trip to Europe.

[clu10]

That is the ugliest iPod design I've ever witnessed. Hoping it's a fake.

geez, am i the only one who loves the new design, loads of you hatted the fatty, but you still went out and bought it, and the next week ya'll where lovin it.

[Bigdaddyguido]

I think most of it is possible. I really hope that's the new nano, its gorgeous. iTunes 8.0 wouldn't be a far stretch if they are redesigning all the ipods. Blu-ray support could be included but i wouldn't cross my fingers since blu-ray is still such a baby tech with very little support. Steve is a stickler for battery life and I doubt a blu-ray drive would allow the Macbook Pro to watch more than one movie on a single charge. The exception is Mac Pro users who probably own toast and can use their self installed blu-ray drives anyway.

However, I strongly disagree about a substantial price drop across the ipods. First off, since AT&T wouldn't be subsidizing the touch how on earth could they turn a profit and drop it below $300. I don't see a price drop in ipods altering the canablization of sales due to the iPhone. People who want the iPhone will get it, and then why would they get a flash ipod, especially since the nano isn't really any smaller the the iPhone? Really the only viable option would be to offer a 64 gig touch (no way thats gonna be under 300, probably 400) or to continue to offer huge hard drive models like the current classic. There not gonna offer a 120 gig ipod for $200, thats just crazy talk.

The nanos and touches are for everyone who's not getting an iPhone, which despite how sales appear is still a sizable portion of the populous. The touch is great at the 300 price point because its the same price as an iPhone but without the contract, which is basically exactly what it is, an iPhone for people not willing to pay AT&T (or their local carrier) the absurd prices which are associated with iPhone contracts across the planet (especially up in Canada).

[zombitronic]

I for one would LOVE for iTunes to be stripped down to JUST MUSIC. And have a separate program, maybe called "iLife", that acts as an aggregator for all content accross the iLife suite. It would resemble front row, but with a less graphical interface. This would house a built-in movie rental store as well, much like on :apple:TV.

iTunes is already part of the iLife suite. If anyone has any older Mac OS X or iLife discs, you could get an old version of iTunes on there. Mac OS X v10.0 had iTunes 1.1, the first OS X version. If you're really desperate and you still have a PPC, maybe you can get your hands on SoundJam MP.

[sammich]

The classic goes away. Buhbye.

There are compelling reasons to get rid of the Classic, flash is getting cheaper, flash allows the device to be smaller/thinner, longer battery life, transfer rates are comparable (flash v hdd). But price is still a significant factor. I going to compare the nano and the classic since the iTouch is a completely different device. At the moment, price per gig they are....

Nano$37.50 (4gig) $25.00 (8gig)
Classic$3.13 (80gig) $2.19 (160gig)

Those prices for the nano and the classic would go down soon. That would make the Classic even cheaper, and a more compelling buy for those with lots of music, and the nano might squeeze into the $10/gig price range.

Transfer speeds on the HDD are still blazing fast compared to the flash drives btw.

[mouthtarget]

if the 32gig iPod Touch goes for $300..... i'm so there.

[Chundles]

Transfer speeds on the HDD are still blazing fast compared to the flash drives btw.

'king oath they are. Pulled my 30GB 5.5G iPod out last night to transfer a stack of video onto it and the difference is incredible.

I'd love if they kept all the same hardware and just doubled the transfer speed.

[clu10]

There are compelling reasons to get rid of the Classic, flash is getting cheaper, flash allows the device to be smaller/thinner, longer battery life, transfer rates are comparable (flash v hdd). But price is still a significant factor. I going to compare the nano and the classic since the iTouch is a completely different device. At the moment, price per gig they are....

Nano$37.50 (4gig) $25.00 (8gig)
Classic$3.13 (80gig) $2.19 (160gig)

Those prices for the nano and the classic would go down soon. That would make the Classic even cheaper, and a more compelling buy for those with lots of music, and the nano might squeeze into the $10/gig price range.

Transfer speeds on the HDD are still blazing fast compared to the flash drives btw.
yes true but some people dont want to opt for the nano's feeble size and hard/flash drive,
say what ever you want ,but the nano has never had the amount of storage space the classic did niether does the touch, i doubt the classic will leave us soon

[Nermal]

I don't have a problem with BR support, but I would like Apple to come through on its 2005 commitment to support both HD formats (ie. HD DVD too). Obviously it would be up to the user to supply their own drive, but I don't see this as too far-fetched even though it's a "dead" format; the codecs are the same, the copy protection is the same, and some discs are already supported even in Tiger.

[queshy]

I don't have a problem with BR support, but I would like Apple to come through on its 2005 commitment to support both HD formats (ie. HD DVD too). Obviously it would be up to the user to supply their own drive, but I don't see this as too far-fetched even though it's a "dead" format; the codecs are the same, the copy protection is the same, and some discs are already supported even in Tiger.

Why support a dead format? That would be a poor move on Apple's part.

[brendanspah764]

i think that Nano is just a paper cut, showing what the Nano will look like. I DOUBT that it is the actual product.

[sprice25]

This seems right on track with rumors for a late september event. A complete refresh and price drop of ipods would generate huge sales just in time for the holiday season. The photo of the supposed new iPod Nano looks great. I am looking forward to this update. The iPod Touch needs an update to look similar to the new iPhone 3G. iTunes 8 will be needed if the entire iPod lineup is refreshed and if the rumors are true centered around an iTunes Subscription Plan. Blu-ray in 10.5.6 sounds on par with including Blu-ray optional on Mac Pro's for a January release at Macworld. 10.5.5 will likely come in the next few weeks and hold us over until right after Macworld.

I am most excited about this news because this will surely raise their market share. Hopefully we see quality updates and smooth transitions. It seems a lot has changed since the PowerPC days in terms of quality. Looking forward to the updates!

[butaro]

looks like a AU(cellphone carrier in Japan) phone from last year.

http://www.elitezoom.com/kddi-infobar-2-cdma-handset.html

http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&q=au+design+project+infobar&start=18&sa=N&ndsp=18

[Mykbibby]

I am posting from my iPhone, so I can't post my concept directly here, but if you check out my blog, Mac Soda (macsoda.com), and scroll down a post, you can see my concept for an iTunes 8.0 Feature: Mixes.

[clu10]

i think that Nano is just a paper cut, showing what the Nano will look like. I DOUBT that it is the actual product.

if you go to the guys site he's says thats the real photo

[Nermal]

Why support a dead format?

Because it's good to fulfil promises.

[clu10]

I am posting from my iPhone, so I can't post my concept directly here, but if you check out my blog, Mac Soda (macsoda.com), and scroll down a post, you can see my concept for an iTunes 8.0 Feature: Mixes.

here i posted it for you:

After posting my iPod Predictions, I was faced with the daunting task of reorganizing 2222 (yes, that’s the number) of songs I have in my iTunes Library into simple folders. After 3 hours, I’m still in the “J”s. I was thinking of a way to organize all my music, when I thought of an idea: iTunes Events. Imagine this: Each month, a new event, or in iTunes’ case, a Mix, is created, which contains all the songs you added from that month. You can skim album artwork, merge, split, hide, and flag songs just like you can in iPhoto. For people with giant music collections (a good number), this would be lifesaving. I really hope to see this in iTunes 8.0, coming next month.

[brendanspah764]

if you go to the guys site he's says thats the real photo

Oh, well looking at that, I like the current Nano.

[Chundles]

here i posted it for you:

After posting my iPod Predictions, I was faced with the daunting task of reorganizing 2222 (yes, that’s the number) of songs I have in my iTunes Library into simple folders. After 3 hours, I’m still in the “J”s. I was thinking of a way to organize all my music, when I thought of an idea: iTunes Events. Imagine this: Each month, a new event, or in iTunes’ case, a Mix, is created, which contains all the songs you added from that month. You can skim album artwork, merge, split, hide, and flag songs just like you can in iPhoto. For people with giant music collections (a good number), this would be lifesaving. I really hope to see this in iTunes 8.0, coming next month.

What's the purpose of reorganising the library?

I have well over 6000 tracks but feel no need to put them all in folders. In the underlying file structure of the library iTunes does a fine job of organising and with coverflow it's a piece of cake to zip through the albums.

[legatoboy]

I dunno how many of you posting pre-release information after your 'sources' signing NDA. leaking information prematurely will have significant impact to Apple. I am not an Apple Employee but definitely would not like to see the company do bad.

[clu10]

Because it's good to fulfil promises.

What's the purpose of reorganising the library?

I have well over 6000 tracks but feel no need to put them all in folders. In the underlying file structure of the library iTunes does a fine job of organising and with coverflow it's a piece of cake to zip through the albums.

hey ask Mykbibby i just posted it for him

[CHmacguy]

I have a feeling that the release date is off by a bit.

Currently the "Buy a Mac for college and get a free iPod" promotion is going on and ends September 15. College students are most likely the number one buyers of iPods.

I doubt Apple would release new iPods during the promotion. If anything the new iPods will be released after the 15th.

[Chundles]

I dunno how many of you posting pre-release information after your 'sources' signing NDA. leaking information prematurely will have significant impact to Apple. I am not an Apple Employee but definitely would not like to see the company do bad.

Dude - this is all rumour-mongering. Nobody here, not even Kevin Rose, has sources high up enough to know exactly what's going on. Nobody here has signed an NDA because none of this information is true as yet.

Rumours, not leaks, is the stage of the product release cycle that we are up to right now. Leaks normally happen the morning of an event, Apple's way too secure now for anything like this to get out sooner especially after the debacle of the 3G nano release where somebody leaked the design weeks before it happened. Good thing was they looked so damned ugly on paper that none of us believed it. They're gorgeous in the metal though, bought one as soon as we unpacked them from their boxes.

[inkswamp]

Wow, it's always impressive to see Kevin Rose do anything without a beer in his hand. :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's rude, but when has this guy been right about Apple-related rumors anyway? Why should we take his word for it?

[zombitronic]

Imagine this: Each month, a new event, or in iTunes’ case, a Mix, is created, which contains all the songs you added from that month.

You could sort by Date Added and put them into a new playlist.

[clu10]

I dunno how many of you posting pre-release information after your 'sources' signing NDA. leaking information prematurely will have significant impact to Apple. I am not an Apple Employee but definitely would not like to see the company do bad.

knowing about a product before it's released doesnt prevent people from buying it. like when we saw the iphone 3g case days before it was announced, but it didnt prevent anyone from getting it, in fact it sold extremely well

[continentalg5]

I wouldn't be surprised if Apple released an iPod Nano touch, seeing as the App Store has had such great success, and I know that they would want to increase the amount of people able to access the App Store.

[SchneiderMan]

stupid nanos, i dont care about the nano! i want the new macbooks! the video nanos are only a year old why would they already change them?? the mbp has the same design for years.

[bdkennedy1]

Why the hell does Kevin Rose get so much media attention considering his predictions are wrong 3/4 of the time?

Are the rumor sites so desperate for rumor news that you have to make front page news of someone so unreliable?

[Pippen Man]

I dunno how many of you posting pre-release information after your 'sources' signing NDA. leaking information prematurely will have significant impact to Apple. I am not an Apple Employee but definitely would not like to see the company do bad.

Okay, but remember what site your on sir. MacRumors.com Apple's stock/the company itself is based on hype, when an event comes up closer hype builds up, the company looks more promising, and stock rises with the hype. BUT, the moment that event is over with, hype ends (unless with the MacWorld of 2007 **cough** iPhone **cough**), and stock goes down.

And what builds hype my friend? Rumors.;)

[clu10]

to be honest , and no offense. but half the time none of us have an idea what the hell where talking about, just look at forums the speculation before the new iphone 3g was annoced, how many of us really knew what we where talking about, most of us where wrong(myself included) and so far from reality it was unbeleaveable. all we can do here is speculate, because very few of us know steve jobs personally (though we sometimes act like we do) or how the company makes it decisions.

so let's not bash each others idea's instead we should discuss them like grown-ups

[MacHappytjg]

that nano looks like those chinease knock off ipods, which are cheaper and maybe even just as good?????:confused:

[jaw04005]

DHCP might not be needed for the following reasons on the mac ...

I hope you're referring to HDCP. Ignoring your other points, DHCP is very much needed on a Mac.

Otherwise there would be no network connection. :D

[madmaxmedia]

Why are there always some people itching for the Classic iPod line to get canned? What's the point? They don't spend a lot of money in development costs. So even if they make no big changes they can drop the price $25 or $50 for each model and suck some extra revenue until next year, when a 64GB flash iPod at a reasonable price is a possibility. No reason to turn down some final revenue from the line. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think anyone conclusively knows that the Classic line is a money-loser for Apple.

I like that taller, curved front Nano, who the heck knows if it's real or not but I would bet that it is. People were screaming bloody murder at the fatty iPod photos last year, and it turned out fine. Previous to that people were screaming bloody murder at the idea of a screenless iPod, or a flash-based Mini with less storage...you get the picture.

The HDCP issue is a bit tricky. For notebooks and the iMac it is a relative non-issue, you will be able to play HD content on the screen but output a degraded signal (which most people probably don't do.) On a Mac Pro it is difficult- what's the point of having Blu-Ray if the only way to watch Blu-Ray content is through a degraded picture?

I don't think they will let Apple off the hook here. If Apple announces Blu-Ray support, then they will probably have to launch HDCP-enabled video cards too. I don't know if HDCP can be added through firmware update to certain video cards and whatnot.

[clu10]

Wow, it's always impressive to see Kevin Rose do anything without a beer in his hand. :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's rude, but when has this guy been right about Apple-related rumors anyway? Why should we take his word for it?
He was frequently the first to report on iPhone rumors during this round, and succesfully described the inclusion of GPS and a $200 price point for the new iPhone.

[clu10]

stupid nanos, i dont care about the nano! i want the new macbooks! the video nanos are only a year old why would they already change them?? the mbp has the same design for years.

wow, is there a goo reason your posting here besides to complain

[clu10]

Why the hell does Kevin Rose get so much media attention considering his predictions are wrong 3/4 of the time?

Are the rumor sites so desperate for rumor news that you have to make front page news of someone so unreliable?

um, geez have you paid attention to how often he's right about stuff

[clu10]

that nano looks like those chinease knock off ipods, which are cheaper and maybe even just as good?????:confused:

the knocks offs never actually work just the same but they ususally are good enough for what you pay for em

[madmaxmedia]

I dunno how many of you posting pre-release information after your 'sources' signing NDA. leaking information prematurely will have significant impact to Apple. I am not an Apple Employee but definitely would not like to see the company do bad.

I don't think rumors and misfocused cell phone pics 2 weeks before the intro have a significant impact to Apple.

If some confidential information came out about a product 1 year away, then that would be different. But all these pre-September rumors ultimately generate a lot of free publicity for Apple. Then the analysts start picking up on the rumors as well, everyone is racing to be the smartest and call the new Apple products before they launch.

[fleshman03]

The rumors may prove true, but I sure hope that's not the new nano. It looks... ugly.

That is what everyone said about the "fatty." I know I actually really like the design. Although, being a "fatty" myself, I don't tend to be running around a lot. I can see it being more annoying in that form factor than tall and skinny.

I am trying to think what new iTunes features I would want. Plus, all of those features would have to be extended to new OS rollouts for Apple TV, iPod, iPhone, etc.

Tags on iTunes would be nice... but I can't see that getting passed down to all the hardware any time soon.

Any ideas for new iTunes features?

I can think of a ton of bug fixes.... but enough features for a new version?

Bug fixes and a few other cool things. Like ... DVD ripping. I think this actually has a possibility. If Apple can tie DVD rips to an iTunes account, MPAA can ensure that DVDs are only being used by one person (or account). It would actually make my buy more DVDs. Knowing that after I buy a product and use it how I wish means a lot to me.

I think it looks ok, I really don't love it and I don't hate it. However
I remember last year when everyone here went wild saying the last iPod (fatty) was awful and it did fairly well.

Just saying....
Quoted for the point - I can do that. lol. :D

Puh-lease.

A curved screen? What is this, 1989?? Next, a fake woodgrain finish!

The fool who shopped that trainwreck also neglected to have the controls in the same direction/viewing angle as the screen.

Think of all the other iPods (minus touch.) They all have scroll wheels in the same direction. It's part of the iPod world... although I wouldn't rule a scroll wheel that would change as the iPod changes direction.

Wonder if 8.0 would come with the itunes subscription rumor that has been floating around on the net.

Maybe. But subscription models suck major butt. I would like to buy my music instead of renting it. (Which I strongly believe is the term most people should use to describe models like that. It is more direct to the consumer)

DHCP might not be needed for the following reasons on the mac:
1. Apple has a great relationship with hollywood.
2. Most mac users respect copyrights of artist given that many are artists themselves.
3. Apple has been a member of the BDA board for some time so they could convince them to make an exception to just have software based protection in the blu-ray player software somehow tied into the OS to prevent ripping of the video.


I quoted this to prove my point that DVD ripping in iTunes can work. They do have the needed contacts and connections. It's just a matter of having the MPAA trust Apple and the consumer.

Also, if iTunes does put some type of DRM -which I'm not a fan of because it usually restricts what I want to do- why not make sure that if the file is leaked out, there is way to track it back. Maybe a watermark that is embedded in an non-viewable area of the video or something embedded into the code that could ID the original creator of that particular file?


DVD and .iso playback and a corresponding front row update. This would be great for anyone with a library of their DVDs on a hard drive.

I remember a rumor about a month ago that brought up the idea of a tall nano with an accelerometer. I wonder if they'd throw in Wi-Fi and let it act as an iTunes Remote.

Nice idea.


I think iTunes 8 could have DVD ripping. I would seriously write Jobs a love letter if that is pulled off.

As for the iPod line, I see something with $99 nano to a $250/$300 32 or maybe 64 gb iPod Touch. I think that product transition has something to do with flash based devices. Apple could take more of a hit with SSD prices and bring them down due to quantity ordered. If all the products Apple ships have an SSD (Besides the MBP, iPod Classic and MacPro) that would mean some huge orders. With huge orders, prices come down.

[EricNau]

I quite like the design of that nano, and with price cuts I might be tempted to buy one, even though my first gen nano is still going strong.

[arn]

Wow, it's always impressive to see Kevin Rose do anything without a beer in his hand. :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's rude, but when has this guy been right about Apple-related rumors anyway? Why should we take his word for it?

Rose's record:

Right
- 3G iPhone with GPS (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/26/more-confirmation-of-3g-iphone-in-june/)
- 15" Intel MacBook, iPod FM receiver, iWork/iLife, New Remote etc.. (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/01/10/intel-laptop-ilife-06-new-remote/)
- iPod Nano (http://www.macrumors.com/2005/09/05/ipod-nano/)

Partly Right
- $200 iPhone pricing (but called it "low end") (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/01/200-low-end-iphone/)

Wrong
- Front sided camera of iPhone (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/22/3g-iphone-front-sided-camera-for-video-chat/)
- Dual battery, iPhone rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/12/03/iphone-4gb-and-8gb-coming-in-january/)

[macwall]

kevin rose doesn't know anyone but he keeps insisting he has sources and keeps releasing wrong info

[boer]

Here is the latest! According to my sources, we will have iTunes 9 in the next couple of years and that will be a big update with lots of new features. Also, insiders have reported that Apple is developing a new version of OS X with new features. In addition to that, Apple is claimed to be testing new devices with new features.

You heard it here first!

[clu10]

Wow, it's always impressive to see Kevin Rose do anything without a beer in his hand. :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's rude, but when has this guy been right about Apple-related rumors anyway? Why should we take his word for it?

Rose's record:

Right
- 3G iPhone with GPS (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/26/more-confirmation-of-3g-iphone-in-june/)
- 15" Intel MacBook, iPod FM receiver, iWork/iLife, New Remote etc.. (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/01/10/intel-laptop-ilife-06-new-remote/)
- iPod Nano (http://www.macrumors.com/2005/09/05/ipod-nano/)

Mostly Right
- $200 iPhone pricing (but called it "low end") (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/01/200-low-end-iphone/)

Wrong
- Front sided camera of iPhone (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/22/3g-iphone-front-sided-camera-for-video-chat/)
- Dual battery, iPhone rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/12/03/iphone-4gb-and-8gb-coming-in-january/)


BUYAH

[clu10]

kevin rose doesn't know anyone but he keeps insisting he has sources and keeps releasing wrong info

I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE DONT READ PREVIOUS POST

[cobaltchroma]

the new ipod ideas sound nice,
but im really interested in new macbooks and macbook pros.
and i really hope a 32GB iphone is released before february of next year,
cause thats when my verizon contract is up and i want to snag one of those bad boys.
:D

but yeah, im interested about a new ipod touch,
however i think the macbooks need a major refresh.

[Pippen Man]

I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE DONT READ PREVIOUS POST

Well, actually what happens (and this has happened before to me on numerous number of occasions), is when your in the process of writing your post, another post could have already been written and posted between the period of time that clicked on the "Reply" button until you click on the "Submit Reply" button. This could cause (especially if your in a front page story/exciting thread) a couple of replies already in before yours does.:rolleyes:

And, by the way, I FIND THE CAPS LOCK AWFULLY ANNOYING ;)

[Shot22]

The fact that he didn't mention notebooks at all worries me....

[Stridder44]

When will iTunes become JUST for 'tunes' ?? Its bloated, ram hogging CRAP, and not all of us have or even want an ipod, iphone, itouch, itv, etc.

Can they just just release an mp3 ONLY application?

I agree. iTunes has gone from a simple Music Player to a huge bloated mess. I still love iTunes, but damn it needs some serious work done to it. They need to do to it what they're doing to OS X with Snow Leopard.

And for the love of God, please fix "Sound Check" in iTunes!! Half my songs are on different levels than the others. I have way too much music to care to go through and change _each_ individual song, and I'm not paying for 3rd party software that _might_ fix it.

[flir67]

Hey So Basically What this is saying the New MacBook Pros Will have Blue Ray ? :apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::cool::cool::cool::cool:;):D:confused:

I was thinking the exact same thing!

[cobaltchroma]

The fact that he didn't mention notebooks at all worries me....

thank you!
im interested in asking for a macbook for christmas,
but only if they refresh them.
havent they been that same for years despite minor CPU upgrades?

[B. Hunter]

Well, that would suck. I was looking forward to getting a redesigned MBP. If not, I'll guess Ill just get the current one and when the update does actually roll around, sell and upgrade.

What is wrong with the current design? Exterior looks better than most of the other crap out there.

[InkMaster]

What is wrong with the current design? Exterior looks better than most of the other crap out there.

Nothing wrong w/ it at all... Despite it being like 5-6 years old, its still great and I love it. Though it would be interesting to see something *new* -- but only if its an improvement - no hugeass rounded corners and please macbook/air style keyboard!!!

[mohicanspap]

uhhhg.. Is that the new nano? Looks like a Nano cone from Microsoft or something. Certainly doesn't look like apple designed

[kaiwai]

Hopefully they'll update the iPod classics because I have a feeling that within the next couple of months I would have filled up my iPod Classic 80GB. I'd be happy to go for a flash based one, if they actually released a version with more space; give me a 128GB iPod Touch at the 32GB price and I'll be a happy camper :D

[clu10]

Well, actually what happens (and this has happened before to me on numerous number of occasions), is when your in the process of writing your post, another post could have already been written and posted between the period of time that clicked on the "Reply" button until you click on the "Submit Reply" button. This could cause (especially if your in a front page story/exciting thread) a couple of replies already in before yours does.:rolleyes:

And, by the way, I FIND THE CAPS LOCK AWFULLY ANNOYING ;)

sorry mate, i realized i had caps on half way through the post, and i was too lazy to rewrite it, but i get what your saying so im sorry if i snapped

[Firefly2002]

Puh-lease.

A curved screen? What is this, 1989?? Next, a fake woodgrain finish!

The fool who shopped that trainwreck also neglected to have the controls in the same direction/viewing angle as the screen.

Erm.. curved screens existed in 1999, too.

[clu10]

What is wrong with the current design? Exterior looks better than most of the other crap out there.

but i want the designers at apple to do something different with my macbook,
you know, tease it, tickle it, pinch it, slap it around a bit.

cause i'm sick and tired of comming home to my old lazy ass laptop that just sit's around all day and does nothing when im gone

[clu10]

uhhhg.. Is that the new nano? Looks like a Nano cone from Microsoft or something. Certainly doesn't look like apple designed

it actually it does look like a apple design, it's like a mix between the nano 1gen and the 3g iphone.

if you dont like it just say so, but it does look like a apple design

[Kaptajn Haddock]

Leopard already has blu-ray support in 10.5 - I burn blu-rays every day with Disc utility as .img

[bloomfeld]

That nanoPod looks like a rectangular magnifying glass with some creative painting.

this is EXACTLY what it IS !

bingo. mockup exposed.

no further questions.

[kleptobizmol]

i dont believe it because it doesn't look like its made to be watched horizontally like the iphone is and imagine watching a video on that thing vertically...it would not be to scale. am i right or wrong?

[kaiwai]

There displays don't have and there video chips may not have it as well.

You don't need to have special chips to play back. You will need to have 'securepath' if you want high definition playback, but if there isn't 'securepath' it degrades to standard quality.

Considering there isn't anything out there that's worth a damn on BluRay, its a moot point to begin with.

[clu10]

Puh-lease.

A curved screen? What is this, 1989?? Next, a fake woodgrain finish!

The fool who shopped that trainwreck also neglected to have the controls in the same direction/viewing angle as the screen.

wow, it would be soooooo funny it you where wrong, and to be honest plenty of mp4 player use the video playback in a similar fashion, the controls don't have to change

[clu10]

i dont believe it because it doesn't look like its made to be watched horizontally like the iphone is and imagine watching a video on that thing vertically...it would not be to scale. am i right or wrong?

that's why it probably would be horizontally,so it could be to scale

[kleptobizmol]

but that makes the click wheel a minor nuisance which i would assume apple would have no part of(in regards to looking at it horizontally)

[Jake381]

Blu ray and itunes are to be expected.

New ipod nano design... not liking it. I don't think they will do a curved screen or even case like that one. It would mean the scroll wheel would need to be curved also in order for it to be flush. The last ipod nano release got rid of the longer case and away from plastic ends (that this new design appears to feature).

Just because the macbook air and the new iphone are more curvy, does not mean new ipods will be.

[joepunk]

If the new nano looks like that (or similar) it would be cool to have horizontal left hand/right hand operation.

[dude963841]

I'll believe it when Steve Jobs says it.

dittoz :)

[thebrain74]

I doubt the ipod touch will get the plastic back of the iPhone, because as much as they are the same, Apple still wants you to believe a iPod Touch is an ipod and part the ipod family not part of the iphone family.
The only way I see the ipod touch getting a different back is if the nano/classics do too. Possibly the brushed alum, but IDK, the scratchtastic chrome back has been around since gen1. And the nanos, who were once the departs from that chrome legacy, are back to it with the fatty nano.


What I would really like would be for the ipod touch to get a individuality, to get some features not available on another ipod/iphone. I know it won't happen but it would be cool if it wasn't treated like the retarded little cousin that apple keeps in the attic, that you have to pay bring it out to teach it something new. I mean its called the ipod touch and not the iphone lite
(my apologies if you have a retarded and/or mutated cousin you keep in the attic, I sure he is a great person).

[clu10]

but that makes the click wheel a minor nuisance which i would assume apple would have no part of(in regards to looking at it horizontally)

i only imagine you'd turn it horizontaly when you play videos but aside from that i think it would stay vertical

[clu10]

Blu ray and itunes are to be expected.

New ipod nano design... not liking it. I don't think they will do a curved screen or even case like that one. It would mean the scroll wheel would need to be curved also in order for it to be flush. The last ipod nano release got rid of the longer case and away from plastic ends (that this new design appears to feature).

Just because the macbook air and the new iphone are more curvy, does not mean new ipods will be.

well i apparently is apples new thing, if you noticed all apple's new products are tappered

[clu10]

i want the designers at apple to do something different with my macbook,
you know, tease it, tickle it, pinch it, slap it around a bit.

cause i'm sick and tired of comming home to my old lazy ass laptop that just sit's around all day and does nothing when im gone

this is hilarious

[hexonxonx]

Can't wait for the new iPods. I've been noticing that mine doesn't seem to last as long on battery power anymore. It's still under warranty so....

Lets go Apple!!! New iPods and updates! I also hope the unlimited iTunes is for real too.

[KAD]

I could definitely see this in Apple's new product lineup. It goes well with the iPhone 3G, iMac, and the MacBook Air. I think I like it better than the current nano. Not quite sure about the rounded screen though... Hmm I'll have to see it in person I guess.

[MappleLeaf]

In the UK, 'Currys' and 'Dixons', both major UK electrical retailers have reduced their range of iPod covers and screen protectors by 75%. We are talking prices that were £25 for a Griffin cover now at £6.99.

This suggests to me the retailer has been informed of a change in iPod dimensions and they are now clearing stock ready for this.

Go to Currys iPod range of accessories here (sVm5PMJNp19KGl9p7VOw).

Dixons range can be found here (http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?page=ProductList&category_oid=-32017&fm=undefined&sm=undefined&tm=undefined&show_all=true&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes).

[inkswamp]

Rose's record:

Right
- 3G iPhone with GPS (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/26/more-confirmation-of-3g-iphone-in-june/)
- 15" Intel MacBook, iPod FM receiver, iWork/iLife, New Remote etc.. (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/01/10/intel-laptop-ilife-06-new-remote/)
- iPod Nano (http://www.macrumors.com/2005/09/05/ipod-nano/)

Fair enough, but 3G and GPS were pretty much a given. I think everyone knew that was coming. Also, was Kevin the first to predict the Nano? I recall that one being pretty widespread knowledge well before it happened.

Mostly Right
- $200 iPhone pricing (but called it "low end") (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/01/200-low-end-iphone/)

I hate to split hairs, but I wouldn't give that one to him at all. He's reporting two different rumors, neither of which are true (and doing so in an annoyingly authoritative tone, I might add--which is what probably bothers me about his rumors. He talks like he's seen these things with his own eyes.) The iPhone as it is didn't stay at the current price point and there was no low-end iPhone.

Wrong
- Front sided camera of iPhone (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/22/3g-iphone-front-sided-camera-for-video-chat/)
- Dual battery, iPhone rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/12/03/iphone-4gb-and-8gb-coming-in-january/)

See, that last video exemplifies what bothers me so much about Kevin Rose as a source of rumors. He puts up this big act like he's 100% certain about what he's saying and even claims that his source is solid. He's either doing it for the attention or he's got someone feeding him bad info to make him look foolish.

[macwall]

Rose's record:

Right
- 3G iPhone with GPS (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/26/more-confirmation-of-3g-iphone-in-june/)
- 15" Intel MacBook, iPod FM receiver, iWork/iLife, New Remote etc.. (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/01/10/intel-laptop-ilife-06-new-remote/)
- iPod Nano (http://www.macrumors.com/2005/09/05/ipod-nano/)

Mostly Right
- $200 iPhone pricing (but called it "low end") (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/01/200-low-end-iphone/)

Wrong
- Front sided camera of iPhone (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/22/3g-iphone-front-sided-camera-for-video-chat/)
- Dual battery, iPhone rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/12/03/iphone-4gb-and-8gb-coming-in-january/)



iphone with gps is shooting fish in the barrel. as are the software and macbook.

iphone pricing was iffy and the other iphone rumors were just stupid.

[Abstract]

And look, a blurry photo to back up the claim of a new redesigned iPod Nano. I'd expect nothing less.


So what we're expecting in September is:

- A complete redesign of the MacBooks, MacBook Pros, Mac Minis.
- A redesign of iPods.


Sounds ambitious, considering how Apple put so many resources into the release of the iPhone 3G and getting MobileMe ready (and fixed) within the last half a year. In fact, this is so ambitious that I don't believe it's all coming at once. ;)

[arn]

Also, was Kevin the first to predict the Nano?

Yes.

Fair enough, but 3G and GPS were pretty much a given. I think everyone knew that was coming.


iphone with gps is shooting fish in the barrel. as are the software and macbook.

GPS was not a given when he predicted it in March. The reason GPS seems so "obvious" now in retrospect was in part due to this rumor, and the follow up ones that confirmed GPS.

Read the comments in the discussion thread for that prediction: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=460836


There is no way the iPhone will carry GPS. It is simply too power hungry.



Why does this sound excessively doubtful? GPS in the iPhone would probably still slaughter battery life. Apple knows a phone (or any device) no matter how powerful or useful, is no good with a dead battery.

3G - Yes
June - Possibly
GPS - Not this soon


Even though im sure GPS chips have come on some since the Nokia N95, it sounds unlikely to me..

The point is that the details of these old rumors aren't important, just that there's enough history that it's worth paying attention to.

arn

[inkswamp]

And look, a blurry photo to back up the claim of a new redesigned iPod Nano. I'd expect nothing less.

Yeah, the least they could do is get the damn thing in an elevator. :D

[digitalbiker]

See, that last video exemplifies what bothers me so much about Kevin Rose as a source of rumors. He puts up this big act like he's 100% certain about what he's saying and even claims that his source is solid. He's either doing it for the attention or he's got someone feeding him bad info to make him look foolish.

How do you know that he isn't one hundred percent certain? His source might be Steve Jobs for all you know.

He is the founder of Digg and he has been reporting on tech news for over a decade. He started on tech TV with Leo Laporte.

Of course he is going to report news about Apple if he thinks it is accurate. He is another Apple fan.

[madmaxmedia]

I quoted this to prove my point that DVD ripping in iTunes can work. They do have the needed contacts and connections. It's just a matter of having the MPAA trust Apple and the consumer.

Also, if iTunes does put some type of DRM -which I'm not a fan of because it usually restricts what I want to do- why not make sure that if the file is leaked out, there is way to track it back. Maybe a watermark that is embedded in an non-viewable area of the video or something embedded into the code that could ID the original creator of that particular file?

I had thought this might come with the iPod 5G even, just because it's not hard to accomplish technically. The DRM in iTunes purchased music is added on the client side, so ripping DVD's with DRM would be no different.

If you think about it, there's not even too much trust required, since iTunes is currently locked down pretty good (in terms of hacking and removing DRM). The more people rip DVD's for their own personal use via iTunes, the less likely they will discover apps like DVD Decryptor and HandBrake...

[iTeen]

If that pic was real, apple legal would have already pulled it...just like last year.

But sure...bring on the iPod touch updates!!!

[arn]

If that pic was real, apple legal would have already pulled it...just like last year.


Rose didn't specify, but seems most to be a mockup.

arn

[Peace]

Kevin's pretty close here. The iPod Nano image is a cardboard design concept from a while back. Blu-Ray and iTunes 8 is necessary due to the major underlining changes to the core O/S. That's why it's a full point release.

Apple is in the middle of changing all of the core functionality of OS 10 to Cocoa so it won't surprise me to see a Cocoa iTunes/Quicktime engine.

As far as new Macbook Pro's. I'm guesing we will see Blu-Ray with HDMI ports to support the new HD video and AAC 5.1 audio. Both items are necessary.

I'm just surprised Kevin isn't getting any guff from his "sources".;)

[Jake381]

well i apparently is apples new thing, if you noticed all apple's new products are tappered

Yes but apple has done tappered items before and then gone back of them. The clamshell mac, the original imac. Even the powerbook G3 was tappered. The ipod nano is so small it won't increase user friendliness by trimming edges.

Possible change the ipod touch may be addition of a camera. Doesn't totally make sense why they would, but it's a possible feature.

[theBB]

I'd be surprised if touch did not have a GPS, but I would not call that a cosmetic change. I doubt any other major feature would be added even without drastic price cuts. We'll see I guess...

It seems September will bring a lot of product refreshes.

[clu10]

If that pic was real, apple legal would have already pulled it...just like last year.

But sure...bring on the iPod touch updates!!!

like they did with the iphone photos(that was sarcasm there)

[demenas]

Are you talking about the windows version? iTunes on my iMac is only using 32mb of ram after running all day. I only have a 10gb library, and a few playlists, but I dont know if that really effects the ram usage much.

On my Mac Pro iTunes is using 819 MB of Real Memory and 1.93 GB of Virtual Memory. I have a 2.2 TB library with 254,000 tracks. iTunes is slow as molasses with a large library so I hope they speed it up in 8.0.

Steve

[mr.stinki]

I think apple should stop using iTunes to do EVERYTHING and make a suite of apps.

For example:

iTunes (or Tunes): Manages your music.
Cinema: Manages TV Shows and Movies.
iPod Manager: Used to sync and manage iPod. Used to store iPhone/iPod Apps.

All of these will have links to the Media Store (apple would have to rename the iTunes store)

Each by default takes you to it's own section of the store (Music, Videos, and Apps) but you can still buy a TV show while on iTunes, or buy Apps while on Cinema.

On the other hand, this wouldn't be very "Apple-like"

Let's see what Mr.Jobs has up his sleeves...

[clu10]

Yes but apple has done tappered items before and then gone back of them. The clamshell mac, the original imac. Even the powerbook G3 was tappered. The ipod nano is so small it won't increase user friendliness by trimming edges.

Possible change the ipod touch may be addition of a camera. Doesn't totally make sense why they would, but it's a possible feature.

apple has never gone back to previous designs, they've just came up with new ones, the the clamshell never went back,it turned to the ibook(white) thier new products arent going back , there turning air-ish. and when apple usually changes the look of thier products it's usually across the entire line

[Marx55]

What about the brand new Apple tablet handheld device?

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/rumor_apples_secret_product_is_macbook_touch/P100

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/gallery/image_med/15417
http://www.ilounge.com/gallery/iphone_concept/iphonePro2.jpg

[elmateo487]

If that pic was real, apple legal would have already pulled it...just like last year.

But sure...bring on the iPod touch updates!!!

Which i think is retarded. Because if they care so much, does that not solidify the fact that it was real? Because they do not have the right to pull pictures that are NOT leaks of their products.

[macwall]

I think apple should stop using iTunes to do EVERYTHING and make a suite of apps.

For example:

iTunes (or Tunes): Manages your music.
Cinema: Manages TV Shows and Movies.
iPod Manager: Used to sync and manage iPod. Used to store iPhone/iPod Apps.

All of these will have links to the Media Store (apple would have to rename the iTunes store)

Each by default takes you to it's own section of the store (Music, Videos, and Apps) but you can still buy a TV show while on iTunes, or buy Apps while on Cinema.

On the other hand, this wouldn't be very "Apple-like"

Let's see what Mr.Jobs has up his sleeves...


I sort of agree but sort of don't.

When I needed to catalog all my MP3s and CDs I found itunes to be great. The playlist functionality, ratings, playcounts, shuffle, ipod integration is awesome. I can totally see the need to use XML playlists with meta data.

As I'm trying now to catalog movies and TV shows and dvds the problem now becomes apparent that iTunes just isn't built in a way to do so. Like seriously adding meta data to movies is such a pain. There's no multiple select for TV shows and it stubbornly tries to apply the music tags.

Argh. I hope iTunes makes movie catalogging much easier but I hope they still say within the same program. Or better yet, I would love for Front Row to be the iTunes of multimedia and iTunes for music.

[clu10]

Which i think is retarded. Because if they care so much, does that not solidify the fact that it was real? Because they do not have the right to pull pictures that are NOT leaks of their products.

oooo, good one

[dubhe]

If it isn't pulled from the site by apple then it isn't real...

[clu10]

If it isn't pulled from the site by apple then it isn't real...

Which i think is retarded. Because if they care so much, does that not solidify the fact that it was real? Because they do not have the right to pull pictures that are NOT leaks of their products.

does this answer you

[macshill]

but i want the designers at apple to do something different with my macbook,
you know, tease it, tickle it, pinch it, slap it around a bit.

cause i'm sick and tired of comming home to my old lazy ass laptop that just sit's around all day and does nothing when im gone

Um... are sure you aren't desiring to come home to a new wife there, mate? ;)

Blu-ray drives are the present and future. Accept it. See beyond the silly Blu-ray vs. HD DVD format war, as well as some people's natural biased against Sony, and take a look at storage as one of the dramatic reasons this format won out and is hear to stay... for the long-term.

[dubhe]

does this answer you

This agrees with me, they haven't pulled it so it isn't their product.

Anyway, thinking about the tapered design, isn't that an uneconomical shape when it comes to squeezing flat memory, batteries etc inside?

[fleshman03]

I had thought this might come with the iPod 5G even, just because it's not hard to accomplish technically. The DRM in iTunes purchased music is added on the client side, so ripping DVD's with DRM would be no different.

If you think about it, there's not even too much trust required, since iTunes is currently locked down pretty good (in terms of hacking and removing DRM). The more people rip DVD's for their own personal use via iTunes, the less likely they will discover apps like DVD Decryptor and HandBrake...

Not needed tools to remove DRM is the point. I hate feeling like a crook for wanting to watch my owned DVDs on my iPod Touch. It's just ridiculous.

From a Sony BMG exec (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071002-sony-bmgs-chief-anti-piracy-lawyer-copying-music-you-own-is-stealing.html): "When an individual makes a copy of a song for himself, I suppose we can say he stole a song. Making 'a copy' of a purchased song is just 'a nice way of saying 'steals just one copy.'"

You made a great point about the 5G iPod, but I'm going to expand it a bit. With the Nano now handling video, all the iPods do - except the shuffle and video's not the point of the device. It would be a bigger selling point for Apple with their Mp3/Video devices.

Not to mention allowing the ability to use your own DVDs on a portable device would decrease the need to break DRM. Some people will always want to, but it would limit DRM breaking for the general pubic and therefore allow the knowledge of how to decrease.

BTW - I am so happy someone was able to shift through my labyrinth of quotes to quote me. It makes me happy! :)

[timerollson]

I think apple should stop using iTunes to do EVERYTHING and make a suite of apps.

For example:

iTunes (or Tunes): Manages your music.
Cinema: Manages TV Shows and Movies.
iPod Manager: Used to sync and manage iPod. Used to store iPhone/iPod Apps.

All of these will have links to the Media Store (apple would have to rename the iTunes store)

Each by default takes you to it's own section of the store (Music, Videos, and Apps) but you can still buy a TV show while on iTunes, or buy Apps while on Cinema.

On the other hand, this wouldn't be very "Apple-like"

Let's see what Mr.Jobs has up his sleeves...

Awful idea. Sounds like something Microsoft would release.

[clu10]

This agrees with me, they haven't pulled it so it isn't their product.

Anyway, thinking about the tapered design, isn't that an uneconomical shape when it comes to squeezing flat memory, batteries etc inside?

well i works with the iphone and i doubt the actual screen is curved, just the covering, and to be honest it' really is just an excuse to make a fatter ipod look skinny

[AceFernalld]

iPod touch / iPhone software is always released on the same day.

I can guarantee 2.1 will be out for both devices at the same time, it's common sense.

[clu10]

Um... are sure you aren't desiring to come home to a new wife there, mate? ;)

Blu-ray drives are the future. Accept it. See beyond the silly Blu-ray vs. HD DVD format war, as well as some people's natural biased against Sony, and take a look at storage as one of the dramatic reasons this format won out and is hear to stay... for the long-term.

thank god someone got the joke, but to be honest, i dont really mind moving to blu-ray, but i'll refraid until it becomes a bit more affordable, and if it IS the way of the future, it probably will.

[ivan123]

If it isn't pulled from the site by apple then it isn't real...

Like this one was (:rolleyes:)
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/04/3g-iphone-with-glossy-black-back/

[clu10]

Like this one was (:rolleyes:)
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/04/3g-iphone-with-glossy-black-back/

lol, good comeback

[macshill]

Zactly. Some rumours turn out to be true based on insider knowledge. To think it can only come from Apple themselves first, puts (the idea of) too much power in Apple's hands.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2uhbkzt.jpg

[MacTraveller]

The rumors may prove true, but I sure hope that's not the new nano. It looks... ugly.

I'm hoping that the "rumors" of the Zune-ish Nano is false. In fact, I hope that Apple has seeded images and deliberate leaks of this, so as to fool and deceive rumor sites into thinking that this is what we are going to get in the coming month.

I prefer they keep the "square fattie" Nano form factor.

[inkswamp]

How do you know that he isn't one hundred percent certain? His source might be Steve Jobs for all you know.

He is the founder of Digg and he has been reporting on tech news for over a decade. He started on tech TV with Leo Laporte.

I'm well aware of who Kevin Rose is. I got into Digg about a year before it got really popular, but unlike a lot of folks on Digg, I don't worship the guy. In fact, I find this whole web-guy-as-rock-star schtick he's doing to be fairly annoying. I stopped listening to Diggnation way back when it became obvious that most of his and Alex Albrecht's appeal lie in the image of them as cool doodz, boozing it up and sprinkling every sentence with a few swear words. It got tiresome fast. If I want to hear a frat boy podcast, I'd subscribe to one.

Anyway, he has thus-far a spotty record when it comes to Apple rumors and IMO, half of the things he's "predicting" are more or less obvious. If he wasn't the founder of Digg, we'd be talking about him in the same way we talk about MacOSRumors. It's very hit-and-miss, like the old "even a stopped clock is right twice a day" thing. That, along with the fact that he does this coy little routine where he acts like he's 100% certain he has inside info, makes me wary of believing any rumors he claims to have.

You know, it's funny that you cite who he is and that he's worked with Leo Laporte on TechTV. You'd think someone with Kevin's background would be especially careful about the info he passes along. In a way, that makes it slightly more egregious than just the typical random rumor.

[notech]

My favorite feature is the horrible glare! :)

[nyprospect]

Look it's the new ipod No No.:p

[clu10]

I'm hoping that the "rumors" of the Zune-ish Nano is false. In fact, I hope that Apple has seeded images and deliberate leaks of this, so as to fool and deceive rumor sites into thinking that this is what we are going to get in the coming month.

I prefer they keep the "square fattie" Nano form factor.

what do you mean zunish nano, the nano looked like that before zune ripped it off and it changed to the fattie. http://regmedia.co.uk/2007/09/28/nano_1_2_3.jpg

[clu10]

My favorite feature is the horrible glare! :)

you know the itouch has a HORRIBLE GLARE when it's OFF
http://mymacbuzz.com/media/2007/touch-off.JPG
http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/otterbox.

[bigwig]

I'll care about "big new iTunes features" when iTunes has native support for FLAC, or gets a proper plugin architecture for third-party support of FLAC.

[cv01]

iTunes 8 with FLAC support would be great! And that Nano looks like a remote control to me, I don't like it.... we'll see :D

[kaiwai]

I'll care about "big new iTunes features" when iTunes has native support for FLAC, or gets a proper plugin architecture for third-party support of FLAC.

Bugger flac; give end users the ability to download complete albums in Apple Lossless format at no extra charge - and I'll be in there purchasing music like there is no tomorrow.

[emulator]

Blu-ray drives are the present and future. Accept it. See beyond the silly Blu-ray vs. HD DVD format war, as well as some people's natural biased against Sony, and take a look at storage as one of the dramatic reasons this format won out and is hear to stay... for the long-term.You are so wrong on this one. BD may be the present and surely has some future regarding data storage (altough with no optical competition, it will be still cheaper to just store data on HDs especially that 1TBs are now in the $120 range) BUT for media content, streamed and downloadable HD IS the future.

[dkovac]

Now the new Nano is ugly. I really like the current fatty design, it's cute, it's small. The new Nano (if the picture is real) isn't cute, isn't small. And besides, it's too much like... ZUNE. :eek:

EDIT:
Now when I'm looking at it, I don't believe the image is real. The interface of iPods is absolutely unusable on tall and narrow displays. So either Apple is redoing the whole interface or it will continue using wide rather than tall and narrow displays.

[zedsdead]

iTunes 8 is due, but I expect it at Macworld with a new iLife/iWork Suite. I don't know what new features it will have, but I know it needs much better Movie and TV Show organization (along with the Apple TV for that matter).

iTunes also needs a rental subscription, with the ability to purchase/rent HD right from the computer, not just the Apple TV.

Also, all SD rentals/purchases of Movies and TV Shows needs to be the new Anamorphic Encodes like the new movies have, plus a 5.1 DD track as well. There is no reason not to do this, since Apple already provides the Anamorphic for new movies encoded to the store, and has the ability to provide both a Stereo and DD 5.1 track as shown with the HD rentals on the Apple TV (not to mention the Handbrake developers figured it out).

As for the iPod Nano, the mockup can't be right. The curved screen is outdated. I really think the Nano is getting those smaller 2.5 touch screens we heard about earlier in the year through one of the rumors. I don't think it will have WiFi (so no Mail/Safari/Maps etc...), but I imagine it will be able to sync Apps through iTunes. Remember, Apple ultimately will want the App Store to affect all the iPod's as it seems to be a great success and could push sales.

[na1577]

- Revamp of entire iPod line.

That is to be expected now. It's what they've done the past few years, and it wouldn't be very competitive for them to keep the same exact design for more than a year. Even just a capacity increase is good enough.

- Small cosmetic changes to Touch, Nano to see significant redesign (see above)

Again, that's very obvious. The touch won't change to match the iPhone, otherwise it would have gotten an aluminum back when it launched last year. iPods have shiny backs, the touch isn't any different. I think it will probably look almost identical to the current design.

I also don't think the nano will be completely round because of the obvious screen issues. A rounded back is very possible, which would make it similar to the current iPhone and MacBook Air. Besides, he is just repeating the rumor posted a few weeks ago with some slight changes. (*My personal opinion: I hope the rumor is true about the new nano; I'm still not over the fact that the square nano is so ugly)

- iPods to see fairly large price drops to distance itself from the $199 iPhone.

Large price drops to distant them from the iPhone? If Mr. Rose is suggesting that the iPods will be significantly cheaper than the iPhone, he is probably wrong. The iPhone is cheap because of a subsidy, it wouldn't be wise for Apple to decrease the price of the iPods below the price of the phone.

- iPod touch 2.1 software, iPhone to get update very soon after.

That's probably true. Apple announced the 1.1.1 update for the iPhone last fall, which included features that came preloaded with the iPod touch.

- iTunes 8.0 ("it's a big update w/new features").

If the iTunes subscription rumor is true, then iTunes 8 is probably right around the corner.

**Edit**

I also forgot, the Windows version of iTunes is very buggy, and Quicktime is completely broken. Hopefully Apple can fix that before adding anything more to iTunes.

- All of this coming in the next 2-3 weeks.

Again, this is to be expected now.

[Bevz]

I am trying to think what new iTunes features I would want. Plus, all of those features would have to be extended to new OS rollouts for Apple TV, iPod, iPhone, etc.

Tags on iTunes would be nice... but I can't see that getting passed down to all the hardware any time soon.

Any ideas for new iTunes features?

I can think of a ton of bug fixes.... but enough features for a new version?

the ability to sync video playlists across devices like iPhone and appletv would be a good start! Would require software updates on those devices too though.

[macshill]

Wow, clu10, I got the first song for you to download on that glossy bad boy:

"I Wear My Sunglasses At Night" by Corey Hart :p

[CaryMacGuy]

I do think Apple will go with a tall Nano if they are able to get the click-wheel controls to change when you rotate it.


I think that Apple should make the device rotabable and the way they should do it is by using an OLED backlit clickwheel...for one it solves the issue of the click wheel adapting to the rotation. Also it provides a backlit click wheel (something Apple should have held onto after the
3rd Gen iPod).

Next regarding iTunes 8...it should not be called iTunes anymore...iTunes was created when it was only music (back in 2001?). Now people manage not only music but movies, podcasts, games, and even iPhone apps through this application. Maybe something like iMedia (if you can come up with something better, be my guest).

One feature that I would like to see is for Apple to expand the full screen cover flow functionality to make it flip the album over to reveal the songs (like in the iPhone OS). Also maybe create the ability to have a very condensed "Now Playing" screen (something better than the current minimized mode).

Finally, not much they can do to the iPod touch...maybe add a GPS and a plastic back (to cause a better WiFi signal) and physical volume buttons (maybe a similar button set as the iPhone but the Ring/Silent switch is a hold switch for the iPod.

One thing can be said for sure: Apple has some amazing things up their sleeve. We can say what we want about rumored product designs but the minute Steve holds the device up in the air with that smile he always has, the design is suddenly really cool. Just the reality of being an Apple fan.

[Bevz]

You are so wrong on this one. BD may be the present and surely has some future regarding data storage (altough with no optical competition, it will be still cheaper to just store data on HDs especially that 1TBs are now in the $120 range) BUT for media content, streamed and downloadable HD IS the future.

I agree streaming / downloadable content is the future, but I really wish they'd drop the damn price so it can be the present! ( I'm in UK - even old SD movies are being sold on iTunes for £6.99 when I can buy the DVD on play.com for as little as £2.99 which I can encode at better quality than apple does with handbrake AND I've got my hard copy backup already sorted!!!) - it's still got a long way to go sadly... :(

[bigwig]

Bugger flac; give end users the ability to download complete albums in Apple Lossless format at no extra charge - and I'll be in there purchasing music like there is no tomorrow.
That would be great, but I'm pretty sure that's a studio decision, not a technical one. Don't forget to demand no DRM. Another caveat, no cheap shortcuts like encoding the Apple Lossless files from the MP3s.

[macshill]

I sure hope there will be the speed and the capacity to download an entire movie in a couple of minutes (not hours). Especially when everyone else will be doing it, too. But say I want to take my movie to a friends house. No need to bring my computer. There's where a hardcopy comes in handy.

Perhaps the future will be a postage stamp-sized (flash?) memory stick movie [although more possible to lose], but in the meantime, discs are what we have and Blu-ray gives it to you the best way possible.

[8CoreWhore]

I'll believe it when Steve Jobs says it.

Even then, it's not always accurate. :p

[clu10]

Now the new Nano is ugly. I really like the current fatty design, it's cute, it's small. The new Nano (if the picture is real) isn't cute, isn't small. And besides, it's too much like... ZUNE. :eek:

EDIT:
Now when I'm looking at it, I don't believe the image is real. The interface of iPods is absolutely unusable on tall and narrow displays. So either Apple is redoing the whole interface or it will continue using wide rather than tall and narrow displays.

geez, have you seen the 1st genertion nanos,they look excatly like the current zune, in fact, zune ripped it off. and i do think the interface will stay verticle when playing music and looking at pics, but you move it to the side when you play videos

[clu10]

Wow, clu10, I got the first song for you to download on that glossy bad boy:

"I Wear My Sunglasses At Night" by Corey Hart :p

was that an insult or somethin , cause i dont get it
(cool song tho)

[zedsdead]

the ability to sync video playlists across devices like iPhone and appletv would be a good start! Would require software updates on those devices too though.

This is another huge request that Apple has not implemented yet. It needs to be done.

[dkovac]

geez, have you seen the 1st genertion nanos,they look excatly like the current zune, in fact, zune ripped it off. and i do think the interface will stay verticle when playing music and looking at pics, but you move it to the side when you play videos

Not quite, the first one didn't have the tall display that has become some sort of Zune trademark.

[clu10]

Not quite, the first one didn't have the tall display that has become some sort of Zune trademark.

your cutting hairs here, zune basically ripped off the ipod but made it differnt JUST enough to not get sued, they're essentially the exactly same product with different branding

[Kardashian]

It looks good, IMO.

But, isn't curved screen = bad?

Glare, reflection, something about viewing angle - or wouldn't that come into effect on a screen this size?

[JAYGEE]

I hope the iPod touch cosmetic update includes an external speaker.

What a gaming machine the touch would become, if it had an external speaker! :D

[clu10]

It looks good, IMO.

But, isn't curved screen = bad?

Glare, reflection, something about viewing angle - or wouldn't that come into effect on a screen this size?

the screen itself is probably not curved, but the glass over it is, and to be honest the screen is OFF, my ipod screen usually has a glare on if until i turn it on.

[clu10]

I hope the iPod touch cosmetic update includes an external speaker.

What a gaming machine the touch would become, if it had an external speaker! :D

omg, i soo agree

[AppliedMicro]

When will iTunes become JUST for 'tunes'?
Never.
It's really simple: You shall buy Tunes via iTunes!
And while you're at it, they'll offer video downloads to go along with'em.

MP3 aren't going to be separated from the AAC you bought from Apple, iPods aren't going to be separated from syncing via iTunes, iTunes won't be separated from the iTunes Store (there will be no dedicated "iTunes Store" app), and so on... it really all fits into a convenient selling scheme for Apple. ;)
Tags on iTunes would be nice... but I can't see that getting passed down to all the hardware any time soon.
No problem - that would be a rather simple firmware update.

[AppliedMicro]

What a gaming machine the touch would become, if it had an external speaker!
Why not play with sounds via earphones?

Just curious... :confused:

[clu10]

Why not play with sounds via earphones?

Just curious... :confused:

he said gaming machine, most gaming machines have speakers build it, heck it'll be a better multi-media player if if had an eternal speaker

[elppa]

Never.
It's really simple: You shall buy Tunes via iTunes!
And while you're at it, they'll offer video downloads to go along with'em.

MP3 aren't going to be separated from the AAC you bought from Apple, iPods aren't going to be separated from syncing via iTunes, iTunes won't be separated from the iTunes Store (there will be no dedicated "iTunes Store" app), and so on... it really all fits into a convenient selling scheme for Apple. ;).

Apple has shown in the past they are not afraid to change leading products to replace them with even better products.

iTunes is facing increasing competition on many fronts now.

If Apple think they can provide better a better experience by separating the Movies and Tunes and running a separate Sync application then they will.

One day, Apple will also have to rewrite iTunes on the Mac side quite a bit anyway.

Re architecting their media software architecture is exactly the sort of thing Apple would do if they believed it would provide tangible benefits for all their customers.

On Mac OS X — Mail, iCal and Address Book work really well together and you can use as much or as little as each application as you want. A similar approach for media wouldn't be wrong in my opinion.

[BRLawyer]

When will iTunes become JUST for 'tunes' ?? Its bloated, ram hogging CRAP, and not all of us have or even want an ipod, iphone, itouch, itv, etc.

Can they just just release an mp3 ONLY application?

iTunes is BY FAR the best jukebox software on the planet...and if you wanna add just music, just do that...you can even disable the iTMS, podcasts etc...so don't complain against the most polished player ever...

[regan]

I agree that we will see updated ipods next month....but I disagree with this guy that the ipod touches will cost less than the $199 iphone.

He argues that Apple doesn't want the iphone to canabalize ipod touch sales???

And thinks that Apple will lower the ipod touch prices BELOW $199??

That WILL NOT HAPPEN. First because the iphone IS $199 BECAUSE it's subsidized. The ipod touches DON'T have long phone contracts and therefore CANT get the same deep price drop.

Maybe Apple will lower the ipod touches by $100 so that the $499 model is $399...but it'll NEVER lower it below $199 for the 32 gig model. And the 16 gig model may drop to $299 from $399...and if Apple doesn't discontinue the 8 gig model, THAT may drop from $299 to $199.

[clu10]

I agree that we will see updated ipods next month....but I disagree with this guy that the ipod touches will cost less than the $199 iphone.

He argues that Apple doesn't want the iphone to canabalize ipod touch sales???

And thinks that Apple will lower the ipod touch prices BELOW $199??

That WILL NOT HAPPEN. First because the iphone IS $199 BECAUSE it's subsidized. The ipod touches DON'T have long phone contracts and therefore CANT get the same deep price drop.

Maybe Apple will lower the ipod touches by $100 so that the $499 model is $399...but it'll NEVER lower it below $199 for the 32 gig model. And the 16 gig model may drop to $299 from $399...and if Apple doesn't discontinue the 8 gig model, THAT may drop from $299 to $199.

i think they should lower the price cause they are basically the same product, IN FACT the itouch has less than the iphone, why should i have to pay more. in fact why mor just get a cheaper classic with more memory

[macshill]

was that an insult or somethin , cause i dont get it
(cool song tho)

Nooooo. I just mean that the glare off it when turned off will blind you. :cool:

[synth3tik]

Either that is the worst mock up of an ipod I have ever seen, or Apple is going for a cheap (we bend then tape the plastic) look.

[clu10]

That WILL NOT HAPPEN. First because the iphone IS $199 BECAUSE it's subsidized. The ipod touches DON'T have long phone contracts and therefore CANT get the same deep price drop.

Maybe Apple will lower the ipod touches by $100 so that the $499 model is $399...but it'll NEVER lower it below $199 for the 32 gig model. And the 16 gig model may drop to $299 from $399...and if Apple doesn't discontinue the 8 gig model, THAT may drop from $299 to $199.

wow, well since some randon dude on the internet said it "IT MUST BE TRUE"

GEEZ, really what make you think you sooo right, do you work at apple, do you personally know steve jobs,

people in this room really need to realised that none of us here know what the hell where talking about, it's all speculation.
if you dont belive me go to the pre-iphone 3g speculation forums, we didnt kno what the hell we where saying, most of us where wrong and totally off

[archipellago]

they released the current ipods during the back to school promotion last year, but only the old ones were eligible, so that doesn't prove anything.

How much can they cut prices on the ipods? Maybe the low-end nano goes to $100 and the high-end to $150? The touch to 150/200/250? The classic (if it survives) goes to $200 and $300? And the shuffle stays where it is? how much more drastic could the cuts be?

well, seeing as the mark ups Apple put on them are very high then with regards actual cost there is lots of 'wiggle' room.

[clu10]

Either that is the worst mock up of an ipod I have ever seen, or Apple is going for a cheap (we bend then tape the plastic) look.

it dosent look cheap to me, it looks like aluminum not plactic, like the 2nd genration nano
http://media.arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/ipod-2g.media/1.1.jpg
http://www.stuff.tv/ProductImages/119520f32bli.jpg
hmmm, they look like mostly the same materials, i certainlly wouldnt call it cheap looking

[macshill]

I think the glare and the room lighting from the picture makes it look more curved/raised glass/plastic/whatever than it is. It's probably not curved at all. Remember not to let your eye fool you (same thing about that never-ending thread here about the possible new MacBook aluminum and the Apple logo looking not centered :rolleyes:).

[Kiyomizu]

Yessssssssssssss!! My prayers have been heard, Blu Ray is coming to the Mac! Hopefully it'll come with the new update for the MBP. I finally can move over to OSX and leave Windows forever!! :p

[Admonitor]

what do you mean zunish nano, the nano looked like that before zune ripped it off and it changed to the fattie. http://regmedia.co.uk/2007/09/28/nano_1_2_3.jpg

There's not really much to rip off...tall, screen above, buttons below..that "look" has being going for years in various devices.

[simongoldring]

Apple has shown in the past they are not afraid to change leading products to replace them with even better products.

iTunes is facing increasing competition on many fronts now.

If Apple think they can provide better a better experience by separating the Movies and Tunes and running a separate Sync application then they will.

One day, Apple will also have to rewrite iTunes on the Mac side quite a bit anyway.

Re architecting their media software architecture is exactly the sort of thing Apple would do if they believed it would provide tangible benefits for all their customers.

On Mac OS X — Mail, iCal and Address Book work really well together and you can use as much or as little as each application as you want. A similar approach for media wouldn't be wrong in my opinion.

iTunes: I agree that iTunes needs rewriting, especially on the Mac, which would be awesome (I love Cocoa apps on Mac & WPF apps on Windows! :P), but I highly doubt Apple will split up iTunes anytime soon. This is because, no offence, the vast majority of iTunes / iPod / iPhone users use Windows. As such, they have iTunes because of their iPods, and iTunes from both Apple's and the user's perspective is a 'media hub'. For users, it means that iTunes deals with music / devices (which are almost certainly Apple) / possibly movies, which is easier because it's a single application to open / update etc. For Apple it is easier because they can roll out an iTunes update, and boom! everyone who uses an Apple media device has the latest version. Multiple applications would only complicate this. (Sorry if I repeated myself there!)

on iPod Touch: Personally, I hope they don't add GPS or any crappy new feature if it means the price stays the same / goes up. I would far prefer exactly the same product (though it would obviously have the plastic back, which I don't mind) but at $250 or (PLEASE?!) $200. If so, I will definately buy one at Christmas when in the US of A (bloody british prices). Then again, I wouldn't mind GPS AND lower prices :p

Simon

[mdntcallr]

it is ridiculous that Apple isn't supporting Blu-Ray yet. i want to be able to use my blu-ray movies on my laptop when traveling.

and i want to be able to playback on my computer desktop.

but... apple doesn't have it. and they do not seem to be in a hurry to start supporting it.

[macshill]

There's not really much to rip off...tall, screen above, buttons below..that "look" has being going for years in various devices.

Exactly. Look at the ill-fated Dell MP3 player of then. Now, it's all about a clickwheel design. Dell's new re-entry will look like all the other MP3 players out there.

http://i11.tinypic.com/6g2yct0.jpg

[JAYGEE]

Why not play with sounds via earphones?

Just curious... :confused:

Because after a while, that will get annoying. Also, what if I am with a group of friends? Only two will be able to hear the game sounds, and it is always fun swapping ear wax with friends :p

I know people say that iPod touch shouldn't have speakers because ipods don't have speakers, but the iPod touch is more that an iPod. It is an internet device and a gaming platform. The DS and PSP has speakers, so the the iPod touch should also.

[clu10]

Because after a while, that will get annoying. Also, what if I am with a group of friends? Only two will be able to hear the game sounds, and it is always fun swapping ear wax with friends :p

I know people say that iPod touch shouldn't have speakers because ipods don't have speakers, but the iPod touch is more that an iPod. It is an internet device and a gaming platform. The DS and PSP has speakers, so the the iPod touch should also.

thank you for clarifying that

[macshill]

Because after a while, that will get annoying. Also, what if I am with a group of friends? Only two will be able to hear the game sounds, and it is always fun swapping ear wax with friends :p

I know people say that iPod touch shouldn't have speakers because ipods don't have speakers, but the iPod touch is more that an iPod. It is an internet device and a gaming platform. The DS and PSP has speakers, so the the iPod touch should also.

You have a point. But it's a weird concept -- not unrealistic, just foreign -- to picture one w/ built-in speakers.

I suppose people just buy third-party mini speakers and plug them in.

[iRondo]

I'm gonna go out on a limb a call BS, only reason being why would they completely overhaul the entire range in 2007, only to do it again a year later? I think we're just going to see 16GB Nano, and POSSIBLY higher capacity Touch or price drop.

[MrCrowbar]

about that curved iPod nano... that display would be pretty bad because
a) you cant slightly turn it if light is reflected in it because it is a curved surface.
b) thing will break very easily. Curved gives you stability, but it's more fragile when you apply mechanical force to the wrong spots.
c) you're wasting space! the actual display under the cover is flat and you're putting like a dome with lots of air in between.

I think/hope "curved" here means curved like th iPhone 3G. Round edges, curved back to make it more ergonomical.

[swissmad]

Curved screen not a good idea. Imagine having to turn the screen every 3 seconds to see the whole picture. Watching something outside? Forget it.

[clu10]

I'm gonna go out on a limb a call BS, only reason being why would they completely overhaul the entire range in 2007, only to do it again a year later? I think we're just going to see 16GB Nano, and POSSIBLY higher capacity Touch or price drop.

that usually how it is with tech, it really isnt THAT strange

[clu10]

You have a point. But it's a weird concept -- not unrealistic, just foreign -- to picture one w/ built-in speakers.

I suppose people just buy third-party mini speakers and plug them in.

not really a wierd concept, loads of mp3 players have external speckers

[clu10]

Curved screen not a good idea. Imagine having to turn the screen every 3 seconds to see the whole picture. Watching something outside? Forget it.

omg just LOOK at the picture, the ipod isnt THAT curved, it's only slight, GEEZ

[aaquib]

i think they should lower the price cause they are basically the same product, IN FACT the itouch has less than the iphone, why should i have to pay more. in fact why mor just get a cheaper classic with more memory

The iPhone is not $199! It's $599. AT&T doesn't even buy it for less than $525. It's *SUBSIDIZED*! I was lucky enough to get a 16GB for $450 with no contract because Im a corporate customer, but if I wasn't, it'd cost me $700.

All I see for the iPod touch is the 8GB discontinued, with 16GB and 32GB models priced at $299/$399.

[aaquib]

iTunes: I agree that iTunes needs rewriting, especially on the Mac

If you think iTunes on a Mac is bad, you're lucky you haven't tried it on Vista. It stuns me how people can find it acceptable on that OS.

[jackfrost123]

I wouldn't trust some bozo who broadcasts with a friggin staircase behind his back....jesus christ a person lacking the common sense or the space to avoid a staircase behind his back...:(

[macshill]

The white streaks are clouding judgement. It's like those mind puzzles the psychology fields use. Now why whoever it was that took that picture decided on "yeah, that's the shot I want", I don't know (?).

[Littleodie914]

Wow... That's the coolest looking iPod I've ever seen. No lies. :eek:

I'm personally really glad Apple moved away from the stubby look.

[clu10]

about that curved iPod nano... that display would be pretty bad because
a) you cant slightly turn it if light is reflected in it because it is a curved surface.
b) thing will break very easily. Curved gives you stability, but it's more fragile when you apply mechanical force to the wrong spots.
c) you're wasting space! the actual display under the cover is flat and you're putting like a dome with lots of air in between.

I think/hope "curved" here means curved like th iPhone 3G. Round edges, curved back to make it more ergonomical.

A) people, the curve really inst THAT dramatic, the reason for the glare is that the product is off
B)um, hmmm, that actually depends on what material you use, it looks pretty durable, and to be honest ipods period arent the least breakable products.
c)well to be honest apple probably added more crap on it, and wanted it to appear skinnier than the original

[clu10]

I wouldn't trust some bozo who broadcasts with a friggin staircase behind his back....jesus christ a person lacking the common sense or the space to avoid a staircase behind his back...:(

um.........hmm, he's stupid cause he made the video in front of a staircase????............ yeah thats stupid:confused: like WHO takes videos in front of staircases, like what wrong with him GEEZ.

that post made you seem soooooo intellegent:eek:

[Chupa Chupa]

Count me in as skeptical. Then again I said the same about the "fat" nano pic last year, so what do I know. Still the curved screen would distort the picture somewhat unless there is no picture in the curved area, and in that case its a poor design b/c it wastes space.

Also the click wheel wouldn't face the viewer or even be in a comfortable position when watching video (assume you have to turn it to get a wide screen). From a design perspective (which is how Steve looks at everything) that is very kludgy and inelegant. It's something you'd expect from a M$ or Dell product, but not Apple.

[clu10]

The iPhone is not $199! It's $599. AT&T doesn't even buy it for less than $525. It's *SUBSIDIZED*! I was lucky enough to get a 16GB for $450 with no contract because Im a corporate customer, but if I wasn't, it'd cost me $700.

All I see for the iPod touch is the 8GB discontinued, with 16GB and 32GB models priced at $299/$399.

oooooooohhhhh, i think i learned somethin today, well....i guess i might be wrong(even though i hope not) but im adult enough to admit that i MIGHT be wrong

[macshill]

The guy could hang a solid colour bedsheet behind him as a backdrop, but it still doesn't change his smarminess. That doesn't change the overall message he's delivering; it just can detour you. But he could also be a completely wrong idiot delivering the message in this way.

We... shall... see.

[clu10]

Count me in as skeptical. Then again I said the same about the "fat" nano pic last year, so what do I know. Still the curved screen would distort the picture somewhat unless there is no picture in the curved area, and in that case its a poor design b/c it wastes space.

Also the click wheel wouldn't face the viewer or even be in a comfortable position when watching video (assume you have to turn it to get a wide screen). From a design perspective (which is how Steve looks at everything) that is very kludgy and inelegant. It's something you'd expect from a M$ or Dell product, but not Apple.

ugh, must i repeat myself, the screen would mostly be used vertically and when you play video, move it on it's side(like a zune) and the actuall screen itself isnt curved, but the casing is.

oh c-mon this is sooo sometthing apple would comeup with,

when ever ya'll dont like something apple it's "that looks like something microsoft would come up with or dell or hp"

[clu10]

I wouldn't trust some bozo who broadcasts with a friggin staircase behind his back....jesus christ a person lacking the common sense or the space to avoid a staircase behind his back...:(

um just to be realistic, most of these websites are ran out of peoples homes, there is not a MACRUMORS office building somewhere, no it ran in Arnold Kim's basement.
okay half these rumors come from everyday normal people, there are no apple angels, in iheaven who bestow sacred leaked photos.

theses leaks arent offically realeased by apple so dont expect a freakin commercial

[Moks]

no way would they make a nano (or any other iPod) with a curved screen