Three New iPod Models in 2007?

[MacRumors]

Appleinsider reports that according to their sources, Apple is planning on introducing three distinct iPod models over the next year (2007).

One model is reported to be the long-awaited full Video iPod, but Steve Jobs has "so far been unwilling to commit the marketing and other resources necessary to bring the device to market" until the market response to the iTunes Movie store and iTV can be better gauged.

The identity of the other two iPod models to be introduced over the next year are not known, however, one analyst recently introduced the possibility of a 16GB Flash-based Video iPod to be introduced in the 1st quarter of 2007.

[kskill]

makes sense that jobs would wait until the whole package is ready to release the video ipod.
...but it sucks that we have to wait for that to happen. i'll download a movie or two, i promise.

[DMann]

Hopefully, larger flash memory
storage available, and great
new features; wireless, modified
OSX, PDF capabilities, true Quicktime
playback- - totally worth the wait.

[chicagdan]

Originally Posted by kskill

makes sense that jobs would wait until the whole package is ready to release the video ipod.
...but it sucks that we have to wait for that to happen. i'll download a movie or two, i promise.

I think this shows why he's Steve Jobs and no one else is ... he's playing this exactly right, he's not going to jump into a marketplace that does not exist and risk tarnishing the iPod brand in the process. So far there doesn't seem to be a huge market for movie downloads and hand-held movie devices. It may never arrive. I thought at first that I'd like to watch TV on my iPod on the train to work, but that lasted maybe a couple of days, I'm back to reading and listening to music.

[bearbo]

Originally Posted by chicagdan

I think this shows why he's Steve Jobs and no one else is ... he's playing this exactly right, he's not going to jump into a marketplace that does not exist and risk tarnishing the iPod brand in the process.

that's what makes macintosh sound like a religion... and makes Steve Jobs
sound like the God

[JZ Wire]

I've been wanting to buy a new iPod but ive been putting it off until something new shows up. I really want the true video ipod but we'll see what happens. Im waiting until after Xmas and after MW 07 to see what little goodies jobs brings out. Cant wait to see iTV!!!

[twoodcc]

Originally Posted by kskill

makes sense that jobs would wait until the whole package is ready to release the video ipod.
...but it sucks that we have to wait for that to happen. i'll download a movie or two, i promise.

yeah i agree. it does make sense, but we have to wait.

[MatthewConnelly]

I'm so glad I held off on buying a new iPod. I'll just stick to my 3rd Gen from June 2004 until the next generation come around!

[Mgkwho]

I see Apple releasing higher capacity nanos, the new iPod full screen, and iPhone.



So I thought the three models were obvious.


-=|Mgkwho

[arn]

Originally Posted by Mgkwho

I see Apple releasing higher capacity nanos, the new iPod full screen, and iPhone.

So I thought the three models were obvious.

Yep... depends if Apple considers the iPhone an iPod first. would make sense if they did.

arn

[Mgkwho]

Apple/Jobs releases products they know will be a success. Ever since Jobs came back, they've slimmed their product line and produced only necessarily distinct machines.

I remember some article even saying this strategy led to the cutting of almost ready-for-production products.

So it would seem as if this would corroborte AppleInsider's story.

However, there have been rumors that have been "founded on fact" for almost/over a year! Wouldn't you think Jobs has had enough time to assess the situation?

And remember, while Apple sells products that all go together, each is successful as a standalone product. Therefore, the fullscreen iPod should be successful even without iTV!

So I think the iPod can get released and be successful in MacWorld.

---
And yes, arn, I remember you saying during your tv interview that it would likely be an iPod, a music device at heart. I think Apple's strong point is realizing their vision and staying true to the nature of a product. So it would seem as if they would strongly consider the phone a music device at core.

At least the lower-end model. The higher one might replace computers some day :P!!
---

-=|Mgkwho

[spicyapple]

My prediction is Apple will bring back the iPod mini form factor. It'll replace the 30 GB iPod models. The full-screen iPod will be the 80 GB or 100 GB model that also interfaces with iTV. And lastly, the nano form will remain with doubling of hard drive capacity as well as a 50% larger screen/resolution.

[topgun072003]

So....MWSF or the Tuesday after?

[Squonk]

Originally Posted by spicyapple

My prediction is Apple will bring back the iPod mini form factor. It'll replace the 30 GB iPod models. The full-screen iPod will be the 80 GB or 100 GB model that also interfaces with iTV. And lastly, the nano form will remain with doubling of hard drive capacity as well as a 50% larger screen/resolution.

Is the Mini that much larger than the Nano really?

Is there room on the Nano for a 50% larger screen? Isn't the screen already stretched close to the edge of it?

I think Apple has the spectrum covered with the shuffle/nano/"bigPod" form factors.

[thisbechuck]

I must be missing something here-- why would Apple want to develop a 16GB flash video ipod? Isn't the point of flash memory (generally) to keep the size of the unit down? A video ipod smaller than current 1.8inch HDs would be uselessly small. And if the unit is going to be large enough to enjoyably watch movies, why limit yourself to 16GB when the 100GB 1.8HD has just been released?

[Mgkwho]

Originally Posted by thisbechuck

I must be missing something here-- why would Apple want to develop a 16GB flash video ipod?

Yes you are missing something.

Flash memory is used in the nanos and shuffle (I think the suffle, right?).

The 16GB drive would be a future nano, possibly in a line of 4, 8, and 16 sizes. Not a regular iPod.

-=|Mgkwho

[aswitcher]

I really hope one has BT and wireless headphone - the year the wires were cut!

Or. imagine a nano built into stylish warp around headphones. Headphones that could still dock with current ipod docks.

[YoGramMamma]

Originally Posted by thisbechuck

I must be missing something here-- why would Apple want to develop a 16GB flash video ipod? Isn't the point of flash memory (generally) to keep the size of the unit down? A video ipod smaller than current 1.8inch HDs would be uselessly small. And if the unit is going to be large enough to enjoyably watch movies, why limit yourself to 16GB when the 100GB 1.8HD has just been released?

That is one reason for using flash memory. Another reason, more notable in this case is battery life. Flash uses significantly less power that a spinning hard drive. This is why a nano at less than half the size of a video iPod can last 24 hours on a single charge vs the 30GB's 14 or so hours. Flash memory is not necessarly only for making thing smaller. Also remember its more shock proof. They could also replace the space taken up by the 1.8" hard drive now, with a battery the size of what the hard drive used to be, toss in a few flash chips, and this would allow for watching movies a much longer time .. OR it could also free up the available battery power to go to extra processing power needed for decoding larger and/or Higher Definition files.

16 GB is plently to store about 8 or more movies since movies are about 1.5 GB and it would actually allow you to have enough battery life to last you through more than just 1 or 2 movies.

[thisbechuck]

Originally Posted by YoGramMamma

That is one reason for using flash memory. Another reason, more notable in this case is battery life. Flash uses significantly less power that a spinning hard drive. This is why a nano at less than half the size of a video iPod can last 24 hours on a single charge vs the 30GB's 14 or so hours. Flash memory is not necessarly only for making thing smaller. Also remember its more shock proof. They could also replace the space taken up by the 1.8" hard drive now, with a battery the size of what the hard drive used to be, toss in a few flash chips, and this would allow for watching movies a much longer time .. OR it could also free up the available battery power to go to extra processing power needed for decoding larger and/or Higher Definition files.

16 GB is plently to store about 8 or more movies since movies are about 1.5 GB and it would actually allow you to have enough battery life to last you through more than just 1 or 2 movies.

Hmm... well yeah, I know that it also uses less battery but I just dont see it making sense. It just seems counter-intuitive. If I had a video ipod I would use it to store movies so I wouldn't have to bring my DVD collection around. Maybe keep it plugged into the car to show movies in the back. If this flash video ipod could only store a few movies at a time, you would have to keep your movies permanently loaded onto your computer, taking up space. My current 80GB drive is barely enough for my software and music, let alone video. Not to mention that the screen would probably be the main power draw in a video ipod, not the hard drive (is this right?). Regarding your shock-proofing comment, I don't see that being a big draw-- jogging while watching your video ipod?

[sushi]

Originally Posted by thisbechuck

I must be missing something here-- why would Apple want to develop a 16GB flash video ipod? Isn't the point of flash memory (generally) to keep the size of the unit down? A video ipod smaller than current 1.8inch HDs would be uselessly small. And if the unit is going to be large enough to enjoyably watch movies, why limit yourself to 16GB when the 100GB 1.8HD has just been released?

With regards to HD and flash based iPods, when it is all said and done I see the following:

- Flash memory based iPods will be for music.

- HD based iPods will be for videos.

[benthewraith]

I'm just going to get an 80 GB Black iPod video. My iPod mini has finally gone out and it's just that time.

[samh004]

Originally Posted by Mgkwho

I see Apple releasing higher capacity nanos, the new iPod full screen, and iPhone.

So I thought the three models were obvious.

-=|Mgkwho

Yes... I can't see them replacing the nano for something completely new, as it's doing so well as it is. Although I guess, no one expected the mini to be dropped, and that was doing well too.

Trouble is, where does the shuffle fit into that roadmap, seeing as it is doing so well.

[penter]

Originally Posted by MatthewConnelly

I'm so glad I held off on buying a new iPod. I'll just stick to my 3rd Gen from June 2004 until the next generation come around!

I've been waiting as well, but i've been on my toes for quite a while now, since i cant do much with a partially functioning gen 4 ipod.

all i have now is a borrowed gen 1 shuffle, which really sucks. i cant wait for the true video ipod to come out so i can get rid of this stupid shuffle!

[dzire187]

What I would love to see is an iPod with a wireless unit on board. Those wifi units are being included in cell phones nowadays, so they should be small in size and not be consuming too much power anymore

I can imagine some nice scenarios using wifi-enabled iPods in your home network:


- access your shared library.

- stream music off your iPod to your airport express devices.

- use the iPod as an airtunes device and access it just as you would any other airtunes device straight out of iTunes.


Well, maybe i am the only one who would love to see all that coming. Although i don't think the 3rd scenario is a realisitic one, it would be a shame if the first 2 don't come with the next gen iPods...i'll wait and see.

btw: i don't need any of the video playback capabilities...nice to have, but imho unnecessary...

[Sawtoothdude]

I can't wait to see the new iPods, I love when Apple releases new things.