Originally posted by James.Paul
I've been thinking about this quite a bit as I wanted an iPod for Xmas but thought I'd save the money until Macworld in case of a new release. However, I am convinced that there will be a significant upgrade to iTunes (most likely 4) and the iPod by January 25th and this is my reasoning.
1. It takes about three weeks to get an application from Gold Master to the shelves. If that is the case iMovie, iPhoto would have all been declared release material on the day of the Keynote for immediate download on Apple's servers. Why not let us download now.
2. There was a lot released at Macworld, however the emphasis was most firmly on the Powerbooks and if an iPod was released it would have detracted away from the Powerbooks.
3. We have already seen Rendezvous implemented in iTunes last July. That feature would contribute to a significant upgrade not a minor one (version 4 not 3.1).
4. You would not produce boxed versions of all your apps advertising version 3 knowing that around the corner there will be a version 4 soon.
5. If anyone has seen the iLife book we are allowed 16 pages as a sample (looks a good book). They have been carefully selected to ensure we see only the features identified by Steve including the smart playlists. The front cover of the pdf does not mention iTunes! It says it reveals the secrets of iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD. If there is nothing to hide, why not list iTunes. If iTunes 3 is going to be in the iLife box why hide it.
6. There are rumors of a colour iPod, and i think that this is essential to the iLife brand. This will fit right into the iLife product line up. My feeling is that a colour iPod be able to deliver items from iLife; iTunes songs, iPhoto images, iMovie movies, possibly iDVD videos, iCal calendars, address book. It then really would be the digital hub.
And I may be wrong, it's my own opinions but I think there will be a release event a couple of days before Jan 25th.