iPod Products Planned for Macworld?

[MacRumors]

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

Appleinsider reports (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1482) that Apple did indeed have plans to introduce more at Macworld San Francisco earlier this month, but pulled those products at the last minute.

According to the rumor site, Apple had iPod and music-related announcements originally scheduled for the event. The exact reason for the termination of the plans is unclear, but Apple is reportedly planning to make the announcement at an event in the near future.

Appleinsider maintains that Apple was planning an iPod Boombox which was previously reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/12/20051212210230.shtml). They expand with a description of a "sleek, single-faced speaker with a rounded grill" delivering stereo sound, complete with wireless iTunes integration.

The term "iPod Boombox" as well as "iPod Hi-Fi" were recently trademarked by Apple (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/01/20060114203053.shtml).

Meanwhile, one rumor (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/01/20060112015309.shtml) had indeed claimed that some announcements were eliminated from Macworld at the last moment. These rumors, however, implied the announcements were Mac related.

[iZoom P5]

Its about time for the 6Gs to come out;)

[Lacero]

Plasma TVs, please. :D Any product for the livingroom, at least! Oh well, nice shuffle updates would have been peachy!

[icloud]

I remember the keynote steve saying something along the lines of "this is macworld...let talk about those" to shift from ipod to mac....

I would imagine either another "one more thing..." postcard in the near future

6 months until WWDC...dont feel apple can hold a good that long a time

[aricher]

I'd gladly plunk down some cash for an Airport enabled boombox that I can also dock my 5G in. At home - Airport with remote, on the road, iPod. Love the idea. Now if they can pull off a decent full range sounding boombox or satellite speaker system then that's the ticket. Hard to believe though that Apple would cannibalize they're "partners," like Bose, etc. that they sell online and in Apple stores.

PS - Lacero, do you EVER sleep?

[jmsait19]

wireless boom box sounds great...

throw it down for less than that bose box and the altec lansing box and you have yourself a big seller

[Dr. Dastardly]

I really think they might want to hold some sort of press coverage on April 1st. It just seems like they want to save something for the 30th anniversary of Apple.

It really did seem like MWSF was missing something. Not that it wasn't great but it felt just... incomplete.

[steller]

I wonder why Apple trademarked them in Hong Kong instead of in here. If trademarked in HK, is the trademark valid in America?

[Dr. Dastardly]

Does anyone else cringe at the thought of something called "iPod boombox" or "iPod Hi-Fi"?

I just can't choke down the kool-aide with this rumor.

[doogle]

my friend has a BOSE ipod thingy and it's great - but it might be wise to wait for this boombox thingy.

[lazydesert]

Maybe Steve was serious about the 8 pound iPod with 10inch screen . . .

[powerbook911]

I agree something felt missing from MacWorld. There were great products: iLife '06, intel iMac, and MacBook Pro. However, those products were not hard to imagine. I mean, same form factors, just updated with Intel chips.

Steve normally throws something at us that is completely new and different, and we didn't have that. It makes total sense to me that something was removed from MacWorld. Hopefully we'll see it within the next couple weeks! :)

If the iPod Boombox is less than $200, I might buy it. I've been wanting an easier way to have music in my kitchen.

[EricNau]

But then why wouldn't they just hold back on the FM remote and just have an iPod "party" a few months later. It seems like all of the products together would get more publicity.

[iMeowbot]

I wonder why Apple trademarked them in Hong Kong instead of in here. If trademarked in HK, is the trademark valid in America?
Hong Kong trademark registrations are approved much more quickly than in the States or the EU. This is useful when applying in the West, because then the applications can show "see? we've already staked a claim in this mark elsewhere, so any challengers wouldn't have the name in the clear." There's a multinational treaty called the Paris Convention that allows priority to stick across national boundaries.

The priority right lasts for six months, so if you see a trademark application approved in one country that doesn't appear as an application elsewhere within that time, the name may have been abandoned.

[HiRez]

It really did seem like MWSF was missing something. Not that it wasn't great but it felt just... incomplete.I think what it was missing was anything new. The Intels Macs were expected, and while nice, are nothing incredibly new. The iMac is little changed except for faster (but only if you're running Universal apps), and the MacBook Pro is basically an existing PowerBook with a Core Duo shoved into it plus an iSight. iWeb is new and welcome, but it's not the sort of previously-unthought of thing that drops jaws all over the floor. Anyway, I like having all the iPod/music stuff covered in separate special events.

[Lacero]

There's always NAB in Las Vegas, April 22 to 27, 2006. Apple is expected to roll out FCX, so they might as well dump their iPod lines here as well. I'm thinking it's a good time to roll out a dedicated video iPod running 640x360! Woohoo! Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[p0intblank]

I would use a wireless iPod boombox. :D The one speaker and stereo-emulated sound definitely sounds like something Apple would do.

[icloud]

Jay Leno Revealed last night the iPod Video with 42" HD Display...that was nice

[Phat_Pat]

wireless iPod stereo?

what would this do? allow wireless syncing? i mean the music would obviously play off the iPod...so there would have to be some other interrogation.. probably have an FM tuner built in.

if so put me down for one

[Doctor Q]

Which parts of the keynote were stretched to fill the time that would have gone to new products?

[bluebomberman]

Just caught this off The New York Times (registration required, I think) (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/business/media/20pixar.html?ei=5094&en=69ac7889899face1&hp=&ex=1137819600&partner=homepage&pagewanted=all):

"executives in the consumer electronics industry widely believe that Mr. Jobs is now positioning the company to repeat the iPod phenomenon in two markets: Internet TV and wireless smart phones."

The article's actually about Disney buying Pixar (raising the possibility of Jobs working for Disney, or possibly AS Walt Disney reincarnated), which is worth a whole 'nother set of speculative rumors.

[Phat_Pat]

Which parts of the keynote were stretched to fill the time that would have gone to new products?
maybe they didn't have enough time... wouldnt want to rush an explination for a new product... well besides the FM tuner and the Mac mini:rolleyes:

[bluebomberman]

Which parts of the keynote were stretched to fill the time that would have gone to new products?

Perhaps nothing was stretched. The MacWorld 2005 keynote was nearly a half-hour longer than this year's keynote, I think.

[Lacero]

Which parts of the keynote were stretched to fill the time that would have gone to new products?
iLife '06! My gawd, it was so boring! Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[2nyRiggz]

It would be nice if they included all they had but it's apple and they must skin you to the very end.


Bless

[EricNau]

iLife '06! My gawd, it was so boring! Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)
Yes, it kept going and going and going...
Especially the demo of all the iMovie themes.

[nagromme]

If it's real, and it ever leaves the labs, and it has a hard disk, then I'd say it IS an iPod (in the sense of functioning alone) rather than a dock FOR an iPod.

Apple's internal organization, job postings, etc. have long hinted at non-iPod digital lifestyle devices from Apple. AirPort Express and iSight count maybe, but they don't function alone. Maybe something like the iPod that stands alone is in the works.

As for canning the introduction--I'd say time was too tight! Better to hit people with a big event later when they'll pay attention and not be thinking about the line into the bathroom.

And I don't think anything was added at the last minute to fill time: time didn't need to be filled!

[EricNau]

If Apple really did just take the iPod stuff out because of time concerns, why did they keep the Fm remote in?

[2nyRiggz]

What was really boring was when the lady representing office for mac came out and was fishing for applause. iLife'06 was boring as well.


Bless

[shawnce]

Maybe Steve was serious about the 8 pound iPod with 10inch screen . . . LOL

Wouldn't that be great :)

[NVRsayNVR]

If Apple really did just take the iPod stuff out because of time concerns, why did they keep the Fm remote in?

Probably for fill. I would not be suprised to see the iPod and other upcoming non-Mac product announcements made (as was last year) at "special" press events between MWSF and MWDC. This would make sense as the focus could shift from Mac's to other high-tech consumer goods without steping on each other. Watch the months of April and September for these event opportunities possibly on an annual basis? What do you think?

[HiRez]

What was really boring was when the lady representing office for mac came out and was fishing for applause. iLife'06 was boring as well.Roz Ho is always terrible, I have no idea why Steve continues to trot her out at every keynote. Every time she says nothing and puts everyone to sleep, and she's not a good speaker to start with. I guess it's important just to keep sending the message "MS hasn't abandoned all their Mac products yet".

[aswitcher]

Sounds like they got "Steved" :)

Well thats good news because I was hoping for a few more goodies.

[MacSA]

Interesting........... so I wonder if the rumours posted by Thinksecret were correct after all, and Apple just changed the lineup at the last minute.

[Vinnie_vw]

Roz Ho is always terrible, I have no idea why Steve continues to trot her out at every keynote. Every time she says nothing and puts everyone to sleep, and she's not a good speaker to start with. I guess it's important just to keep sending the message "MS hasn't abandoned all their Mac products yet".

Maybe he just wants Microsoft to look bad :D

[aswitcher]

Interesting........... so I wonder if the rumours posted by Thinksecret were correct after all, and Apple just changed the lineup at the last minute.


Thats my thinking. TS usually get it right and Steve is reknown for halting launches at the last moment. It fits. So I also look forard to the 13" ibook revamp...

[bigandy]

Maybe he just wants Microsoft to look bad :D

Incompetent, more than bad, i think ;)

[bigandy]

What was really boring was when the lady representing office for mac came out and was fishing for applause. iLife'06 was boring as well.


i was suprised that the iLife part went so long - it definately seemed like they were trying to fill time. Roz Ho was just about as good as normal, which was truly crap.. and she seemed to be there a bit too long. even more so than usual.

[BornAgainMac]

Check out her teeth. She drinks the same coffee as Bill Gates:
Roz Ho Teeth (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/images/features/2005/01-12RozHo_lg.jpg)

I also remember she made a comment that she should have worn all white. I suppose to contrast Steve. What was that about? Microsoft is good, Apple is the dark side?

[FrankieTDouglas]

I also remember she made a comment that she should have worn all white. I suppose to contrast Steve. What was that about? Microsoft is good, Apple is the dark side?

Don't look for conspiracies. It was simply referring to how the Intel guy came out in that bright white outfit.

[Norse Son]

At MWSF didn't Steve announce that the iTMS had sold over 850,000,000 downloads worldwide? And at a pace of about 1-3Mil a day, we'll be approaching the magical 1,000,000,000th download soon - probably by beginning of March.

My guess is that sometime around mid-Feb. Steve's going to hold a "Special Media Event", at which time he'll announce the iTMS Count'Em Down to a Billion (with a capital 'B') Contest!". The grand prize will be something like a $10,000 Apple Online Store Shopping Spree + a $10,000 iTMS Gift Card.

At that media event, Steve will, also, unveil 2-3 iTunes/iPod related products. The iTunes BoomBox may be part of that, whatever it is. Also, the redesigned iPod Shuffle will likely be debuted - will it have a tiny screen for track info, who knows but Steve... We may even see a 6 and/or 8GB Nano - I saw a hack on some site, where they attached an extra flash chip to a 4GB Nano, making it 6GB, so the "space" is there on the Nano already.

I'm not sure about a wireless iPod, though. I've read posts here, just last night, discrediting the battery life of a Bluetooth iPod concept. And is there enough room for the 802.11g WiFi chips in a regular sized iPod? It could be 802.11n, but the spec won't be finalized until this time next year, though around mid-year is when the spec is "stable" enough that they'll start building the first products... I seem to recall that Apple was ahead of the game on the AirPort Extreme, before that spec was official sanctioned, so who knows - June, anyone?

I think that a wireless iPod won't happen without other "Media Home" products: "pizza box=-sized" DVR unit (that is not the mini), Front Row 2.0 w/DVR-TV, etc.

Also, I think it may be more of a dedicated video (+ music) iPod, with a larger screen (5.5-7") and a bigger drive (80GBs around coming soon, 160GB next year)... I'd like to see Apple license the UMD spec & disk drive, so it could play the UMD movies (broader appeal). Also, equip it with a Lite version of MacOS X... "Tigger" :cool: ... that runs versions of Safari, Mail, Text Edit, iTunes, Front Row, plus various Widgets. Give it touch-sensitive screen with handwriting recognition (portrait or landscape view). Add Bluetooth for 3rd-party keyboards, etc. (options)...

I think that this Media Event will, also, be platform to announce more networks & studios releasing content; maybe a name change to iTMS to reflect diverse content (music, video, TV, etc.), and - dare I say - an International iTMS? (I know, that's just my realistic fantasy)...

[spine]

Great thinking - I agree with it all, except the large iPod.
I think they will keep iPods as small as possible.
Maybe in the future, the iPod will get a full-face screen, and the click wheel will be an onscreen control.

[toolhouse]

Why would Apple sue for burst technologies a few days before the keynote? All it could do is generate negative press. How can all the windoze losers announce content deals at CES and Apple none at the keynote? Especially since everyone including all the main stream press have talked about all the deals Apple was making. I believe there is some legal reason that held back the new dvr super entertainment hub mini intro and all the content deals. I expect to read about a new mini Stevenote announcement soon, and my 2k Apple shares are ready to climb again!

[Yvan256]

If Apple really did just take the iPod stuff out because of time concerns, why did they keep the Fm remote in?

Because the product was ready and didn't require a 15 minutes presentation?

I was suprised that the iLife part went so long - it definately seemed like they were trying to fill time.

With all the new features of iLife '06, I think the timing and length was about right. I think most Mac users aren't impressed by software anymore, but I sure am. In my opinion, iLife '06 just made the web publishing and podcasting life a lot easier for a few thousands users. And they're all more good reasons for Windows users to switch.

Apple is all about software, not hardware.

... though I'm quite happy to see the specs of the new iMac. :D

I'd like to see Apple license the UMD spec & disk drive, so it could play the UMD movies (broader appeal).

Sorry, but UMD movies are just yet another Sony proprietary format that aren't compatible with anything aside from Sony's PSP. I still don't understand why people would pay more (or even the same price) for a movie on UMD than one on DVD.

Also, Apple wants to sell us movie files (just wait, it'll probably happen soon), so UMD support would lower their own sales.

[obeygiant]

I'm in the market for a new iPod and I'll be pissed if they release a new one right after...

oh what to do...

[EricNau]

I'm in the market for a new iPod and I'll be pissed if they release a new one right after...

oh what to do...
I'm in the same boat. :(

[Detlev]

Which parts of the keynote were stretched to fill the time that would have gone to new products?
Loading Photoshop, that's when. From a marketing standpoint I thought that was a very weak moment. During the presentation I stated here at the office that something was not right. It didn't flow as well as it should have. They spent too much time on the software. I thought Jobs might have been sick or something but I'll buy into the whole they dropped something rumor.

[Yvan256]

Loading Photoshop, that's when. From a marketing standpoint I thought that was a very weak moment.

Well, it was a weak moment but also a necessary one. They needed to show that heavy apps such as Photoshop do work, but much slower than native apps (such as Keynote 3, iTunes, etc). It prevents some people buying the Intel Macs and then complaining that "their apps are slow". From a marketing standpoint, it's a good move (just not a flashy one).

Fact is, Apple is now selling two types of iMac and two types of PowerBook/MacBook Pro. I know the iMac G5 (iSight model) is relatively recent and they need to sell their inventory, but its price hasn't been lowered or anything.

[jholzner]

Well, I'm guessing that they did plan on at least a new iPod shuffle but since the couldn't even keep up with Nano demand they diverted the Flash memory to catch up on those orders and held on on the Shuffle update. As for other delayed announcments, I can't say. I'm not sure what market and iPod boombox with built in harddrive would have. I guess if you don't want to spend money on an iPod and a stereo that an iPod can fit into and you never plan to listen to music with headphones it would be perfect but how many people are there like that?

[Mac Dummy]

Also, I think it may be more of a dedicated video (+ music) iPod, with a larger screen (5.5-7") and a bigger drive (80GBs around coming soon, 160GB next year)... I'd like to see Apple license the UMD spec & disk drive, so it could play the UMD movies (broader appeal). Also, equip it with a Lite version of MacOS X... "Tigger" :cool: ... that runs versions of Safari, Mail, Text Edit, iTunes, Front Row, plus various Widgets. Give it touch-sensitive screen with handwriting recognition (portrait or landscape view). Add Bluetooth for 3rd-party keyboards, etc. (options)...

Can we say Ipod Newton?:D

[Multimedia]

I'm in the market for a new iPod and I'll be pissed if they release a new one right after...

oh what to do...
No matter what they release next, I will love my new 60 GB 5G iPod forever because it is the perfect combination of big and small. Future iPods will be BIGGER and not as handy to carry and watch video on. The current model in BLACK is amazing. Watching the 4 episodes of 24 on it is a joy. And the HD recorded and iPod compressed with EyeTV 500's new EyeTV2 software's interpolation up from iPod compatible 640 x 360 to a 1920 x 1080 display is fantastic. There will always be newer model iPods. But I have a feeling this one is going to be a winner for years to come.

[NVRsayNVR]

Check out her teeth. She drinks the same coffee as Bill Gates:
Roz Ho Teeth (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/images/features/2005/01-12RozHo_lg.jpg)

I also remember she made a comment that she should have worn all white. I suppose to contrast Steve. What was that about? Microsoft is good, Apple is the dark side?

I think she was refering to her teeth :D Pretty bad! If I had her very public position my teeth would gleem!

Actually the comment was in reference to Mr Intel being in his all white getup. She really wanted to make a big impression and white might have helped her to look good without the fishing pole.

[Warbrain]

No matter what they release next, I will love my new 60 GB 5G iPod forever because it is the perfect combination of big and small. Future iPods will be BIGGER and not as handy to carry and watch video on. The current model in BLACK is amazing. Watching the 4 episodes of 24 on it is a joy. And the HD recorded and iPod compressed with EyeTV 500's new EyeTV2 software's interpolation up from iPod compatible 640 x 360 to a 1920 x 1080 display is fantastic. There will always be newer model iPods. But I have a feeling this one is going to be a winner for years to come.

Maybe. But I feel that maybe there's some things that they need to fix about the 5G iPod to make it better than it is.

I'm not too sure that future iPods will be larger than the 5Gs. They won't be getting any smaller, but they'll probably remain the same size. Personally, I like the size of the 2G and 3G iPods. The weight and feel of the 2G feels great in my hand. And it's pretty much indestructible.

[dubnluvn]

I'm not asking for much...just a CF reader for the iPod Video. I'm a photographer and at any given event I can shoot about 1-2 GB per hour (RAW+JPEG) on average and as much as 5-6 GB. I need something to download my cards on so I don't have to stop shooting.