Let's Rock: Rumor Roundup and Expectations

[MacRumors]

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


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/09/05/233313-ipod_nano_4g_spy1_200.jpg
Apple will be holding their "Let's Rock" media event on Tuesday, September 9th at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern. With almost daily rumors over the past week about what could be expected, this roundup will recap the most likely announcements and speculation about the event.

iPod Nano

Rumors of the "tall" iPod originated (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/30/next-generation-ipod-nano-to-be-taller/) with a report from iLounge in late July. That news initially generated some skepticism since Apple had just abandoned the tall iPod Nano design in favor of a shorter/fatter design of the current iPod Nano.

A later report (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/22/new-ipod-nano-ipod-touch-itunes-8-0-blu-ray-in-10-6/) by Digg's Kevin Rose confirmed the design, ultimately bringing us to an actual photograph (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/05/leaked-photo-of-4th-generation-ipod-nano-in-packaging/) of what appears to be the new iPod Nano in its packaging. MacNN claims to have verified the photo as authentic.

iPod Touch

Rose's report (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/22/new-ipod-nano-ipod-touch-itunes-8-0-blu-ray-in-10-6/) also claimed that the iPod Touch would see "small cosmetic changes" alongside iPod Touch 2.1 firmware and "large" price drops.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/09/03/133402-touch2g_400.jpg


A diagram (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/03/ipod-nano-and-ipod-touch-dimensions-revealed/) of the new iPod Touch provided by iLounge fits this description. The new iPod Touch shares the same curved design as the iPhone 3G and also appears to include external volume controls which are absent on the current iPod Touch.

In addition, firmware hints (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/29/firmware-hints-at-new-ipod-touch/) have suggested that the new iPod Touch will see added functionality. We've speculated that the iPod Touch could get features to bring it more in line with the iPhone If true, this could one or more of the following features currently found only on the iPhone: GPS, external speaker, microphone, and camera.

iTunes 8.0

iTunes 8 is expected (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/08/itunes-8-mockup-with-grid-view-genius-playlist/) to arrive with improvements such as Grid View, Genius Playlist, a new Visualizer (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/05/is-magnetosphere-now-an-itunes-8-visualizer/) and possibly support for HD Television Shows.

Despite some early doubts, multiple sources are now expecting iTunes 8 to arrive at tomorrow's event.

iPhone Firmware 2.1

If the iPod Touch arrives with Firmware 2.1, the iPhone's update won't be far behind. The only official feature that has been promised for the 2.1 Firmware is background push-notifications. This push-notification service allows applications to process notifications in the background while they are not actively running on the iPhone. Applications such as a Chat client will be able to notify users that a new instant message has arrived at any time.

MacBooks Will Have to Wait

It should be painfully obvious by now to those waiting for new MacBook and MacBook Pro updates that we are unlikely to see any Mac news at tomorrow's event. AppleInsider had first suggested (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/08/27/ipods_macbooks_imacs_up_next_on_apples_2008_roadmap.html) that Apple may stagger these announcements over the next couple of months.

And since that time we've similarly heard that resellers have been essentially told that Apple notebook updates are unlikely before October.

One More Thing...

We've heard that Apple is actively urging the media to cover the event claiming it will be a "big deal". Companies, of course, always want media to cover their events, but the practice seems to be atypical for Apple. Regardless, there is always hope for additional "surprise" announcements. Here's a list of some other possibilities:

- Rainbow colored iPods (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/22/new-ipod-nanos-to-be-multicolored/) - We've heard little of this since the original report by 9to5Mac, but iLounge has felt it to be unlikely.
- GPS / Turn by turn - Apple's Greg Joswiak described the implementation of turn-by-turn GPS to be complicated (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/14/apples-joswiak-on-iphone-copy-and-paste-gps-driving-directions/) but that he had confidence that developers would deliver such a product. We had heard that Apple had been working with 3rd party developers and that such a solution may arrive alongside the 2.1 firmware.
- Analysts are still discussing Steve Jobs' health and expect that tomorrow's appearance should reassure investors (http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/09/08/analyst-steve-jobs-must-be-feeling-better/).
- Ars has suggested that Apple has held back some secret features (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/06/sept-9th-itunes-8-iphone-firmware-2-1-with-hidden-features/) in iPhone 2.1.
- Tablet Mac (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/23/tablet-mac-coming-in-fall-2008/) - We've heard very little about the rumored Tablet Mac or Apple PDA from earlier this year. While we feel confident that these products are in Apple's labs, it's not clear when they'll see the light of day.

Coverage

We will provide coverage of the announcements and links to live updates. Also available is a Spoiler Free page (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/08/lets-rock-spoiler-free-keynote-stream/) for those who want to watch the delayed video stream without knowledge of the announcements.

Finally, there's our Twitter account (http://twitter.com/macrumors) that is only used for these live announcements which will send out SMS messages. (sign up by Phone here (http://www.macrumors.com/lists/#sms)). Other Twitter options include twitter.com/MacRumorsRSS (http://twitter.com/macrumorsRSS) for MacRumors story updates and twitter.com/ArnoldKim (http://twitter.com/arnoldkim) for Arn's tweets.



Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/08/lets-rock-rumor-roundup-and-expectations/)

[Limb]

I'm wondering if there will be any major push towards features that will finally finalize the iPhone as a enterprise class device. Copy & Paste, etc. This is the only card that the iPhone doesn't really have covered.

[Beric]

I want to watch live video of the event. Is there any place I can do that?

[RevK]

iTunes 8.0!!!! Yahoo!:) No MacBooks? Expected but it's still unfortunate:mad:.

[oldwatery]

The Mini's coming...the Mini's coming..... :D

[jojo13]

that sounds cool

but for the notebook:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:
its sad:(

[RevK]

I want to watch live video of the event. Is there any place I can do that?

Nope.

[masse]

I want a macbook pro!

Guess I'll have to settle for an ipod touch (either new or older generation).

The price drop and maybe capacity increase is very welcome :)

Good roundup of rumors.

[supmango]

Has anyone heard anything about an Apple TV refresh? It seems like it should be about time (although they were updated in January).

[thecartoonguy]

This may have made the rounds but here goes nothing:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/09/08/itunes_8_prematurely_leaked_pulled.html

[Beric]

This may have made the rounds but here goes nothing:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/09/08/itunes_8_prematurely_leaked_pulled.html

Yes, yes. Arn personally dismissed it as nothing. :o

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=558433

[iMacmatician]

Bring it on Apple. :cool:

But I have a feeling that this may not bigger than what we currently know. I'm usually wrong on this though. :p

[Clark Gable]

I just want the macbook update as well as a mac mini update. I could give a crap about the ipod touch and ipod nano. They are far to small of capacity for me (i have 300+ gb of music).

Come on apple, macbook + macbook pro + mac mini updates. and appletv if you can

[Santabean2000]

One more thing... just one more thing... please.
Go the tablet!:cool:

[thecartoonguy]

Yes, yes. Arn personally dismissed it as nothing. :o

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=558433

That makes sense. I'm usually the last to find out LOL :D

[Beric]

Bring it on Apple. :cool:

But I have a feeling that this may not bigger than what we currently know. I'm usually wrong on this though. :p

Yeah, I'm guessing this event will be a big disappointment. But who am I to say that? :p

[chilibball]

I am hoping for any updates for the macs as the "one more thing..."

[Beric]

I am hoping for any updates for the macs as the "one more thing..."

I'm afraid that's a futile hope. :(

[hob]

- Analysts are still discussing Steve Jobs' health and expect that tomorrow's appearance should reassure investors (http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/09/08/analyst-steve-jobs-must-be-feeling-better/).

So SJ's going to be in a fat suit then? :p :D

I am hoping for any updates for the macs as the "one more thing..."

Do I sound like an old fart if I say I remember the time when iPods used to be the "one more thing..." ? :(

[ezekielrage_99]

Stupid no new laptops.... Although the prospect of a new iPod touch is tempting.

[Beric]

So SJ's going to be in a fat suit then? :p :D

He'll wear a pillow under his shirt. :D

[iMacmatician]

For those who want Mac updates, we can always hope for another Apple event next month. :)

- Rainbow colored iPods (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/22/new-ipod-nanos-to-be-multicolored/) - We've heard little of this since the original report by 9to5Mac, but iLounge has felt it to be unlikely.Three tiers of color? :D

Monochrome: Silver, black
Color: Orange, etc.
Multi-color: Rainbow

- Ars has suggested that Apple has held back some secret features (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/06/sept-9th-itunes-8-iphone-firmware-2-1-with-hidden-features/) in iPhone 2.1.
- Tablet Mac (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/23/tablet-mac-coming-in-fall-2008/) - We've heard very little about the rumored Tablet Mac or Apple PDA from earlier this year. While we feel confident that these products are in Apple's labs, it's not clear when they'll see the light of day. I can't help but think these two points are related. But then again I might be wishing too much for the (mini-)tablet. Doesn't a lack of product rumors right before an Apple event usually mean that product will not appear at the event? If so, then I can see one or both announced at MWSF 2009.

Also, will there be one type of tablet or two? "Or" or "and"?

[zap2]

Hmmm....looking good...I'm hoping for something all new, a big shocker. The Nano looks nice but its "par for the course"....evolutionary, I'm hoping for revolutionary.

[TheManOfSilver]

It's been a long time coming, and with "one more thing" tomorrow, I'd expect Steve to announce that the Beatles catalogue is finally coming to iTunes, complete with special videos, interactive albums, etc. Paul McCartney will play the closing tune.

That's my prediction for why the event will be "a big deal".

[marieeg]

I seriously hope that with all the other events happening, that there is an actual iPhone update. There are so many fixes that the iphone needs right now, and I seriously hope they dont push it back again.

I love my phone and I want it to work perfect again!!

[cmvsm]

I'd like to see a 3G ipod touch. I don't need the phone, but would love to have mobile internet access anywhere. The WiFi is ok at home, in hotels, airports, and your local Starbucks, but it pretty much sucks everywhere else.

I'd gladly pay $20 per month for this service to an iPod. I'm not sure why its not considered. Surely people don't buy an iPhone simply for the internet access.

[mca7]

I sure hope rainbow colored ipods are not the "one more thing" apple is urging the media to come and see!

[ZB1992]

i said before about the definite ipod upgrades aswell as itunes 8 and iphone 2.1 software for the september 9th date, but i also GARUANBTEE that new macbooks and macbook pros will be coming out.

[Eder6301]

Im going to be so upset tomorz if there is no new macbook pro

[sammy2066]

i said before about the definite ipod upgrades aswell as itunes 8 and iphone 2.1 software for the september 9th date, but i also GARUANBTEE that new macbooks and macbook pros will be coming out.

Exactly ... so you don't "GUARANTEE" it .... ;)

[manhattanboy]

I hope that the
One more Thing . . .
annoucement will be that:
Finally, Apple and AT&T will release a phone/network product that actually works and does not drop every other call and stall loading web pages.

[hppeeves]

I feel like something small that's often overlooked are the earbuds. I'm hoping to see a small cosmetic upgrade for them as well tomorrow. Right now the current ones fall apart a little too easily.

[jfmartin]

Hi,

Here is the expected let's talk keynote...

* Steve Jobs shows up on the stage, greating everybody for coming... He will look better that in july.

* Present the new iPods lineup. The Shuffle. Price reduction. Capacity increased. Same color. Same functionality.
* iPod nano 4G. New form factor. Exactly as shown by the many leaks. Pricing reduction, capacity 4g, 8g, 16g. New colors. New screen.
* iPod Classic 2G: full screen, but with old GUI except for click wheel touch that shows up when touching the screen.. so this make this a blend of the old with the new touch technologies. Explain part of the product transision at reduced cost.. 80g. 120g. Available be the end of september.

* Some news regarding iPhone sales. 10 milions sold !
* iPhone OS 2.1 coming soon.

* iPod touch 2g with iPhone Os 2.1. New features. iPod function updated to make it more like the Remote apps with folders of playlists... copy & paste, push notification services. Available now.

* new third party apps: Facebook 2.0 shown, etc.

* iTunes 8.0 software demoed. Exactly as shown by the many leaks on the web (HD content downloads, grid view, Genius, Genius Side view, new visualization module). Available now.

* AppleTV 3.0 in november. AppleTV SDK now.

* New iPod ad. Shown.

* thanks for coming.

Band playing.

[xbjllb]

Oh, goody goody... more overpriced cheap iCrap for the iMasses and iContent Rippers.

Anyone know of a good company that makes desktop computer workstations for audio and video content creators? Kind of like Apple used to be?

:apple:

[pmoeser]

NanoPhone and touch enabled AppleTV

* iPod Classic 2G: full screen, but with old GUI except for click wheel touch that shows up when touching the screen.. so this make this a blend of the old with the new touch technologies. Explain part of the product transision at reduced cost.. 80g. 120g. Available be the end of september.

Nice jfMartin! That had occurred to me after the first iPod touch, but I'd let it slip off the radar. Now that I manage my music differently and don't carry my entire catalogue with me it wasn't all that important

[Beric]

I hope that the
One more Thing . . .
annoucement will be that:
Finally, Apple and AT&T will release a phone/network product that actually works and does not drop every other call and stall loading web pages.

And that costs an arm and a leg.

Sorry, but no.

[pooryou]

120 GB as the largest Classic would be a total FAIL.

[ZB1992]

Exactly ... so you don't "GUARANTEE" it .... ;)

its very hard for me to get my poitn across clearly without sounding like just a rumor starter. i know a developer for apple and he has informed me that those upgrades and updates will be coming out.
i know everyone's skeptic here, adn you should be. i would be too. so its up to you to have enough faith in the good of humanity to beleive it, but now just sounding like a phony... any questions?

[calisurfboy]

My next door neighbor excitedly asked me to come over and visit because he had a new baby. I arrived, sat there, and starred at it. "What does it do?" It eats, it spits up, it crys, and it goes pooh.

Well big whoppie!

I feel the same way about this event. Itunes 8.0 with genius list and visualization option? Ipod nano going back to being slim? Iphone software update that may make my phone act like what my phones were capable of five years ago?

With all that apple needs to update and this is what they do? What about the sad poor forgotten little mini? Displays that are years old? Price points that are ridiculously high on old inferior technology? ...and sooo much more. Sad... really sad.

I think my daily pooh tomorrow will end up being more exciting and enjoyable then this event.

Poor poor lil' minis......

[Beric]

its very hard for me to get my poitn across clearly without sounding like just a rumor starter. i know a developer for apple and he has informed me that those upgrades and updates will be coming out.
i know everyone's skeptic here, adn you should be. i would be too. so its up to you to have enough faith in the good of humanity to beleive it, but now just sounding like a phony... any questions?

Sorry, but it's hard to believe anything these days. Even if your "source" is correct.

We'll just have to see tomorrow.

[colinc]

I'm still feeling some kinda airport extreme update/revision.

[DaBrain]

I feel like something small that's often overlooked are the earbuds. I'm hoping to see a small cosmetic upgrade for them as well tomorrow. Right now the current ones fall apart a little too easily.

You are so correct on this! Personally I'd like to see a complete redesign or a choice. I hate the ones that came with my touch! I'd rather have one that gracefully fits in my ear like those ones with foam. These suckers always pop up and never stay in and do not adapt to different size ears! :rolleyes:

[Prof.]

One more thing... Apple's new CEO - Jonathan Ive

[Akzel]

I hate to sound like just another hater, but... Big *yawn* so far.

New iPod model? "yay"
New effin' colours? "yay"

Seriously, it's pathetic.

I really miss the rock solid, well designed COMPUTERS from Apple. I have this feeling I'm gonna be very very disappointed by tomorrow's event.

[sprice25]

gut feeling we will be disappointed. Then again, apple needs to make up for the mobileme/iPhone screwups recently. Whatever tomorrow brings we know it is meant for staying up to date with technology and giving a head start to the holiday season.

[abhimat.gautam]

I feel like something small that's often overlooked are the earbuds. I'm hoping to see a small cosmetic upgrade for them as well tomorrow. Right now the current ones fall apart a little too easily.

Apple transitioning to aluminum = aluminum earbuds?
:D

[xbjllb]

I hate to sound like just another hater, but... Big *yawn* so far.

New iPod model? "yay"
New effin' colours? "yay"

Seriously, it's pathetic.

I really miss the rock solid, well designed COMPUTERS from Apple. I have this feeling I'm gonna be very very disappointed by tomorrow's event.

You and me both. I think it's WAY beyond time for Apple to break into two completely separate companies... one that makes computers (and actually updates them in a timely fashion and keeps them and their software cutting edge) and one that makes iCrap for the kiddies.

It's actually quite bad business to let the mass selling iCrap subsidize the computer side of it. If the computer side had to rely on its own innovation and own market success, we'd be getting a lot better product.

:apple:

[Akzel]

Any old school user can tell me if there were so many computers marked as "Don't Buy - Updates soon" all at once before??



PS: And I love the "it's coming!" line... Powerbook G5, anyone?
PPS: Maybe in the next few years it will become Apple Gadgets, Inc and I'll have to start using Ubuntu? :-(

[pmoeser]

I'm still feeling some kinda airport extreme update/revision.

I have held off on an Airport Extreme for that reason too! Then I thought about it from an Apple perspective. Why would they include music streaming in this unit as well as the Express?

Answer: They won't.

That way, you have the Extreme in the middle of the house serving vision to the AppleTV in the living room and the Express plugged in next to your stereo for the audio.

I agree with their thinking.

[kramden88]

i've been waiting for that tablet for years but once they put the technology to the iphone i gave up hope on it.
i'm anxiously awaiting the new touch, gps with turn by turn would be a dream but it's looking like the touch update is only going to be a speed bump. i can't wait to find out what the big announcement is, though.

[scottylans]

Update guys: New nano still looks like crap! :(

[specialbuddy]

Stereo Bluetooth? About 95% of newer phones have it except apples.

[boss1]

......Over the years, and more so recently, the Mac tablet has slowly moved to a place in my mind reserved for archived thoughts like 'Bigfoot' and 'Loch ness' .

I'd like to believe they exist ;) . When I think of Mac Tablet I think of Big Foot

[JitteryJimmy]

Turn-by-turn GPS software is complicated. But fortunately, it has been done before and can be found in many inexpensive devices. So although GPS is easy, it can be implemented with just a bit of money.

The most complicated part for turn-by-turn, in my estimation, is the contract for the map data. Obviously, a turn-by-turn GPS needs maps stored locally, in case one leaves a communication service area - particularly important for touch users.

[heron88]

there's still hope...

[Akzel]

You and me both. I think it's WAY beyond time for Apple to break into two completely separate companies... one that makes computers (and actually updates them in a timely fashion and keeps them and their software cutting edge) and one that makes iCrap for the kiddies.

:apple:

I'm glad I'm not alone... I believe the infamous "Steve Field of distorted reality" is slowly fading, and they'll have to actually make cutting edge computers once again to convince people to buy new computers... Looking back at the recent laptop/desktop updates, I can't recall a single breathtaking update/release from Apple. Usually a week or so before we've already seen better spec'ed HPs or Dells (*gasp*). Today HP announced a 24hours battery for their laptops, for example.

The graphic card in the Macbook Pro is hardly a deal breaker nowadays and it's slowly losing the "Pro" title, imo.

Gosh, I DO sound like a hater today, I hope Apple won't let me down because I'm tired of waiting for a new ("pro") laptop. The bad part is that I'm almost sure I WILL be let down. :\

[hob]

Any old school user can tell me if there were so many computers marked as "Don't Buy - Updates soon" all at once before??

Unbelievable. I've never seen that many before!

[Sweetbike40]

I'm really hoping 2.1 for iPhone will be available tomorrow. PLEASE
I'm content with everything else i have.

[Jack Flash]

C'mon iPod touch built-in speaker! Daddy needs a new portable media player...

*rolls dice*

[TonyHoyle]

Stereo Bluetooth? About 95% of newer phones have it except apples.

Hell, any meaningful bluetooth support. It's damned embarrasing when your friends are bluetoothing photos and stuff to each other and you're sat there with the 'cutting edge' iphone that can't do it.

The day I can stop carrying two phones I'll be happy.

[pmoeser]

I'm glad I'm not alone... I believe the infamous "Steve Field of distorted reality" is slowly fading, and they'll have to actually make cutting edge computers once again to convince people to buy new computers... Looking back at the recent laptop/desktop updates, I can't recall a single breathtaking update/release from Apple. Usually a week or so before we've already seen better spec'ed HPs or Dells (*gasp*). Today HP announced a 24hours battery for their laptops, for example.

The graphic card in the Macbook Pro is hardly a deal breaker nowadays and it's slowly losing the "Pro" title, imo.

Gosh, I DO sound like a hater today, I hope Apple won't let me down because I'm tired of waiting for a new ("pro") laptop. The bad part is that I'm almost sure I WILL be let down. :\

I agree with you guys here. But look at the debacle of the MobileMe, iPhone V2

The iPod halo is selling Macs. Macs that are known and 99% of the time work.

Add a new hardware platform into the mix (with new bugs to fix) and switchers because of the iPhone will think Apple are just a bunch of shonky computer makers.

If I was Apple, I'd be getting the Air and iPhone stable before adding a whole new box of kit into the matrix.

[pmoeser]

Hell, any meaningful bluetooth support. It's damned embarrasing when your friends are bluetoothing photos and stuff to each other and you're sat there with the 'cutting edge' iphone that can't do it.

The day I can stop carrying two phones I'll be happy.

You just don't "get" the new platform.

Apple don't want you to bluetooth photos to your friends.

Tell your friends to buy an iPhone and MobileMe so you can email it to them.

[TonyHoyle]

Looking back at the recent laptop/desktop updates, I can't recall a single breathtaking update/release from Apple.

I'm not sure there's much to announce... any modern laptop is fast enough for the tasks you'd want to do with it, it's just a matter of picking the one that is strong in the area you're after (eg. I went for the mbp because of the larger display, rather than any other reason)

Apple lags somewhat in the graphics arena (even the top end imac isn't that great - it's only an 8800GS which worse than the one in my wifes machine that she complains about constanty as being too slow..). OTOH I'm not sure that really matters as there are almost no games to play on it anyway.

[carve]

I'm looking forward to the new nano and maybe an updated classic. I still have a iPod video, and the battery is almost dead, so i'm in need for an update! :D

[caliguy]

Well.... I just called an Apple Store asking about a promo code that I'm going to use tomorrow. Since I was on the phone, I thought I'd also ask them if they could reserve a new iPod Classic. The lady assured me that there are definitely not new iPods coming out tomorrow :rolleyes: Oook w/e you say.

[Doodledoo]

What I'm smelling aside from the highly expected stuff: Apple making official their carrier partnerships in Russia and China, EA showing off its upcoming SimCity and other games for iPhone OS, 10 million iPhones, a major iTunes Plus announcement - one of the smaller labels, Warner or Sony, might release its catalogue DRM-free, the Beatles totally coming (I agree with the person who suggested Paul McCartney will be playing the ending song) and BTW their songs will be DRM-free because EMI owns them, and lastly, HD TV shows for the Apple TV and your computer, with a possible HD iPod with 720p support (hey, it could happen!) which would obviously open up the possibilities of HD movie rentals (and maybe even HD movie purchases!).

Some very exciting stuff could happen tomorrow!

[supmango]

You and me both. I think it's WAY beyond time for Apple to break into two completely separate companies... one that makes computers (and actually updates them in a timely fashion and keeps them and their software cutting edge) and one that makes iCrap for the kiddies.

It's actually quite bad business to let the mass selling iCrap subsidize the computer side of it. If the computer side had to rely on its own innovation and own market success, we'd be getting a lot better product.

:apple:

Just because a company expands its market and makes more products for more people does not necessarily mean that it abandons its core. Apple computers are still way better than anything else you can get, even if it is not necessarily cutting edge hardware. Apple makes better software and they make sure it works on the hardware they select. It is as simple as that. I would much rather have something that is not "cutting edge" and works correctly, every time, than become an expert at troubleshooting (like I had to with MS products).

[thecartoonguy]

I agree with you guys here. But look at the debacle of the MobileMe, iPhone V2

The iPod halo is selling Macs. Macs that are known and 99% of the time work.

Add a new hardware platform into the mix (with new bugs to fix) and switchers because of the iPhone will think Apple are just a bunch of shonky computer makers.

If I was Apple, I'd be getting the Air and iPhone stable before adding a whole new box of kit into the matrix.

Wait! What's this. Since when does Apple make computers? I thought they only made iPhone's will all the press, rumors, and updates for the phone. huh who knew.

[Tilpots]

:apple:TV update. Please, dear God, let them update the :apple:TV's.

[TonyHoyle]

Tell your friends to buy an iPhone and MobileMe so you can email it to them.

OK I'll first tell them to get high paying jobs so they can afford one. I'm sure they'll appreciate my ordering them about. That's gonna be a hard sell...

[elow]

The new macbooks will come out, you will all be pleasantly suprised. Nobody has really touched on this, but let me just trow it out there, there could be a new service offered by apple tomarrow. :)

[aafuss1]

It's been a long time coming, and with "one more thing" tomorrow, I'd expect Steve to announce that the Beatles catalogue is finally coming to iTunes, complete with special videos, interactive albums, etc. Paul McCartney will play the closing tune.

That's my prediction for why the event will be "a big deal".

And Snow Patrol is planning on releasing a interactive album for touch/iPhone.

Can't wait to see lower touch pricing in Australia.

[aafuss1]

You just don't "get" the new platform.

Apple don't want you to bluetooth photos to your friends.

Tell your friends to buy an iPhone and MobileMe so you can email it to them.

I agree-but Stereo A2DP and bluetooth support on touches would be better (as many bt headphones need their own dock connecting adaptor currently to use with the touch)

[supmango]

:apple:TV update. Please, dear God, let them update the :apple:TV's.

I agree, there are about 4 features lacking that are preventing me from buying one right now.

-TV recording (DVR or otherwise)
-BlueRay player
-Larger storage capacities
-Interface kinda sucks (like iTunes 7)

I am hopeful.

[chequepoint]

I'm still taking the long bet on "One More Thing" being AC / DC. They're off swinging big deals, and gearing up interest for one more / possibly their last tour.

Don't forget, Back in Black has sold more copies than any Beatles record. Them getting rights to the #5 top selling album of all time is a big deal.

[brsboarder]

will the ipod touch be available immediately starting tomorrow if I go to an apple store?

[Beric]

will the ipod touch be available immediately starting tomorrow if I go to an apple store?

We don't know. It could be available immediately tomorrow, or it could be another couple of weeks.

[docwisdom]

I just want the macbook update as well as a mac mini update. I could give a crap about the ipod touch and ipod nano. They are far to small of capacity for me (i have 300+ gb of music).

Come on apple, macbook + macbook pro + mac mini updates. and appletv if you can

Amen!
I have been limping along with my macbook for so long! I was really hoping to replace it this month :( Not to mention I took a sledge hammer to my home pc last week. Please mini please.
Don't they update these stupid little teeny-bopper devices enough in a year? Yeah I use the ipod on my iphone, but I need business level devices!
& dont get me started on Leopard Server, erg!

[AidenShaw]

It's been a long time coming, and with "one more thing" tomorrow, I'd expect Steve to announce that the Beatles catalogue is finally coming to iTunes....

That would certainly keep anyone from complaining that Microsoft is using a "has-been" 90's comedian in their new ad campaign - Apple using a 60's "has-been" musical group would undercut that argument!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/The_Fabs.JPG/220px-The_Fabs.JPG

[dwardin9]

I hope they release ipods, ipod touch updates, itunes 8, and macbooks. I have been waiting for updates to the macbook line up for almost a year. Wow I have WAY too high of hopes for tomorrow.

It will start with the usual data and congratulations to us. We own all. Followed by ipods history and BAM updates. One more thing...the NEW aluminum MACBOOK, BAM!

Let's Rock event, you had me at "Hey John Mayer here..." :D

[pmoeser]

I agree, there are about 4 features lacking that are preventing me from buying one right now.

-TV recording (DVR or otherwise)
-BlueRay player
-Larger storage capacities
-Interface kinda sucks (like iTunes 7)

I am hopeful.

Another device where people want (fairly obvious) features

Again, think how Apple think. Why would they include an optical drive that lets you give the local BlockBuster money to rent/buy a movie.... (iTunes 8)

Why include a PVR to record Free-to-air when you can buy TV shows.... (iTunes 8)

Larger storage makes sense, but if you have the whole Apple experience, you have AppleTV synching with iTunes on your mac (with a large firewire disc) through an Airport Extreme/Time Machine (which contains a large disc or USB attatched disc)

[puckhead193]

MacBooks Will Have to Wait

It should be painfully obvious by now to those waiting for new MacBook and MacBook Pro updates that we are unlikely to see any Mac news at tomorrow's event. AppleInsider had first suggested (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/08/27/ipods_macbooks_imacs_up_next_on_apples_2008_roadmap.html) that Apple may stagger these announcements over the next couple of months.

And since that time we've similarly heard that resellers have been essentially told that Apple notebook updates are unlikely before October.



Boooooooo me want a new laptop

[olternaut]

One more thing... just one more thing... please.
Go the tablet!:cool:

I say no. I believe they will want to save the iTablet (or whatever it is) to wow the crowds at Macworld. Who else doesn't believe that?

[mmoosa]

you guys are forgetting a 'major' feature that could be on itunes 8. Have you not thought that wireless syncing will be the big hoohaa on the itunes side of things?

[zap2]

Please mini please....... but I need business level devices!
!

Yea, nothing more business based then the Mac Mini ;)

[Lesser Evets]

Oh, one more thing....

...have a good day.

[hob]

you guys are forgetting a 'major' feature that could be on itunes 8. Have you not thought that wireless syncing will be the big hoohaa on the itunes side of things?

So long as the iPhone 2.1 software supports wireless charging as well ;)

[queshy]

A little under 15 hours, folks. I wish I didn't have any commitments tomorrow...hopefully my trust iPhone will keep me up to speed.

[mmoosa]

So long as the iPhone 2.1 software supports wireless charging as well ;)

you could be charging your iphone on your bedside while it syncs with itunes if new podcasts are released and updates your play count without ever connecting it to the computer. That would be awesome.

[akm3]

One more thing... Apple's new CEO - Jonathan Ive

Well...THAT is an interesting interpretation of the 'product transition', but it won't affect margins.

[clarksonknight]

Amen!
I have been limping along with my macbook for so long! I was really hoping to replace it this month :(

Limping along with your Macbook? I'm limping along with my iBook G4 - yes, I've had this sucker for over 3 years which is an extremely loooong cycle for me! Haven't broken down and gotten an Intel Mac yet, although I've been extremely close a couple of times I keep holding out for the next revision and I'll probably move up to the MBP this time. The fact that I'm now using a lot of PC-only apps in my grad school computer engineering curriculum has been forcing me to do most of my homework after-hours at work so I'll be excited when the next revisions roll around in the near future.

I've held out this long, what's another month...

[theBB]

Well...THAT is an interesting interpretation of the 'product transition', but it won't affect margins.
Hi Hi... :) Actually it might. SJ's annual salary is supposedly $1, the new CEO might ask for more money.

[rstansby]

* iPod Classic 2G: full screen, but with old GUI except for click wheel touch that shows up when touching the screen.. so this make this a blend of the old with the new touch technologies. Explain part of the product transision at reduced cost.. 80g. 120g.

If they decrease the maximum capacity of the iPod Classic, I will eat my shirt.

Currently the largest iPod Classic is 160GB.

[olternaut]

you guys are forgetting a 'major' feature that could be on itunes 8. Have you not thought that wireless syncing will be the big hoohaa on the itunes side of things?

Yup. And if they can do that then WHY THE HELL NOT STEREO BLUETOOTH!!!! GRRRRRRRR :mad::mad::D

[ZombiePete]

I would be excited if the "one more thing" was about actually fixing the bugs in 2.x. I still get slow keyboard all the time in emails/text messages. It is the most irritating bug. If 2.1 is released and some of these bugs aren't fixed, I'm gonna be disappointed no matter what else it has.

[akira2501]

A touch with more memory and possibly gps. more memory would be awesome 64 gig

[Manderby]

WHY THE HELL NOT STEREO BLUETOOTH!!!! GRRRRRRRR

You don't need bluetooth after what we will hear in this special event. Because the big thing steve is hiding so secretly is: They integrated ultra-waves, working without wires, creating a holographic surround-sound right around your ears where nobody else can hear the sound but you. No more earplugs, no more cables.

[SaintIsidorus]

There definitely will be a new Ipod Touch tomorrow. A Mac store here in Victoria BC (I'm a Dutch guy on holiday in Canada and can't wait to buy a Touch here in Dollar Heaven :) ) had a discount of 15% on all Ipods only today......

[mrblack927]

its very hard for me to get my poitn across clearly without sounding like just a rumor starter. i know a developer for apple and he has informed me that those upgrades and updates will be coming out.
i know everyone's skeptic here, adn you should be. i would be too. so its up to you to have enough faith in the good of humanity to beleive it, but now just sounding like a phony... any questions?

questions? just one... why would you torment me like this???

[akm3]

Oh, one more thing....

...have a good day.

haha. I know that's a joke but can you imaging what that would do to AAPL? It would be brutal.

[oldwatery]

Oh, goody goody... more overpriced cheap iCrap for the iMasses and iContent Rippers.

Anyone know of a good company that makes desktop computer workstations for audio and video content creators? Kind of like Apple used to be?

:apple:

LOL! :(

[olternaut]

You don't need bluetooth after what we will hear in this special event. Because the big thing steve is hiding so secretly is: They integrated ultra-waves, working without wires, creating a holographic surround-sound right around your ears where nobody else can hear the sound but you. No more earplugs, no more cables.

I know your kidding but.....thats a dang good idea! :eek:

[marieeg]

all of you saying you want new macbooks...uhm I doubt it. Its too soon for that.

They just updated them with the multitouch.

Its all music related-iphone, ipod, itunes. I am sure there will be no things bigger than that. If there is then I am sol, cause I just bought a new mbp....and that would suck arse!

[wbeasley]

OK, so there are some people in the baby boomers group (and don't get too on my case since I'm on the tail end of that group) who want the Beatles on iTunes but does this really mean much to everyone after that group?

How many 15 year olds are "hanging out" for The Beatles?

If I really wanted one of their albums, you can pick up a CD and rip yourself. Real Beatles fans probably already own the vinyl and CDs already. It's not that hard to feed CDs into you computer when they look up the titles etc or you.

I'm hoping the big event is more about some real tech... :)

[cobaltchroma]

all of you saying you want new macbooks...uhm I doubt it. Its too soon for that.

They just updated them with the multitouch.

Its all music related-iphone, ipod, itunes. I am sure there will be no things bigger than that. If there is then I am sol, cause I just bought a new mbp....and that would suck arse!

yeah no.
the macbook doesnt even have multi touch,
just the air and the pro.
and they were updated with that ages ago.

[twoodcc]

i would love to see that Mac Tablet. hopefully tomorrow! can't wait!

[megfilmworks]

That would certainly keep anyone from complaining that Microsoft is using a "has-been" 90's comedian in their new ad campaign - Apple using a 60's "has-been" musical group would undercut that argument!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/The_Fabs.JPG/220px-The_Fabs.JPGWith two Beatles dead and the remaining two no longer in the Beatles, the term has been is incorrect.
Legendary band would be a better definition.

[olternaut]

You and me both. I think it's WAY beyond time for Apple to break into two completely separate companies... one that makes computers (and actually updates them in a timely fashion and keeps them and their software cutting edge) and one that makes iCrap for the kiddies.

It's actually quite bad business to let the mass selling iCrap subsidize the computer side of it. If the computer side had to rely on its own innovation and own market success, we'd be getting a lot better product.

:apple:

omg where do I begin? :rolleyes: I don't have all night and all day to tear this guy apart so I will let the great whites you just unleashed do it for me. I will say this though.........

icrap you say? For the kiddies? By kiddies you do realize your referring to the majority of the PLANET........right?
*sigh* Kiddies huh? I tell ya what....I'm tired of the "kiddies" who are crying because they can't be disciplined like apple and wait for the appropriate time and event for the macbooks to be be focused on. Steve does not make a move because some kids cry like their diapers got messed up now does he? He is absolutely driven to make the right choices, at the right time, at the right place for the good of his company, customers, and the tech world as a whole.
So cry all you want. With all his flaws I say let the man do his thing!

[SchneiderMan]

Damn, how long would i have to wait for these new mbp's ):

[olternaut]

The new macbooks will come out, you will all be pleasantly suprised. Nobody has really touched on this, but let me just trow it out there, there could be a new service offered by apple tomarrow. :)

Don't you mean AT&T? ;)

[Bubba Satori]

Oh, goody goody... more overpriced cheap iCrap for the iMasses and iContent Rippers.

Anyone know of a good company that makes desktop computer workstations for audio and video content creators? Kind of like Apple used to be?

:apple:

Boxx

[olternaut]

Damn, how long would i have to wait for these new mbp's ):

Is this the only tech blog you read? Google the research dude and start reading! But since your lazy, the general consensus is that Apple will have to debut the new macbooks by October at the latest. They can't afford to wait till the next macworld. They also can't just make a quick and quiet announcement either because most likely it won't be simply a spec bump. Redesigned macbooks need their own event.

If I was Steve I would have given the OK for a combined ipod/macbook event. But thats me.

[gusapple]

With two Beatles dead and the remaining two no longer in the Beatles, the term has been is incorrect.
Legendary band would be a better definition.

Definitely agreed. Apple and the Beatles should go together like spaghetti and meatballs, both have legendary histories in their respective markets.

[kobefan234]

Nope.

can we watch it after its over?

[JTRMulch]

So are we thinking that Apple will REALLY release an iPod Touch with 64GB or just a cosmetically updated/upgraded 32GB?

If they do, I hope it is reasonably priced (Apple, do that? HA!). They are saying "big" things are coming from this event - this would be HUGE for the Touch.

Any thoughts?

[olternaut]

Definitely agreed. Apple and the Beatles should go together like spaghetti and meatballs, both have legendary histories in their respective markets.

Mmmmmmm......spaghetti and meatballs!!!! :p Is it ok to have spaghetti and meatballs for breakfast? :confused:

[bj3949]

So are we thinking that Apple will REALLY release an iPod Touch with 64GB or just a cosmetically updated/upgraded 32GB?

If they do, I hope it is reasonably priced (Apple, do that? HA!). They are saying "big" things are coming from this event - this would be HUGE for the Touch.

Any thoughts?

I think the Touch will go to 64GB because iPhone 3G will definitely be bumped to 32GB by the end of the year. But here's the cool thing -- the 64GB iPod Touch won't even be the "big deal".

I really think it's the Beatles.

This is what I believe we will see:

New Nano
Refresh of all iPods (including a 240+gb iPod Classic)
iTunes 8
iPhone/iPod Touch 2.1 (Copy/Paste, Video Recording, MMS)
Either the iPod Nano Touch or The Touch Tablet
Beatles

Who agrees with me that I could be right here??

[olternaut]

can we watch it after its over?

Yes!
There is a link on the front page of this thread or should I say first post of this thread. The link is for a spoiler free launch into the recorded keynote streamed from Apple.
This is exactly what I will be using tomorrow night. :cool:

[olternaut]

I think the Touch will go to 64GB because iPhone 3G will definitely be bumped to 32GB by the end of the year. But here's the cool thing -- the 64GB iPod Touch won't even be the "big deal".

I really think it's the Beatles.

This is what I believe we will see:

New Nano
Refresh of all iPods (including a 240+gb iPod Classic)
iTunes 8
iPhone/iPod Touch 2.1 (Copy/Paste, Video Recording, MMS)
Either the iPod Nano Touch or The Touch Tablet
Beatles

Who agrees with me that I could be right here??

Hey, who doesn't like the beatles? But if this turns out to be the "big deal" Apple PR was talking about then I'm going to probably throw up a little. :(

[gusapple]

I think the Touch will go to 64GB because iPhone 3G will definitely be bumped to 32GB by the end of the year. But here's the cool thing -- the 64GB iPod Touch won't even be the "big deal".

I really think it's the Beatles.

This is what I believe we will see:

New Nano
Refresh of all iPods (including a 240+gb iPod Classic)
iTunes 8
iPhone/iPod Touch 2.1 (Copy/Paste, Video Recording, MMS)
Either the iPod Nano Touch or The Touch Tablet
Beatles

Who agrees with me that I could be right here??

Beatles were so last year. I think the most we can hope for is a refresh of iPods iTunes 8, and iPhone stuff with the slight possibility of a "One more thing..."

[bj3949]

Hey, who doesn't like the beatles? But if this turns out to be the "big deal" Apple PR was talking about then I'm going to probably throw up a little. :(

Ha.

I really think The Beatles WILL be the "one more thing".
Either the Nano touch or the Touch Tablet will be th eye opener.

The Beatles on iTunes is a big deal just because of the lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng wait.

We will also see a Beatles Apple commercial. Watch.

[toujames]

One more thing... Apple's new CEO - Jonathan Ive

I really think there will be a new CEO, hope not because member health? Media? Big Deal? Cmon we have to think what's possible no the impossible:)

But I do wish for new MacBooks, never had a mac excluding
iPhone , iPod touch. Want it to be the first.


CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMMOROW!!!!!!!!!

[bj3949]

Beatles were so last year. I think the most we can hope for is a refresh of iPods iTunes 8, and iPhone stuff with the slight possibility of a "One more thing..."

Beatles were so last year??
What a comment :)
Getting the Beatles on iTunes will never get dated.
Seriously.

[bj3949]

if "BIG DEAL" doesn't = NEW PRODUCT, we will all be let down

(and Beatles on iTunes does not count as a new Apple product)

[gusapple]

I really think there will be a new CEO, hope not because member health? Media? Big Deal? Cmon we have to think what's possible no the impossible:)

But I do wish for new MacBooks, never had a mac excluding
iPhone , iPod touch. Want it to be the first.


CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMMOROW!!!!!!!!!

It actually seems very plausible. Although Jonathan Ive is not a businessman, he doesn't have that charisma.
Beatles were so last year??
What a comment :)
Getting the Beatles on iTunes will never get dated.
Seriously.

I am just saying that it is an ongoing complaint to get them on there.

[lu0s3r322]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2572264559_c9926f97b5.jpg

edit: nvm found out it was a mockup

[Aranince]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2572264559_c9926f97b5.jpg

Ohh...nice!

[bj3949]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2572264559_c9926f97b5.jpg

Uh, what is that? :D

MORE MORE MORE!!!!!!!!!

[lu0s3r322]

found it on flickr

[Beric]

If the Beatles are the "one more thing" I will be disappointed.

Nothing wrong with them being on iTunes, but I would like an actual new product or product update.

[serpico]

There better be more than this tomorrow because all these rumors suck. I can't get excited because it appears Apple has run out of ideas with the ipod. Price cuts would be the most important thing Apple does tomorrow.

The Zune news that came out today seemed more interesting with features that many ipod users have been waiting for but won't admit it because it's not from Apple.

[paja]

If I was a member of the press I wouldn't bother showing up. For what? A boring 30 minute demo of iTunes 8 demonstrating a couple new bloated features. You must be kidding Apple.:mad:

I'm thoroughly pissed and bored with this company.:mad:

Just fix my crappy iPhone 3G so it works like it's supposed to. Release a bug fixing 2.1 Firmware tomorrow!:mad:

I was looking forward to a new MacBook Pro, but you're too late now Apple. I just spent my money on a new 52" LCD TV. :mad:

[olternaut]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2572264559_c9926f97b5.jpg

Great. :rolleyes:

Enough with the leaks keynote. I would like to be surprised by at least SOMETHING at tomorrow's keynote. :rolleyes:

[andrewjnyc]

OK, so there are some people in the baby boomers group (and don't get too on my case since I'm on the tail end of that group) who want the Beatles on iTunes but does this really mean much to everyone after that group?

If I really wanted one of their albums, you can pick up a CD and rip yourself. Real Beatles fans probably already own the vinyl and CDs already. It's not that hard to feed CDs into you computer when they look up the titles etc or you.



I've been saying this for years and I agree completely. I already *have* the Beatles on iTunes, ripped from the CDs I own, at a higher bit rate than Apple will probably sell their songs at. It really seems to me that everyone who wants Apple to sell the Beatles catalog on iTunes are a bunch of folks who are eager, for some mysterious reason, to buy stuff they already own.

[Eidorian]

Great. :rolleyes:

Enough with the leaks keynote. I would like to be surprised by at least SOMETHING at tomorrow's keynote. :rolleyes:Wow major downer there. Sad but true. :(

[Beric]

Great. :rolleyes:

Enough with the leaks. I would like to be surprised by at least SOMETHING at tomorrow's keynote. :rolleyes:

Then why are you here? :p

But yeah, this keynote's content seems to be almost completely known. I'll wager Apple has one other product (or product update) they've managed to keep under wraps, but otherwise, we kinda know what's going on here.

[olternaut]

I've been saying this for years and I agree completely. I already *have* the Beatles on iTunes, ripped from the CDs I own, at a higher bit rate than Apple will probably sell their songs at. It really seems to me that everyone who wants Apple to sell the Beatles catalog on iTunes are a bunch of folks who are eager, for some mysterious reason, to buy stuff they already own.

LOL! Exactly! All the smart beatle fans who saw what was going down with the original napster must have downloaded every song every beatle has ever sung. Its really a formality now to get it on itunes. But I guess it would be really for computer illiterate people.
Whatever. I like the beatles and all but this doesn't effect me.

[bj3949]

I've been saying this for years and I agree completely. I already *have* the Beatles on iTunes, ripped from the CDs I own, at a higher bit rate than Apple will probably sell their songs at. It really seems to me that everyone who wants Apple to sell the Beatles catalog on iTunes are a bunch of folks who are eager, for some mysterious reason, to buy stuff they already own.

You know what man? You're totally right.
However, you know Apple will release some cool unreleased stuff and more.
Beatles iPod?

[olternaut]

Then why are you here? :p

But yeah, this keynote's content seems to be almost completely known. I'll wager Apple has one other product (or product update) they've managed to keep under wraps, but otherwise, we kinda know what's going on here.

For the written word not leaked pics. For the pure fun of speculation and analysis. And ya, I think there are a good few things Apple was able to keep under wraps.
And for the future, I hope that Apple's hire ex-cia types to start up an internal counter-espionage unit to take down all those sources of leaks. And while they are at it take down that kevin rose guy too. He is getting to be too smug with himself.

[Ivan P]

To the peoplesaying that The Beatles are a "has been" band...what the hell? I'm 17 now and I got into The Beatles when I was NINE. It's very likely that music will not have evolved how it has without their input (or at least it wouldn't have evolved as quickly). And in all seriousness, explain why, if music that old will go 'unnoticed', why have I seen Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' as the #1 album in the iTunes Store? Why have I seen various John Lennon songs in the top ten iTunes tracks? Why was the 'Imagine' film clip, for a period of time late last year, the #1 music video in the iTMS? There is still interest in these artists, no matter how long ago they were around. The Beatles will still sell well on iTunes regardless of the 'hardcore' fans.

[serpico]

If I was a member of the press I wouldn't bother showing up. For what? A boring 30 minute demo of iTunes 8 demonstrating a couple new bloated features. You must be kidding Apple.:mad:

I'm thoroughly pissed and bored with this company.:mad:

Just fix my crappy iPhone 3G so it works like it's supposed to. Release a bug fixing 2.1 Firmware tomorrow!:mad:

I was looking forward to a new MacBook Pro, but you're too late now Apple. I just spent my money on a new 52" LCD TV. :mad:

I'm right there with you. Something is stale and starting to smell over there especially with ipods.

[Beric]

To the peoplesaying that The Beatles are a "has been" band...what the hell? I'm 17 now and I got into The Beatles when I was NINE. It's very likely that music will not have evolved how it has without their input (or at least it wouldn't have evolved as quickly). And in all seriousness, explain why, if music that old will go 'unnoticed', why have I seen Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' as the #1 album in the iTunes Store? Why have I seen various John Lennon songs in the top ten iTunes tracks? Why was the 'Imagine' film clip, for a period of time late last year, the #1 music video in the iTMS? There is still interest in these artists, no matter how long ago they were around. The Beatles will still sell well on iTunes regardless of the 'hardcore' fans.

For me, The Beatles are too modern. I'm a Baroque and Classical type. ;)

[gusapple]

There better be more than this tomorrow because all these rumors suck. I can't get excited because it appears Apple has run out of ideas with the ipod. Price cuts would be the most important thing Apple does tomorrow.

The Zune news that came out today seemed more interesting with features that many ipod users have been waiting for but won't admit it because it's not from Apple.

Oh yes, I am enjoying all of my favorite Canadian songwriters with the new *exclusive* Microsoft Music Store: This Time, We've Left Out the US, UK, and and Any Other Country... Besides Canada... But You Can Still Listen To Avril Lavigne™. THat is apparently the newest feature, according to this ad:

PS: I love Canada and there are great songwriters there.

[mrbeebooy]

I am surprised I have not heard this rumour yet in the rumour world. I would think it is quiet obvious that Apple will be announcing that the entire iTunes catalogue will be going DRM free. Or maybe I will just be proven wrong but that is my prediction, other than new iPods of course.

[bj3949]

Anyone think we'll see 10.5.5 Leopard update?

[Peace]

Then why are you here? :p

But yeah, this keynote's content seems to be almost completely known. I'll wager Apple has one other product (or product update) they've managed to keep under wraps, but otherwise, we kinda know what's going on here.

The funny thing is for the really,really,really big new revolutionary products that have come out they are almost always held as a closely guarded secret until it they come out.


just sayin mind you

[Beric]

The funny thing is for the really,really,really big new revolutionary products that have come out they are almost always held as a closely guarded secret until it they come out.


just sayin mind you

Yeah, and that's actually how I think it will be. All of the updates we know about will happen, and there will also be some revolutionary product as well that has been kept under wraps.

[akm3]

Why is everyone speculating on GPS for the iPod touch? It makes no sense?

Unless you store every map of every location on your touch (goodbye over 16 gigs), or you have to buy maps for your location and pay to update it (goodbye, ~3-5gigs), without internet access to interpret what the GPS is telling you and download the google maps, the GPS itself becomes useless?

Unless it also has a 3G data plan to go with it, it makes no sense. And adding 3G and GPS to the iPod makes no sense. There isn't a market for it that wouldn't just get the iPhone instead.

[Mr. Giver '94]

Oh, one more thing....

...have a good day.

LOL!!! That almost made me spit out my coffee.:D:D

At least in his declining health he's still polite. :)

[Mr. Giver '94]

Why is everyone speculating on GPS for the iPod touch? It makes no sense?

Unless you store every map of every location on your touch (goodbye over 16 gigs), or you have to buy maps for your location and pay to update it (goodbye, ~3-5gigs), without internet access to interpret what the GPS is telling you and download the google maps, the GPS itself becomes useless?

Unless it also has a 3G data plan to go with it, it makes no sense. And adding 3G and GPS to the iPod makes no sense. There isn't a market for it that wouldn't just get the iPhone instead.

+1 Unless you have an airport express rigged up in your car it's really not that practical.

[Beric]

Why is everyone speculating on GPS for the iPod touch? It makes no sense?

Unless you store every map of every location on your touch (goodbye over 16 gigs), or you have to buy maps for your location and pay to update it (goodbye, ~3-5gigs), without internet access to interpret what the GPS is telling you and download the google maps, the GPS itself becomes useless?

Unless it also has a 3G data plan to go with it, it makes no sense. And adding 3G and GPS to the iPod makes no sense. There isn't a market for it that wouldn't just get the iPhone instead.

First off, GPS preloaded maps have been speculated to take less than 1GB of data. I know they take a whole lot less than that on your typical Garmin handheld GPS. And does Apple even have to go with Google for GPS on the Touch?

And I guess that also takes care of the issue of a 3G data connection, which hardly any potential Touch customers want.

[hierobryan]

One more thing... just one more thing... please.
Go the tablet!:cool:

Ditto. If they release something like the Archos 5G, I'll be a happy bumble bee!

[z-man]

I'm totally guessing...

But..could "Let's Rock" mean Apple might be shifting gears more into the music world itself?

All the tools to create and distribute music are in place. The record companies allow non-DRM offerings on other sites, but not on iTunes (except EMI, and independents). Would it make sense to bring out something like "Apple Records" to create leverage? Would it make sense to allow bands to record their music and distribute it (and make money through iTunes sales directly) without going through a traditional label? Sign up for Apple Records, and we'll distribute your music? Maybe beyond just a free podcast?

Is something like that possible at all?

I wonder about the "confidential" parts of the last lawsuit with Apple Corp in '07... "Let's rock" just seems like...."let's make some music".

Anyways -- just some "wild speculation" to perhaps think about.... feel free to shred the idea apart...I'm not super-attached to the idea.....and that's the fun of speculation!

[MattInOz]

Hey ages and ages ago there was a suggestion that Apple had a music browser based on the early ad with all the album covers.

That would be a cool interface to the Genius Feature
The streets might be the collected works of bands you play most or have a lot of music for, then towers of complimentary music grow out of the streets.

[ikid007]

I don't see why apple would make the nano tall again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad::mad:

[thelairster]

My predictions for tomorrows event:



Steve Jobs enters to "Helter Skelter" by the beatles
He is now over seven feet tall, tan, and weighs over 300 pounds
Calls everyone a bunch of frigtards for doubting him, says he was just purging excess fluid to get down to fight weight last time
Joe Nocera is brought out on stage, steve says "I'm flying you outta here knuckles airlines, (thwack) FIST CLASS!". Crowd Roars as Nocera's limp body is pummelled through a 30 inch cinema display
Steve then pulls out an old nano and bites it in half, calls it obsolete, tells everyone to look under their chairs for the new nano, Oprah sues
Steve reveals the new macbooks, "The fastest mac notebooks ever, ever" before telling everyone they can't have them until he says, which is a while.
One more thing... Steve announces he is immortal and he has cured car sickness.
Steve beats up john mayer, crowd applauds

[dontwalkhand]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2572264559_c9926f97b5.jpg

edit: nvm found out it was a mockup

Command+Shift+4 is your friend

[MattInOz]

^ i swear in my last office where i was "it guy" that was the answer to at least a 1/4 of all questions.
Mostly the same "I do understand these mac's" guy.

"let's rock" en' roll.

Apple is going to give iTunes cards to anybody who enrolls to vote for the first time.

I don't see why apple would make the nano tall again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad::mad:

It's not a tall nano, it's the new classic.

[ezekielrage_99]

And one more thing.... Introducing iRock, it comes in 3 brilliant flavors, sandstone, granite and slate. Sit it on your desk, drop it on your cat, it's better than bad it's good, it's the iRock (wont be available till OCT 2008).


Pure speculation? I think not, I know exactly what Apple is planning with "Let's Rock" :cool:

[timster]

My predictions for tomorrows event:


Steve Jobs enters to "Helter Skelter" by the beatles
He is now over seven feet tall, tan, and weighs over 300 pounds
Calls everyone a bunch of frigtards for doubting him, says he was just purging excess fluid to get down to fight weight last time
Joe Nocera is brought out on stage, steve says "I'm flying you outta here knuckles airlines, (thwack) FIST CLASS!". Crowd Roars as Nocera's limp body is pummelled through a 30 inch cinema display
Steve then pulls out an old nano and bites it in half, calls it obsolete, tells everyone to look under their chairs for the new nano, Oprah sues
Steve reveals the new macbooks, "The fastest mac notebooks ever, ever" before telling everyone they can't have them until he says, which is a while.
One more thing... Steve announces he is immortal and he has cured car sickness.
Steve beats up john mayer, crowd applauds


One other thing...

"I AM Chuck Norris."

[kjs862]

Let's hope a new firmware for the iphone 3g comes out that fixes a lot of the problems people are having.

[FightTheFuture]

I am surprised I have not heard this rumour yet in the rumour world. I would think it is quiet obvious that Apple will be announcing that the entire iTunes catalogue will be going DRM free. Or maybe I will just be proven wrong but that is my prediction, other than new iPods of course.yeah! could this be possible? how long is apple contracted to continue fairplay with the record companies? it has been over 5 years for most of them now right?

One more thing... Apple's new CEO - Jonathan Iveas much as every apple fan would love for this to happen, i doubt the board would allow a secretive introvert to release new products at every keynote :p

[jamesmay]

I know at this event we aren't expecting the new laptops to come but it will be very soon. Talking to the business manager at my local PCworld, he told me they have new display racking coming in for the new models and reiterated a fact i told him a couple of weeks ago. Alu cases, but he added the spec of what they are being sent is not much change on the present models. He also added that the would have them 'very soon' after the announcement instead of the usual 2-3 week wait for new machines.

[El Magnificante]

Perhaps reception might be one of the new products released for the iPhone :apple:

[Ironduke]

Steve says one more thing then starts singing

"what what in the butt"

[MacGohil]

Ditto. If they release something like the Archos 5G, I'll be a happy bumble bee!

What makes you think Apple is going to cannibalize the sales of new iPod Touch by introducing another device with almost identical form factor/functionality?

They are not gonna do another Apple-III here!

[Aranince]

Kind of sad that we know everything before Apple officially announces it. I guess this is what happens when your market share grows.

[jchandler3]

I really don't see why we couldn't see laptops... I know everywhere says it's unlikely, and that "we'll have to wait," but apple is crapping themselves over this event and it really doesn't seem that significant to me. Seems like there needs to be more than a few ipod updates and itunes.

i dont know, maybe i just don't care enough about the other stuff...

[pmoeser]

I don't see why apple would make the nano tall again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad::mad:

NanoPhone...

[theknightshift]

There's only one thing that could possibly make me interested in whatever Apple is trying to sell with their event today:

iPod with user-replaceable batteries.

That line about "it would ruin the aesthetic" doesn't hold water. I can think of two or three ways that an iPod classic and even an iPod touch could be designed to swap batteries out on the fly by the user, *without* sacrificing its lean and trim look.

And Apple would make a handsome profit from people would would be VERY glad to be able to have a spare iPod battery in their pocket or purse or backpack.

Besides, flash memory that's just as buff in capacity as hard drives is still a ways off (maybe not even next year). If Apple wants to keep innovating the iPod line, then user-replaceable batteries is the only real way to go in the near future.

[jchandler3]

Steve says one more thing then starts singing

"what what in the butt"

hahaha

he won't bite.... TOO hard

[Discostu7]

here's my guess.

It won't be a tablet laptop, new mini, apple tv, etc. It's going to deal with the iPhone. Apple will (Im guessing) announce that they are partnering with more cell phone companies that will allow them (verizon, sprint, etc.) to sell iPhones and use their services.

[wizard]

I'd like to see a 3G ipod touch. I don't need the phone, but would love to have mobile internet access anywhere. The WiFi is ok at home, in hotels, airports, and your local Starbucks, but it pretty much sucks everywhere else.

I'd gladly pay $20 per month for this service to an iPod. I'm not sure why its not considered. Surely people don't buy an iPhone simply for the internet access.

I don't see anyway that AT&T could offer 3G data for less than $30 a month. Especially considering that they know Apple users use considerable bandwidth. Of course other vendors could offer whatever to compete against AT&T.

The problem as I see it is this, the AT&T contract isn't that bad if you accept the charges they make for data. That right now is only $10 over what you are willing to pay. The thing is the data /net appliance and phone being on one device is extremely useful.

Personally I'm a bit shocked as to how much I make use of the data features. The iPhone is the first place I turn to for E-Mail now. The web is bareable for some sights. The other software that makes use of the net is OK too. Notice I said OK as there are numerous bugs to be dealt with. The fact that I put up with those bugs and stability issues for just about all my E-Mail says something. Part of what that says is that being able to address things as they pop up is very useful, there is no wait until I'm at my MBP or some other PC. So in a nut shell yes 3G is the nuts but you might as well go iPhone if you want it.

Dave

[fiftydollarshoe]

First off, GPS preloaded maps have been speculated to take less than 1GB of data. I know they take a whole lot less than that on your typical Garmin handheld GPS. And does Apple even have to go with Google for GPS on the Touch?

And I guess that also takes care of the issue of a 3G data connection, which hardly any potential Touch customers want.

I'm with you. I have a Garmin 705 for my bicycle and on a 1GB SD card it fits full street mapping for the entirety of Europe. It also has POI and traffic updates. Now unless someone is saying the US is 16 times bigger than Europe then storage won't be an issue.

[GregA]

Any old school user can tell me if there were so many computers marked as "Don't Buy - Updates soon" all at once before??

Apple's putting everything off so they can make a huge product transition all in one go! :-)

(don't do it Apple... remember MobileMe!... stagger that transition!)

gut feeling we will be disappointed.

It's impossible for us not to be disappointed. Probably :-)
With so many possibilities Apple could do 3/4 of the rumours and still leave people disappointed. I mean take a look at the hopes of people in this thread eh?

Of course if we get exactly what we personally need, then we can be personally happy.

Has anyone heard anything about an Apple TV refresh? It seems like it should be about time (although they were updated in January).

I agree it's time. If Apple wants to define our multimedia future (and I believe they do) then they have to make a new play in this area. Not that the AppleTV isn't good, just that it's not redefining TV as we know it. And if they don't do something soon, Sony or MS might do it.

I agree, there are about 4 features lacking that are preventing me from buying one right now.

-TV recording (DVR or otherwise)
-BlueRay player
-Larger storage capacities
-Interface kinda sucks (like iTunes 7)

I am hopeful.

No possibility IMO, sorry. Look at the cost of BluRay players. Look at the cost of DVRs (High Def ones I assume!?). There's no way Apple's going to make a megaTV with all those features.

The cost of current AppleTVs has to be plummeting. It's an old chip - it never needed to be cutting edge, but the graphics card needed to be good. Could they simply go cheaper? I don't think that would be enough.

Without changing hardware they could offer a better interface, some subscription deals (subscribe to all NBC programs (FTA, USA, Scifi) for a fixed monthly fee?), play a DVD remotely from any iTunes computer, support external hard disks, sync iPods at the AppleTV, or even just add good support of divx/avi files on iTunes/AppleTV.

Hardware changes could be larger disks, 1080p support, use the iPod Touch chipset (+ HD graphics) instead of an old Intel cpu. A DVR is a longshot - and a very interesting one if they go that route.

i said before about the definite ipod upgrades aswell as itunes 8 and iphone 2.1 software for the september 9th date, but i also GARUANBTEE that new macbooks and macbook pros will be coming out.

We need a prediction guarantee scoring site! Where we can lock in our predictions and get scored for hits and misses. Scores are higher for accurate very specific predictions and over longer time-frames ("new iPods tomorrow" isn't worth much.).

[wizard]

Kind of sad that we know everything before Apple officially announces it. I guess this is what happens when your market share grows.
Not to call into question some of the rumors offered up but it is pretty obvious in my mind that we don't know at all what Apple is up to. It looks like just about the whole product line is due for updates or re configuration and the only info we is a suspect photo.

With all the pre show Apple hype I have to believe there will be surprises. It might be ITunes being built with Cocoa, new apps in Touch OS, a real BluTooth stack in the same, a video iPod, a real power amp to plug an IPod into, a Mini that can also function as a media hub. I really don't know, I do know Apple is hyping the whole thing more than usual and they seemed to have kept tight control on info.

So I think there are good odds for something pleasing as a surprise latter today.

[andybno1]

I am finding it amazing how if you visited apple.com you wouldn't have a clue that there was an ipod event today would ya........... but there you go I guess if they advertised something for it it would take the attention off of their precious iPhone lol

[Marx55]

"One More Thing...
Here's a list of some other possibilities:
- Tablet Mac - We've heard very little about the rumored Tablet Mac or Apple PDA from earlier this year. While we feel confident that these products are in Apple's labs, it's not clear when they'll see the light of day".

IF THE "REAL THING" RUMOR IS TRUE, THAT IS.

Next Apple moves will be Books and Games…
http://spidouz.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/next-apple-moves-will-be-books-and-games

[bassproguy07]

anyone else try signing up for mobile updates via macrumors?? I just did and it didn't work.

[swagi]

So I think there are good odds for something pleasing as a surprise latter today.

And I am with Shawn Wu on this one (never thought, I'd say that):

Prepare for an underwhelming event.

Face it: Keynotes and Media Events are not, what they used to be. Remember the 'off the charts'-iMac?

Apple is now all iPhone. Unfortunately I feel more and more tempted to get a Sony Vaio VGN-AR-71ZU. 2.600 € over here for a fully stacked laptop.

I just want a Macbook Pro, that can step up to this. An peh-lease don't give me that OS X is better than Vista speech now. I just want Apple to deliver hardware-wise, what others deliver.

[techpr]

still waiting for my updated MacMini.

[Bentleyo]

My predictions for tomorrows event:



Steve Jobs enters to "Helter Skelter" by the beatles
He is now over seven feet tall, tan, and weighs over 300 pounds
Calls everyone a bunch of frigtards for doubting him, says he was just purging excess fluid to get down to fight weight last time
Joe Nocera is brought out on stage, steve says "I'm flying you outta here knuckles airlines, (thwack) FIST CLASS!". Crowd Roars as Nocera's limp body is pummelled through a 30 inch cinema display
Steve then pulls out an old nano and bites it in half, calls it obsolete, tells everyone to look under their chairs for the new nano, Oprah sues
Steve reveals the new macbooks, "The fastest mac notebooks ever, ever" before telling everyone they can't have them until he says, which is a while.
One more thing... Steve announces he is immortal and he has cured car sickness.
Steve beats up john mayer, crowd applauds


Haha lol :D

[wizard]

Why is everyone speculating on GPS for the iPod touch? It makes no sense?

Actially you are making no sense at all or are grssly misinformed.



Unless you store every map of every location on your touch (goodbye over 16 gigs), or you have to buy maps for your location and pay to update it (goodbye, ~3-5gigs), without internet access to interpret what the GPS is telling you and download the google maps, the GPS itself becomes useless?

I'm not sure what to think of the above statement. I'd suggest reading up on the tech before posting again though. There are many ways to make use of GPS and none of them involve Google maps. Heck all a GPS system has to do is to provide coordinate data to be useful. Of course that implies being able to read a chart or map.

In any event the usage of flash is only of concern to the people who buy the GPS software this you need not comment on that. The data sets can vary in size depending on vendor and content but does this surprise anybody. Intact nautical maps provide signifantly different data then maps designed for hikers.

Unless it also has a 3G data plan to go with it, it makes no sense. And adding 3G and GPS to the iPod makes no sense. There isn't a market for it that wouldn't just get the iPhone instead.
Obviously you simply don't know what you are talking about!!!! The vast majority of GPS systems have niether 3G nor WiFi. Data connections only support a limited set of functionality and are simply of no use for many GPS uses.

If you don't like that consider this; GPS existed long before 3G, Edge or even wide spread WiFi usage.



Dave

[GregA]

I think it's WAY beyond time for Apple to break into two completely separate companies... one that makes computers (and actually updates them in a timely fashion and keeps them and their software cutting edge) and one that makes iCrap for the kiddies.

I get the impression that too much in Apple has to go through Steve. What they need (IMHO) is a more "distributed" method of managing Apple's products, so that areas that aren't front-and-centre in Steve's attention can still evolve properly. One way of doing that would be to sell off the computer hardware division and create a mini-Dell company called "Macintosh", but I'd prefer to see Apple become more flexible.

The other side effect of this is to allow greater growth of Apple because it's not limited to one man, and for Apple to build a system which benefits from Steve's involvement but also runs well when he can't be involved (or his attention is turned away).

you could be charging your iphone on your bedside while it syncs with itunes if new podcasts are released and updates your play count without ever connecting it to the computer. That would be awesome.

There is something to say for not worrying about connecting your iPhone directly. I'd like to go one further - give me an online account which both my computer and phone sync to.

Oh... on a different note - how about a "shared playlist" with my wife. As I listen to songs in my car, my wife's iTunes gets notified and she gets offered the same songs I've been listening to (which she skips sometimes) and when she gets ahead I get offered songs she is listening to. Not sure if I'd use it though... but interesting.

can we watch it after its over?

Apart from the link on page 1, search for "Apple Keynotes" podcast on iTunes. I'm assuming it should appear there at some time.

[kwikdeth]

i really couldnt care less about all the new products. I just want an iTunes that actually runs acceptably, is free from bloat, doesnt take upwards of a minute and a half to open... you know, all the stuff that iTunes 6 did perfectly fine and quickly.

[Clayne]

I want to watch live video of the event. Is there any place I can do that?

Someone said they'd be doing liver coverage on another thread...

http://live.slashgear.com/

AND

http://live.gizmodo.com/

[pooryou]

i really couldnt care less about all the new products. I just want an iTunes that actually runs acceptably, is free from bloat, doesnt take upwards of a minute and a half to open... you know, all the stuff that iTunes 6 did perfectly fine and quickly.

I really hope we get a more efficient iTunes but there is also a possibility we could get something even more bloated and buggy :(

[Pikemann Urge]

"MacNN claims to have verified the photo as authentic."

Just for the record one more time: not going to happen. Quote me on it.

[JG271]

Hmm... should be an exiting event!
I'll buy a 16GB nano straight away if the new design looks good!

[Jelite]

i really couldnt care less about all the new products. I just want an iTunes that actually runs acceptably, is free from bloat, doesnt take upwards of a minute and a half to open... you know, all the stuff that iTunes 6 did perfectly fine and quickly.

My Itunes 7 opens in less than 10 seconds, never had any problems with it, on PC as well. Never understood all the hate.

So when does this kick off UK time?

Edit: 1pm Eastern, so 6pm UK?

[pooryou]

^^ You must not have that big of a library and not that many smart playlists.

[iCantwait]

i so want that nano:D

[xforce11]

Sounds like a big let down day to me because of no new MacBooks. Now they are saying Oct. 6 months of waiting :(

[TFMTASAD]

The good thing is, at the end of the day all this iPod/iPhone/iTunes speculation will be over. Maybe we can all focus on Macs after this event :p! I'm in the market for a notebook and I can't wait for the new ones.

[pmoeser]

Unfortunately I feel more and more tempted to get a Sony Vaio VGN-AR-71ZU. 2.600 € over here for a fully stacked laptop.

I just want a Macbook Pro, that can step up to this. An peh-lease don't give me that OS X is better than Vista speech now. I just want Apple to deliver hardware-wise, what others deliver.

Go and get one then and stop whinging.

Apple deliver hardware that easily does what the majority of it's users want.

If you want a Vista machine, go get one. If you want a mature OS great apps and a pleasant user experience, get a MBPro

[Cepe Indicum]

So when does this kick off UK time?

Edit: 1pm Eastern, so 6pm UK?

Yep - 6pm in the UK. Embarrassingly, I went to a time zone conversion website before thinking to just add the "hours remaining" (at the top of the MacRumors home-page) to the current time. :o

[pmoeser]

I get the impression that too much in Apple has to go through Steve. What they need (IMHO) is a more "distributed" method of managing Apple's products, so that areas that aren't front-and-centre in Steve's attention can still evolve properly. One way of doing that would be to sell off the computer hardware division and create a mini-Dell company called "Macintosh", but I'd prefer to see Apple become more flexible.

The other side effect of this is to allow greater growth of Apple because it's not limited to one man, and for Apple to build a system which benefits from Steve's involvement but also runs well when he can't be involved (or his attention is turned away).
.
I love all this advice to Apple...

Growing 3 times the industry average
Far and away the market leader in portable music players
Largest on-line retailer of music
Reliable and robust OS
Essentially virus and trojan proof
$9 Billion in the bank...

Yeah, Steve appreciates your input... Thanks

I think you'll find that Steve has a huge hand in what goes on, but he has always used a team of people to produce what Apple does.

Just because he does the keynotes does not mean that Apple can't live without him.

If I was a US citizen who owned AAPL shares, I'd be suing the pants off the next Wall Street wannabe who makes speculative claims about the health of the CEO and how Apple shares will plummet without him.

Why not? US citizens sue Apple because of "failings" of the iPhone to live up to their expectations.

Ives would make a great CEO because he thinks and lives the culture of Apple that has made it successful

[nick9191]

I wouldn't be surprised if SJ is wearing a few Tshirts under his jumper and a bit of foundation.

[xbjllb]

The Beatles and Apple coming together is more of a corporate big deal than anything else, as the Beatles invented Apple Ltd. and there's been a big legal hassle between the two for decades. Apple was allowed to use the name as long as they stayed in the computer business and didn't enter the "music" business, so when the iTunes store started that's when the current big legal battles started.

There's hardly a single Apple computer and iCrap owner that wanted Beatles on their computer who doesn't already have them on it, so the Beatles are not going to be a big moneymaker for Apple. It's more of a "war is over" announcement.

But let's look at a timeline for a horrific indicator, shall we?

Beatles broke up in 1970; come to the iTunes store in 2008.

That means we can expect friggin' Blu-ray to come to the Mac"Pro" 38 years after the format dies.

Right on schedule...

:apple:

[millypede]

Oh, goody goody... more overpriced cheap iCrap for the iMasses and iContent Rippers.

Anyone know of a good company that makes desktop computer workstations for audio and video content creators? Kind of like Apple used to be?

:apple:


Here Here

I for one are getting fed up of the iPhone/iPod things, lets try and remember why this company is the company today.

[pmoeser]

That means we can expect friggin' Blu-ray to come to the Mac"Pro" 38 years after the format dies.
Right on schedule...
:apple:
OK I'll stop ranting... after this...
Apple will take ages, but will probably never put BluRay on their machines.
Apple want you to buy TimeCapsules and Macs with big hard drives to store your HD home movies so you can stream them to your AppleTV or share them (not in HD of course) using your MobileMe iDisc
TV shows he wants you to buy from iTunes, not record on a bundled PVR
Your movies he wants you to download from the iTunes store, not rent from blockbuster
Your bit torrent movies he would tolerate Handbraking into iTunes for streaming... you get the picture

[netdog]

Oh, goody goody... more overpriced cheap iCrap for the iMasses and iContent Rippers.

Anyone know of a good company that makes desktop computer workstations for audio and video content creators? Kind of like Apple used to be?

:apple:

Um yeah. Apple.

MacWorld is in January. The current Mac Pros are great, and the next gen with Nehalem will be even greater.

I love my Mac Pro and use it to process all my video, images and homespun music. That said, I love my iPhone and my iPod too.

You're just acting like a grinch and your comments make no sense. Apple's computer offerings are exactly what you described yourself as looking for.

[gazfocus]

...
Apple want you to buy TimeCapsules and Macs with big hard drives to store your HD home movies so you can stream them to your AppleTV or share them (not in HD of course) using your MobileMe iDisc...

Well they will need to put bigger hard drives in the Time Capsule :p

[GregA]

I love all this advice to Apple...

Growing 3 times the industry average
Far and away the market leader in portable music players
Largest on-line retailer of music
Reliable and robust OS
Essentially virus and trojan proof
$9 Billion in the bank...

Yes, Apple is going well :-)
(edit: not quite the point though :)

Yeah, Steve appreciates your input... Thanks

If I was giving input to Steve, it would start with "how do you currently do X?". We don't know what goes on inside.

And remember I was responding to a post that wanted Apple to be split in 2 so more attention went to computers.

I think you'll find that Steve has a huge hand in what goes on, but he has always used a team of people to produce what Apple does.

Just because he does the keynotes does not mean that Apple can't live without him.

If I was a US citizen who owned AAPL shares, I'd be suing the pants off the next Wall Street wannabe who makes speculative claims about the health of the CEO and how Apple shares will plummet without him.

I actually wonder whether instead of fear of Apple failing whenever he choses to leave Apple, they should be afraid of what would happen if Steve doesn't leave Apple.

Perhaps Apple would do best with 10 years of Steve, 5 without, then repeat. Who knows? :)

Why not? US citizens sue Apple because of "failings" of the iPhone to live up to their expectations.

I'd like to find a news site that lets me follow the results of suing, rather than every tom, dick & harry who attempt.

Ives would make a great CEO because he thinks and lives the culture of Apple that has made it successful

Possibly, possibly not. For example - I think Steve's high tempered criticism of products has a relatively positive effect. I don't know if Ive works that way.

I often think Apple doesn't know how they're doing what they do - but they are doing it well in many ways. Not knowing how is not necessarily a bad thing - in any complex system the interactions that result in brilliance are often less-than-obvious.

And not knowing can also have holes in them that could be filled.

Anyway back to the original point - I'm not advising Apple to do anything. I'm making a guess based on the things I read (which are also guesses) and writing a little something about what might work better. I do believe Steve plays a large part in where Apple's entire attention turns - and if so then it'd be useful to learn more multitasking as an organisation.

[Nero3000]

I love all this advice to Apple...

Growing 3 times the industry average
Far and away the market leader in portable music players
Largest on-line retailer of music
Reliable and robust OS
Essentially virus and trojan proof
$9 Billion in the bank...



- It easy to cite impressive numbers when you start with zero
- He was talking about computers
- Again
- Irrelevant
- False, just because its is nearly virus free, doesn't means it virus proof
- From an investor's stand point this is a bad thing.

[gnasher729]

Sorry, but it's hard to believe anything these days. Even if your "source" is correct.

If his "developer for Apple" is a developer employed by Apple, then I seriously doubt it. They won't tell you anything. Those with any work ethics wouldn't say a thing anyway, and the others would know that a court has told Apple what to do if another serious leak happens.

If his "developer for Apple" is someone writing Mac or iPhone software: These people don't know.

[juniormaj]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but I just noticed that "Complete My Album" has a LOT more albums in it than it's ever had. I've had about 6 in there recently with expiration dates and now I have 50 more with no mention of a time limit. Could be part of something.

[gnasher729]

First off, GPS preloaded maps have been speculated to take less than 1GB of data. I know they take a whole lot less than that on your typical Garmin handheld GPS.

TomTom uses about 250 MB for the UK; about 1.5 GB for complete Western Europe, about 1.5 GB for the complete USA, between 250 and 450 MB for six individual regions of the USA (some US guys should be able to comment how useful that is: Would you be happy with 1/6th of the USA or would you buy the complete set of maps for twice the money? )

[SadieLovatt]

Am I the only one here who thinks that both iTunes and Windows Media Player (sorry for swearing) miss one really simple piece of functionality that we all use in the real world (ie in organising our physical CDs)... the ability to separate Singles, Albums & Compilations from each other.

How many of you actually sort your entire CD collection in one long list, regardless of whether the CD is an album, compilation or single... as opposed to how many of you have all of your singles together (sorted by artist) then all of your albums together (sorted by artist) and all of your compilations together. How many of you really have U2, a a big block of Various artists and the Zutons, in that order on your shelves.

Ok, I know I can create playlists, use the compilation flag and set other fields in iTunes but this does diddly-squat in Front Row (well OK, the compilation flag does). it would be so much easier if we just had more key options on the left hand menu (of iTunes that is) and more key options that correlate to Front Row.

BTW: Has anyone thought that we might be seeing an update to Front Row as well?

If there is one simple piece of functionality that I would like to see tomorrow it would be ability to easily seperate these three seperate media and not some pointless new visualiser.

Sadie.

[hob]

I'm gonna put this out there... "let's rock" has nothing to do with iPods at all.

New environmentally sustainable MBP's made out of polished Granite, anyone? :D

[anthonyb]

Beatles finally on iTunes

[GregA]

I'm gonna put this out there... "let's rock" has nothing to do with iPods at all.

New environmentally sustainable MBP's made out of polished Granite, anyone? :D

Something I've been meaning to ask....

Everyone thought Macs would be released today originally, then "Let's Rock" appeared with iPod logos... and suddenly everyone said it's iPod/iTunes only.

That doesn't necessarily follow does it?
Or were there other sources of information indicating this?

[BongoBanger]

DRM free music accross all labels or it's a yawnfest.

[dstrauss]

Um yeah. Apple.

MacWorld is in January. The current Mac Pros are great, and the next gen with Nehalem will be even greater.

I love my Mac Pro and use it to process all my video, images and homespun music. That said, I love my iPhone and my iPod too.

You're just acting like a grinch and your comments make no sense. Apple's computer offerings are exactly what you described yourself as looking for.

I think your missing the heart of his "growl." Apple dragging its feet, with all the buzz about major design and component changes for the notebook design, is killing a lot of us who want to upgrade, or even enter the water for the first time. It is not only embarrassing, but pretty dumb to buy last year's (decade's) model on the verge of such major changes. Those of you already in the Apple gene pool may be happy as a clam, but there is a big pent up demand hitting the market, and this nonsense of an "earth shattering announcement" involving iPods is a bit hard to take.

[technique7]

anyone remember about one month ago when apple told resellers to stock up in ipods and laptops to last about three weeks? hhmmmm, hmmmmmmm?

[opeter]

You and me both. I think it's WAY beyond time for Apple to break into two completely separate companies... one that makes computers (and actually updates them in a timely fashion and keeps them and their software cutting edge) and one that makes iCrap for the kiddies.

It's actually quite bad business to let the mass selling iCrap subsidize the computer side of it. If the computer side had to rely on its own innovation and own market success, we'd be getting a lot better product.

:apple:

I have to fully agree! :mad:

Any old school user can tell me if there were so many computers marked as "Don't Buy - Updates soon" all at once before??

PS: And I love the "it's coming!" line... Powerbook G5, anyone?
PPS: Maybe in the next few years it will become Apple Gadgets, Inc and I'll have to start using Ubuntu? :-(

Thats sad, very-very sad.

If they would somehow split the Computer division, would there be any difference?

Or is the iPhone the future form of computers and the industry?

I mean, will this be a very powerfull workstation (a bunch of cores, terrabytes of RAM memory etc.), that you can simply dock at your home to your "monitor(s)"... constant gigabit wireless connection with your home and business network? Who knows.

[dalvin200]

9to5mac is reporting (http://www.9to5mac.com/apple_tv_three) AppleTV 3.0 tonight...


if this comes true, i'll be all over it :)

[pmoeser]

Apple Store is down in Oz

But still up in the US

Stay tuned obvioiusly

http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore

[Porchland]

Beatles finally on iTunes

I've stopped getting my hopes up. I have convinced myself about five different times -- when they settled with the Apple label, when McCartney showed up in the store, when Lennon showed up in the store, the "beat goes on" announcement, etc. -- that THIS one will be the Beatles, and it hasn't happened yet.

OK, I still have my hopes up. Maybe THIS time we'll get the Beatles.

[Porchland]

Apple Store is down in Oz

But still up in the US

Stay tuned obvioiusly

http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore


Still up on the East coast.

Haven't there been previous music announcements where things start popping up on iTunes Store before the actual announcement? The Madonna catalog comes to mind, but I'm not sure.

[PCMacUser]

Apple Store is down in Oz

But still up in the US

Stay tuned obvioiusly

http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore

Down in NZ too...

[Crager724]

I did find it interesting that when I plugged my iPhone to my mac this morning after work around 2 AM, it check for software updates and said it was up to date. It then said it would check again tomorrow, which was unusual because it usually waits a week to check again.

[pmoeser]

I did find it interesting that when I plugged my iPhone to my mac this morning after work around 2 AM, it check for software updates and said it was up to date. It then said it would check again tomorrow, which was unusual because it usually waits a week to check again.

I noticed yesterday that it said it would check again on the 9th

I don't recall what date it said previously but I don't think it was due to happen on a Tuesday. I ran the 2.0.2 update on a weekend

[HD303]

Based on what we already know, this event feels a bit underwhelming. An update to itunes, and update to the Nano, at this point, I get the feeling of It's just a few updates with a great marketing push from Apple to get everyone hyped. I hope I'm wrong but a few updates to Itunes and the ipod are nothing to get really excited about.

[Porchland]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but I just noticed that "Complete My Album" has a LOT more albums in it than it's ever had. I've had about 6 in there recently with expiration dates and now I have 50 more with no mention of a time limit. Could be part of something.

Wow, my album list was about 30-40 the last time I looked, and now it's 148. (I never understood the time limit as anything other than a subtle incentive to go ahead and make the buy. I don't see an obvious rights-related reason to limit Complete My Album to six months.)

Also, the Complete My Album option comes up if you search for an album that you had already purchased from and not just on the Complete My Album page. Did it do that before?

[ylnick413]

Steve has something "up his sleeve" for this event. They wouldn't push the media to be there unless something bigger were to happen than an iTunes update and refreshed iPod line.

[Thomas2006]

can we watch it after its over?
I am sure we will, especially with Steve encouraging the press to come and see it. It should be up within 24 hours after the event ends.

[Yvan256]

Please, monthly/yearly subscriptions to TV shows! What about a "all monthly episodes of 10 TV shows for 10$/month" or even an "all you can watch" package?

I don't see myself paying 2$ for each episode of each TV show I'd want to follow, that's insane. Especially since I only watch them once.

Say there's four episodes per month, and I follow a dozen TV shows. That's 96$ every month! Even the best cable or satellite package is way under that and includes movie channels, news, etc.

[LiveCrunch]

ill be listing all live blogging and video streaming websites, so you don't miss anything :) at http://www.livecrunch.com

Also I heard from my sources that ipod touch and iphone today will have copy paste feature which would be neet!

[Porchland]

Please, monthly/yearly subscriptions to TV shows! What about a "all monthly episodes of 10 TV shows for 10$/month" or even an "all you can watch" package?

I don't see myself paying 2$ for each episode of each TV show I'd want to follow, that's insane. Especially since I only watch them once.

Say there's four episodes per month, and I follow a dozen TV shows. That's 96$ every month! Even the best cable or satellite package is way under that and includes movie channels, news, etc.

That is the cable killer I keep hoping for.

Depending on the pricing and how Apple handled live sports, news, award shows, etc., I could seriously see dropping Comcast. My wife and I watch only 10-12 networks, we get all of our movies from Netflix or PPV, and we don't subscribe to any premium movie channels.

The only hitch I see to quitting Comcast cold turkey is the live programming, of which we watch a ton -- GMA, Olbermann, CNN, college football, etc. I don't know that cobbling together a package of basic cable and Apple TV/subscription would be all that cost-effective.

[someguy7014]

Why is everyone speculating on GPS for the iPod touch? It makes no sense?

Unless you store every map of every location on your touch (goodbye over 16 gigs), or you have to buy maps for your location and pay to update it (goodbye, ~3-5gigs), without internet access to interpret what the GPS is telling you and download the google maps, the GPS itself becomes useless?

Unless it also has a 3G data plan to go with it, it makes no sense. And adding 3G and GPS to the iPod makes no sense. There isn't a market for it that wouldn't just get the iPhone instead.

Thankgod someone with common sense.

GPS is pointless without an active data connection at all times. Even with downloadable maps, it would simply take up too much precious space.

[JAWWC]

UK Store is down!

[millypede]

All Apple Stores are down

http://images.apple.com/r/store/backsoon/title_backsoon1.gif

[xforce11]

SSD HD's for the enire line? maybe a little sooner that once thought. Intel is now in the SSD HD game.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080908-intel-tosses-hat-into-ssd-ring-with-80gb-launch.html

[Kavik]

Three tiers of color? :D

Monochrome: Silver, black
Color: Orange, etc.
Multi-color: Rainbow

Also, will there be one type of tablet or two? "Or" or "and"?

I'm pretty sure that the rainbow rumor was referring to the nanos being available in the full "rainbow" of colors--red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple and well as silver, black and white (new colors in bold).

[gauriemma]

It's been a long time coming, and with "one more thing" tomorrow, I'd expect Steve to announce that the Beatles catalogue is finally coming to iTunes...

Crikey, can we let the Beatles on iTunes thing go, already? I'm pretty sure that by now, pretty much everyone in the world who wants Beatles songs on their iPod has ripped their own CDs (or found, ahem, 'another' way to acquire them).

I don't picture great hordes of unwashed masses clamoring, begging, saying 'oh please...if only there were SOME way for me to listen to these Beatles tunes on my iPod. If only...if only...'

The time when this would have been even remotely interesting or notable news has long passed.

[Porchland]

All Apple Stores are down

http://images.apple.com/r/store/backsoon/title_backsoon1.gif

I just tried to refresh iTunes Store, and iTunes got wobbly and crashed. I was able to reopen, but iTS is moving extremely slow.

[gauriemma]

How many of you actually sort your entire CD collection in one long list, regardless of whether the CD is an album, compilation or single... as opposed to how many of you have all of your singles together (sorted by artist) then all of your albums together (sorted by artist) and all of your compilations together. How many of you really have U2, a a big block of Various artists and the Zutons, in that order on your shelves.

I actually sort by artist on my CD racks, and chronologically within each artist, even going so far as to insert singles in the appropriate place after the albums they were drawn from. Compilations are just placed alphabetically, according to the CD name.

[xnitrorider62x]

I think your missing the heart of his "growl." Apple dragging its feet, with all the buzz about major design and component changes for the notebook design, is killing a lot of us who want to upgrade, or even enter the water for the first time. It is not only embarrassing, but pretty dumb to buy last year's (decade's) model on the verge of such major changes. Those of you already in the Apple gene pool may be happy as a clam, but there is a big pent up demand hitting the market, and this nonsense of an "earth shattering announcement" involving iPods is a bit hard to take.

I have to agree with this whole heartedly. I recently got my macbook from about 2 years ago stolen from me. But being a student I need a computer pronto and no one wants to buy technology that is going to be replaced with in 6 months. So all I can say is come on apple... help a user out! Update your computers!

[emulator]

I have to agree with this whole heartedly. I recently got my macbook from about 2 years ago stolen from me. But being a student I need a computer pronto and no one wants to buy technology that is going to be replaced with in 6 months. So all I can say is come on apple... help a user out! Update your computers!
when you 'invest' into technology as a user, don't expect your investment to last long. apple should move much faster - just like intel and nvidia - and offer current tech and not the chips from last year.

[iphonesarecool]

Will there be a new Ipod classic??????????

[swagi]

Go and get one then and stop whinging.

Apple deliver hardware that easily does what the majority of it's users want.

If you want a Vista machine, go get one. If you want a mature OS great apps and a pleasant user experience, get a MBPro

So you don't want BluRay, lots of ports and 4GB stock.

O.K., your choice.

Sometimes people in Oz tend to be a little aggressive, eh?

And honestly, if the majority of Apple's users is satisfied by the current offerings, then the Mac demographic has dramatically changed since I joined it in 1999. :mad:

But yeah, I forgot, you are one of the people loving iPhoto for it's great management of the pictures folder, aren't you?

[DjAmTraX]

Store is up with new stuff.

The event sucked! I want my money back!

[PCMacUser]

Down in NZ too...

The store is still down, 12 hours later...

[xbjllb]

Um yeah. Apple.

MacWorld is in January. The current Mac Pros are great, and the next gen with Nehalem will be even greater.

I love my Mac Pro and use it to process all my video, images and homespun music. That said, I love my iPhone and my iPod too.

You're just acting like a grinch and your comments make no sense. Apple's computer offerings are exactly what you described yourself as looking for.

Uh, let me tell you how it is in the real world where MY business is. Blu-ray has been the delivery format of choice for hi-def music videos and performance videos for more than 18 months now. Ditto film editors and corporate video producers and filmakers.

Can an Apple computer author these without going into Windoze? Can an Apple computer even PLAY the friggin' things?

I know you and Steve live in happy pirate world where everything is ripped and downloaded and free, but the rest of us making a living in that world who need hard delivery find Apple's current level of performance and service to content creators DISGUSTING. Below the bottom of the barrel. And hell yes, we are mad and feel screwed over and ripped off with the promise of cutting edge hard delivery options of which we have NONE.

Where did we get those ideas in the first place? I know you've never cracked the programs open, but go to the Apple webpage and look at the promo for FCP and Logic and tell me the promises there haven't become a bunch of crap over the last eighteen months of utter neglect.

Uh, "With the new Mac Pro you can have yesterday's delivery, DVD and CD, TODAY!"

I've got news for Steve Jobs; he's not going to sell very many $5000 factory tricked out MacPros to gamers at those ridiculous prices, and if the next incarnation can't read, write, and AUTHOR VIDEO blu-ray he might as well just kill the damn line completely and leave the computer business to the grownups. I've got colleagues (myself included) who have been holding off on buying a MacPro for two YEARS. The lag behind the curve is pathetic.

If he thinks "desktop video" and audio production are going the way of "desktop publishing", he's going to find that the only damn thing left is games.

And games won't ever drive a high-end workstation market. Ne-ver.

In the meantime, thanks to the guy who gets it who clued me into Boxx.

And to those who will never get it; by all means, enjoy your iCrap and iCrapple until someone comes along who will do it cheaper and whoops... there went iCrapple down the tubes because WE left a long time ago.

:apple:

[Pikemann Urge]

You're just acting like a grinch and your comments make no sense. Apple's computer offerings are exactly what you described yourself as looking for.
Grinch? No, I'd say it shows something remarkably obvious: Apple isn't going to please everyone. The solution? RUN FOR THE HILLS!

:p