Apple's September 12th Media Event Roundup

[rworne]

Well, there's this photo...

Dunno the original source, but it's got nanos in different colors. Damn photog cropped of the first digit in the song capacity too.

See here if hotlinking is blocked:

http://www.delabit.com/nekobaba/

(warning, some photos on site may be NSFW)

 

[EagerDragon]

Dunno the original source, but it's got nanos in different colors. Damn photog cropped of the first digit in the song capacity too.

See here if hotlinking is blocked:

http://www.delabit.com/nekobaba/

(warning, some photos on site may be NSFW)

The one of the girl in front of the keyboard is better than the iPod Nanos.

 

[mambodancer]

Interesting Apple link?

Interesting but if you try to link to:

http://www.apple.com/movies/

you get...

Forbidden

You don't have permission to access /movies/ on this server.

It may mean nothing but when you try to link to other, nonexistant pages you are usually redirected to:

Looking for something at Apple.com?
The page you tried was not found. You may have used an outdated link or may have typed the address (URL) incorrectly. You might find what you’re looking for in one of these areas:

I was redirected to that page when I typed: http://www.apple.com/videos/

 

[rjc]

Do you all get that Core 2 Quadro Systems will begin selling at the retail level in early November?

I think it's much more likely that Apple will keep this press conference focused on the products they have ready to ship (e.g., movie store, new iPods) and have another press conference for the Core 2 Quadro systems, in late October / early November.

Last year's multiple-press-conference format worked out rather well for Apple; it kept them in the press for most of the fall. Announcing products they'll be shipping in two months wouldn't just be useless; it would actually have a negative effect on sales.

 

[berkleeboy210]

Since MacRumors noted in this article that Access to this event is getting more restricted. does that mean we will not have live text update coverage? Engadget doesn't even mention anything about Live Coverage either.

If anyone has any news please reply

 

[Multimedia]

C2Q Press Event Still Another 6-8 Weeks Out • Getting Pre-Excited • Sorry

I think it's much more likely that Apple will keep this press conference focused on the products they have ready to ship (e.g., movie store, new iPods) and have another press conference for the Core 2 Quadro systems, in late October / early November.

Last year's multiple-press-conference format worked out rather well for Apple; it kept them in the press for most of the fall. Announcing products they'll be shipping in two months wouldn't just be useless; it would actually have a negative effect on sales.

Yeah you're right. I'm getting too excited about the Core 2 Quadro Press Event that will prolly be announced another 6-8 weeks out. Thanks for the reality check.

 

[sisyphus]

I dont see the point of the movie rentals, I do not believe they can compete with a 2 to 4 dollar rental at BlockBusters.
I also don't see the point of buying a movie that has to be played from a specific computer when a physical DVD can be placed on any computer and on any standard DVD and can be lended to friends for them to watch, and on top of that cost about the same amount.

What am I missing here? Why people want it so bad, I don't understand.

i would use it in a flash! Most of the time I go to Blockbuster the movie I really want to rent is all out or maybe not available at that location if it is an older title. Then I have to stand in line for 15min on a Friday/Saturday night. Drive back to my place.

if I could come home from work hit download, go get ready, meet my girlfriend at the door, eat in or out, then just go over sit down and watch a couple of movies that I'd rented/downloaded with her - that would rock!

An extra hour ± with my girl is more than worth the extra buck that I would pay. Additionally I would actually get to watch a movie that we both WANTED to see instead of something that was simply "good enough." (Please Apple do NOT put "Shall we Dance" on the system, I'm begging you! ) We'd also save $$$ on fuel, get more time to talk or take a nice walk in the park... you get the idea.

On the other hand I have ZERO interest in purchasing movies online unless there is a steep discount over the hard copy... and maybe not always then. Something tangible in ownership is sometimes nice.

That is why as a rental service this would be absolutely perfect!

Now all that being said, since I live in Canada I should get the opportunity to do this in another 3 years.

 

[FreeState]

Damn photog cropped of the first digit in the song capacity too.

Blown up in Photoshop it is a 1 (the pixels are not remotely close to a 0).

Its a made up ad if you ask me... look at the names of the colors... that and "coming soon" - never seen Apple do that... That or an add for a cover for your iPod

 

[Zadillo]

Dunno the original source, but it's got nanos in different colors. Damn photog cropped of the first digit in the song capacity too.

See here if hotlinking is blocked:

http://www.delabit.com/nekobaba/

(warning, some photos on site may be NSFW)

Those color names seem to be identical to the ones Colorware uses (i.e. that Red nano is labeled "Ferrari"). Almost positive that Apple would not use Ferrari (I doubt they even could, given Ferrari's relationship with Acer).

Pretty sure Cotton Candy and Alpine and Carbon are also all color names that Colorware uses.

EDIT: Yup: http://www.colorwarepc.com/products/Col_nano_comb.aspx

-Zadillo

 

[ccreighton]

Showtime? Theatrical Releases!

Regarding the Itunes Movie Store, I know there seems to be two parties: one for movie downloads, and one against. I also see the reasons for both. But has anyone thought of what the possibilities could be, for instance imagine being at home on a friday night and being able to download a new theatrical release right there at home. 14.99 isn't a bad price to own the movie and see the film the day it opens. This would really revolutionize the way we see films and challenge the DVD market. As a matter of fact, Disney wanted to do something similar when Chicken Little came out in theatres but the theatre chains pushed back very hard. They planned on releasing DVD's same day as the film released in theatres. That makes me think that there might be a possibility of this occuring in a digital format instead. How nice would it be to stay at home and download the new releases you want to see. No more people talking on their phone during the best part of the movie, no more missing a portion of the movie due to the fact you have to go to the bathroom. I've been waiting for this for awhile and hope something like this occurs. I can see this creating a boom for the digital market. Since we all know that the theatrical market is dying, slowly but surely.

What does everyone think?

 

[AidenShaw]

Intel's party is much sooner

Yeah you're right. I'm getting too excited about something that will prolly be announced another 6-8 weeks out. Thanks for the reality check.

Intel's next big announcements are in two weeks. There will be lots of quad-core and octo-core announcements then.

Before October, however, Apple will need to release the New Form Factor 64-bit Conroe Mini-Tower/Home-Theatre-PC™ - since Kentsfield won't fit into the ProMacIntel motherboards.

They'll have to have the dual-core mini-tower first, before they can upgrade it to a quad-core! Otherwise, the Dell quad-core systems (Kentsfield) will be half the price of the Apple quad-core (dual Woodcrest).

And how will Apple deal with the fact that the much cheaper Kentsfield Mini-Tower/Home-Theatre-Pizza-Box will outperform the enormous ProMacIntel?

Things are very interesting now that the Master Control Freak is no longer in control!

 

[Zadillo]

Regarding the Itunes Movie Store, I know there seems to be two parties: one for movie downloads, and one against. I also see the reasons for both. But has anyone thought of what the possibilities could be, for instance imagine being at home on a friday night and being able to download a new theatrical release right there at home. 14.99 isn't a bad price to own the movie and see the film the day it opens. This would really revolutionize the way we see films and challenge the DVD market. As a matter of fact, Disney wanted to do something similar when Chicken Little came out in theatres but the theatre chains pushed back very hard. They planned on releasing DVD's same day as the film released in theatres. That makes me think that there might be a possibility of this occuring in a digital format instead. How nice would it be to stay at home and download the new releases you want to see. No more people talking on their phone during the best part of the movie, no more missing a portion of the movie due to the fact you have to go to the bathroom. I've been waiting for this for awhile and hope something like this occurs. I can see this creating a boom for the digital market. Since we all know that the theatrical market is dying, slowly but surely.

What does everyone think?

At this point Hollywood is still way too freaked out about anything close to those kinds of simultaneous releases. They are really concerned about any possibility of anything conflicting with theatrical runs of movies.

Steve Soderbergh and Mark Cuban tried to do something like this last year, releasing his movie "Bubble" in theatres and on DVD at the same time. But Hollywood as a whole is probably a long way from considering this. They are looking for more reasons to get people to go to theatres, not something to give them less of a reason to do so.

Now, from a consumer standpoint I do like the idea of it; get to see a movie without having to deal with the crowds, and get to own a copy so I can watch it as many times as I want - perhaps a variation on your idea where you pay $8 or $9, the cost of a movie ticket, and can then pay $6-7 more if you decide you want to keep it.

-Zadillo

 

[robotx21]

Ipod Nano Pic Is A Fake!

The ipod ad is a fake. If you look at the very bottom under "coming soon" it says something to the effect: "Until then, click this picture to ..." That seems like an old ad for colorware put up behind the girl.


EDIT: Search google and it is a fake!

http://www.jairoboudewyn.com/blog/?p=160

This picture was elsewhere depicting colorware's product.

 

[rworne]

Those color names seem to be identical to the ones Colorware uses (i.e. that Red nano is labeled "Ferrari"). Almost positive that Apple would not use Ferrari (I doubt they even could, given Ferrari's relationship with Acer).

Pretty sure Cotton Candy and Alpine and Carbon are also all color names that Colorware uses.

EDIT: Yup: http://www.colorwarepc.com/products/Col_nano_comb.aspx

-Zadillo

That's why I posted it here. You all are more jaded about this about this than I am.

 

[modernpixel]

I think it'll have to be in baby steps. Apple is going to have a tough time convincing studios to release movies for download the same day they come out on DVD. So, convincing them to release movies for download the same day they arrive in the theater will be a huge hurdle (not because it isn't perfectly possible - but because Hollywood is SO political). However, if Apple sells them in HD, I would also really love to be able to catch some new releases at home (though I love the public aspect of real theaters, so it wouldn't be a replacement).

I am actually much more interested in the idea of renting movies. I'd rather spend $5.00 for the ability to download rentals on demand - my local video store has little to nothing, and Netflix is great but it takes 3 days to get my movie. Being able to start a download when I leave for work and have it ready to watch when I get home would be amazing. If I'm going to own a movie I want the actual DVD (I can always make copies for my iPod if, for some reason, I want to go blind watching it that way).

If Apple does HD movie downloads, they will trump both the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats and will come out shining.

Regarding the Itunes Movie Store, I know there seems to be two parties: one for movie downloads, and one against. I also see the reasons for both. But has anyone thought of what the possibilities could be, for instance imagine being at home on a friday night and being able to download a new theatrical release right there at home. 14.99 isn't a bad price to own the movie and see the film the day it opens. This would really revolutionize the way we see films and challenge the DVD market. As a matter of fact, Disney wanted to do something similar when Chicken Little came out in theatres but the theatre chains pushed back very hard. They planned on releasing DVD's same day as the film released in theatres. That makes me think that there might be a possibility of this occuring in a digital format instead. How nice would it be to stay at home and download the new releases you want to see. No more people talking on their phone during the best part of the movie, no more missing a portion of the movie due to the fact you have to go to the bathroom. I've been waiting for this for awhile and hope something like this occurs. I can see this creating a boom for the digital market. Since we all know that the theatrical market is dying, slowly but surely.

What does everyone think?

 

[modernpixel]

Odd you should mention Bubble, I just finished watching it 15 minutes ago. It was enjoyable, it's improvisational dialogue was painfully realistic. A very interesting experiment in how to make a movie.

Sadly, I don't think Bubble's day and date DVD and Theater release did much to pique Hollywood's interest. Couple that with Snakes on a Plane making much less than expected, despite insane viral Internet hype and I think Hollywood is going to be very gun shy indeed about doing anything in that realm.

Though if anyone has the clout, it's Apple - their iTunes saved an industry...well, that might be an exaggeration - but it certainly taught them a thing or two.

Steve Soderbergh and Mark Cuban tried to do something like this last year, releasing his movie "Bubble" in theatres and on DVD at the same time. But Hollywood as a whole is probably a long way from considering this. They are looking for more reasons to get people to go to theatres, not something to give them less of a reason to do so.

 

[ccreighton]

At this point Hollywood is still way too freaked out about anything close to those kinds of simultaneous releases. They are really concerned about any possibility of anything conflicting with theatrical runs of movies.

Steve Soderbergh and Mark Cuban tried to do something like this last year, releasing his movie "Bubble" in theatres and on DVD at the same time. But Hollywood as a whole is probably a long way from considering this. They are looking for more reasons to get people to go to theatres, not something to give them less of a reason to do so.

Now, from a consumer standpoint I do like the idea of it; get to see a movie without having to deal with the crowds, and get to own a copy so I can watch it as many times as I want - perhaps a variation on your idea where you pay $8 or $9, the cost of a movie ticket, and can then pay $6-7 more if you decide you want to keep it.

-Zadillo

Yeah I'm sure you're right on that. Hollywood is a stagnant bunch of hillbillies, trying to figure out a way to make more money, even when it stares them directly in the face.

Now about that "Bubble" movie...we both know that sucked. Did you go see it in either format, or did any of your friends. Probably not. Remember the Matrix and what it did for DVD's. That's all this needs, is some movie to Champion the digital distribution and with Steve Jobs with so much stake in Disney, he may have more sway that direction. We'll have to see. (more than likely not, but I can only hope). Imagine a Pixar movie being brought directly to digital distribution as well as theatrical same day. Talk about money maker. It could easily double the first weekend amounts. Or imagine Pirates 3. Every family would go check it out in the theatre or download it. Or both, just to own it.

I'll hope it until it happens.

-ccreighton

 

[heffemonkeyman]

If Apple does HD movie downloads, they will trump both the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats and will come out shining.

X-Actly!

Tomorrow: 480p, 720p and 1080p movies for purchase and wireless box with DVI, Compontent and S-Video Out and IR Remote with Updated Front Row.

(Y'all know that if you have a HDMI HDTV, you can use a DVI>HDMI cable for video and optical for audio, no DRM, no fuss, no muss)

 

[manzano]

Dunno the original source, but it's got nanos in different colors. Damn photog cropped of the first digit in the song capacity too.

See here if hotlinking is blocked:

http://www.delabit.com/nekobaba/

(warning, some photos on site may be NSFW)

This Picture is DEFINITELY fake.

•Look at the edges of the girl in the picture. It's blurry--Result of poor masking in photoshop.
•Look at the girl's hair in front of the "poster"--parts are floating from nowhere, again from terrible masking.
•The "poster" itself has no sort of glare on it at all.

This is poor photoshopping and it saddens me that anyone fell for it.

 

[Multimedia]

C2Q RAM Is Also Much Less Expensive

Intel's next big announcements are in two weeks. There will be lots of quad-core and octo-core announcements then.

Before October, however, Apple will need to release the New Form Factor 64-bit Conroe Mini-Tower/Home-Theatre-PC™ - since Kentsfield won't fit into the ProMacIntel motherboards.

They'll have to have the dual-core mini-tower first, before they can upgrade it to a quad-core! Otherwise, the Dell quad-core systems (Kentsfield) will be half the price of the Apple quad-core (dual Woodcrest).

And how will Apple deal with the fact that the much cheaper Kentsfield Mini-Tower/Home-Theatre-Pizza-Box will outperform the enormous ProMacIntel?

Things are very interesting now that the Master Control Freak is no longer in control!

Zactly. And explain how the RAM for the Conroe systems will cost less than half what the Mac Pro RAM costs. Looking more and more like good things will come to those who wait.

 

[danieleran]

Why Apple is Winning in Media Downloads

While waiting for Apple's announcements, here's some great analysis of why Apple's in the lead, where online movie sales are going, and why Apple isn't threatened by Amazon:

Why Apple is Winning in Media Downloads
http://digg.com/apple/Why_Apple_is_Winning_in_Media_Downloads

A Visual Comparison of CD, DVD, HD and iTMS Downloads
http://digg.com/apple/A_Visual_Comparison_of_CD_DVD_HD_and_iTMS_Downloads

The Apple iTMS vs Amazon Unbox Rivalry Myth
http://digg.com/apple/The_iTMS_vs_Amazon_Unboxed_Rivalry_Myth

 

[Detlev]

I think we can safely assume that Tuesday will bring updates to iTunes, possibly the iPod line, and maybe an accessory or two. Those hoping for new MBPs or otherwise are going to be disappointed.

Look, it was all over the news last week that Apple and Amazon wil be doing downloadable movies. It seems Disney will once again lead the pack by joining Apple while other studios will retain a certain control of pricing by going with Amazon at first. News details were rather scarce but there seemed to be a need of some ironing of details before tomorrows announcement. In any case, with that bubble burst Apple would/should host a media event to introduce another (read new, not a simple update) piece of hardware especially since it is being fed over seas. This would also imply that whatever service they may introduce it will be available, at least in a limited format, to more than one iTunes store (read Europe).

As with previous iTunes/iPod updates we only need to check the iTunes store in the a.m. If the store has not been updated to include this weeks new releases and free downloads we can assume that the update will be available after the announcement, as has been the case with previous iTunes/iPod announcements.

 

[JoshH]

Odd you should mention Bubble, I just finished watching it 15 minutes ago. It was enjoyable, it's improvisational dialogue was painfully realistic. A very interesting experiment in how to make a movie.

Sadly, I don't think Bubble's day and date DVD and Theater release did much to pique Hollywood's interest. Couple that with Snakes on a Plane making much less than expected, despite insane viral Internet hype and I think Hollywood is going to be very gun shy indeed about doing anything in that realm.

Though if anyone has the clout, it's Apple - their iTunes saved an industry...well, that might be an exaggeration - but it certainly taught them a thing or two.

Yeah, I loved Bubble... and I thought the release plan was really cool (it was the only way I would have been able to see it). More imagination/invention on the delivery and availability of content is going to awesome as it continues to grow more mainstream... It'll allow more indie projects like Bubble to have a larger platform. That's definitely a great thing.

 

[jakalsden]

iTMS?

iTMS...iTunes Media Store, its simple. They will provide Movies & Music. New Nano...? Nup... New 6G Video iPod (With Widescreen)...? Nup... Perhaps a wireless streaming video device... Next year maybe... Why so much hype for just a few movie downloads, iTMS (iTunes Media Store) and iTunes 7, New displays...? An Apple Media Center...? An Apple TV...?

I will let yur imagination run wild...

 

[chuckiej]

Lemme throw in another possible piece of evidence. Most shows are on summer hiatus. Two (that are done in HD) are not. They are Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. (If you guys know of other ones drop the names). iTunes has not posted new episodes of these shows since Episode 6. Episode 8 just aired last week. Perhaps they are being delayed so that new higher resolution versions can come out for the new iPod. Again, if my theory is correct any other currently airing HD shows should have had their episodes' release delayed on iTunes for the past 2-3 weeks. Takers?