Apple's September 12th Media Event Roundup

[corywoolf]

I really expect it to be a mixture of a let down and goodness. There is likely going to be new nanos, I work at the 5th Ave. CompUSA and can tell you that we are out of almost all the nanos. That never happens, we are also out of the iSight, both the 5th Ave. and SoHo Apple stores are too. We are also out of all the Shuffles too. Expect to see new nanos and an iSight. Of course the Video Store rumors are all but confirmed, so expect a rename of the Music Store to something more fitting, as well as iTunes 7.0.

Definitely:
- iPod G6 (most likely 16x9)
- Movie Downloads

Possible:
- nanos (higher capacity, new look)
- iSight (higher resolution, much smaller form factor, connect to iPod)
- iPod line division (Dedicated Music iPod vs. Video iPod)
- iTunes 7.0
- Airport Express with Video (Showtime)
- New iPod Shuffle or discontinuation

Unlikely:
- iPod G6 with WiFi for mobile downloads and iChat video conferencing (with optional iSight attachment)
- High Def. movies
- MacBook Pro w/ Merom

Now for a guess of the pricing:
2 GB nano: $129.99
4 GB nano: $199.99
8 GB nano: $249.99

60 GB iPod Video: $299.99
80 GB iPod Video: $399.99

 

[mahonmeister]

I'm more excited about this then WWDC. *hopes to spend losts of money on new toys*

 

[sisyphus]

I'm more excited about this then WWDC. *hopes to spend losts of money on new toys*

Well i think everybody got exactly what should have been expected at a DEVELOPER conference.

You know, even though it is 7ish months after the last Apple event, Apple is finally going to make use of the iPod HiFi. The new Airport Extreme/Express/Exchange/External/Exude/Excel/Ex-Spouse... will probably have an optical out which will mesh nicely with the optical in on the HiFi...

Still wouldn't buy one, but hey it is true!

 

[swingerofbirch]

I just suddenly had a thought:

TVs with built in front row

built in wireless to get media from your macs

 

[brepublican]

I really expect it to be a mixture of a let down and goodness. There is likely going to be new nanos, I work at the 5th Ave. CompUSA and can tell you that we are out of almost all the nanos. That never happens, we are also out of the iSight, both the 5th Ave. and SoHo Apple stores are too. We are also out of all the Shuffles too. Expect to see new nanos and an iSight. Of course the Video Store rumors are all but confirmed, so expect a rename of the Music Store to something more fitting, as well as iTunes 7.0.

Definitely:
- iPod G6 (most likely 16x9)
- Movie Downloads

Possible:
- nanos (higher capacity, new look)
- iSight (higher resolution, much smaller form factor, connect to iPod)
- iPod line division (Dedicated Music iPod vs. Video iPod)
- iTunes 7.0
- Airport Express with Video (Showtime)
- New iPod Shuffle or discontinuation

Unlikely:
- iPod G6 with WiFi for mobile downloads and iChat video conferencing (with optional iSight attachment)
- High Def. movies
- MacBook Pro w/ Merom

Now for a guess of the pricing:
2 GB nano: $129.99
4 GB nano: $199.99
8 GB nano: $249.99

60 GB iPod Video: $299.99
80 GB iPod Video: $399.99

I like it! Hope you are spot on and that some of the 'possible's are actually unveiled. Counting the hours...

 

[z-man]

What about an "iChat" iTv?

What if you had a modified iMac, called an "iTV", with a built-in camera so that you could video conference, while you watch a movie stream together? I don't know how...but man, that would be cool.

Maybe stream an iLife project...from any computer to any other computer (with your side being the "cooler" iTV)?

C'mon, let's think "big" here!

: - )

 

[sisyphus]

I just suddenly had a thought:

TVs with built in front row

built in wireless to get media from your macs

Not yet... The Apple Movie system will need to become far more ubiquitous before any TV manufacturer will start incorporating that. It is far easier to provide a box that will hook-up to any TV until it dominates the market like the iPod does music.

Maybe in 3-4 years someone like Panasonic will pay a royalty and integrate Apple's movie device into their TVs.

 

[B. Hunter]

Linking With The Past

Developing a movie store is interesting. But I don't think it will catch my attention. A lot of hype is put into recent movies and current TV series. That mostly has to do with today. What about the past? There are many TV series in the United States and Canada that were never released on DVD. The same can be said about movies as well.

There are generations of fans out there waiting for the opportunity to see older shows again. Hopefully some day they will be available on the internet for download. A lot of current TV programs and crap coming out of Hollywood are not worth watching these days. Just my opinion but I'm sure there are others that feel this way.

Networks, studios, and production companies should realize that there is money to be made from older programming. If they don't spend the money on DVDs, make them available over the internet.

For people like me, what's old is new again.

 

[z-man]

Old movies?

There are generations of fans out there waiting for the opportunity to see older shows again. Hopefully some day they will be available on the internet for download. A lot of current TV programs and crap coming out of Hollywood are not worth watching these days. Just my opinion but I'm sure there are others that feel this way.

http://www.liketelevision.com ?

 

[Donz0r]

That's go to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
1. Everyone already HAS TVs
2. Nobody wants to replace their TVs
3. 30''? That would only attract a certain audience. Many people have TVs much larger than 30 inches.
4. There's so many different TVs out there with so many different features. You cant just throw a tv tuner on a 30inch iMac and expect people to replace their TVs.
5. A much more plausable option would be a macmini like media center that plugs into an existing television
6. I can't believe I'm actually typing a response to this post. Your iTV is the most absurd thing I've ever heard of.

Are you 14?

http://www.apple.com/movies : currently goes to "403 - Forbidden"
http://www.applecomputer.com/movies : same
http://movies.apple.com : currently goes to "apple.com"
http://movies.apple.com/movies : currently goes to "apple.com/trailers/"


Why couldn't Apple turn an iMac into a Television (black/silver-30"), and stream movies to it using updated Quicktime tech? ...and just use a FrontRow interface? Attach a "video" iPod to the side (sorta like on an iMac) and you can then take your movies with you.

Let's see what Quicktime H.264/5 can really do, right?

Sell more computers, sell more viPods, and sell some iTVs.

 

[SactoGuy18]

Here's what I think will be unveiled in terms of iPods:

1. The iPod Nano will be replaced by a new model (slightly larger than the Sandisk Sansa e200 series player) that uses a new, scratchproof metallic case and larger scratchproof display. Flash memory storage capacities will be 8 GB, 6 GB or (possibly) 4 GB, with a future model arriving in January 2007 with 12 GB storage capacity.

2. The iPod Shuffle will be replaced by a new model in a scratchproof case that now includes a small LCD display to show song title and time information. Flash memory storage capacities will be 2 GB, 1 GB and maybe 4 GB.

3. The hard disk-based iPods will switch to a scratchproof metallic case and scratchproof display. Hard disk storage capacities will now be 80 GB and 40 GB.

4. Apple will demonstrate (but not ship) the true "video iPod" with a large screen and touch screen controls. It will have a hard disk storage capacity of 80 GB and 120 GB. The player will not ship until January 2007.

5. Apple will upgrade the iTunes software for better ease of use and also to better support paid video downloads.

 

[Chundles]

1. The iPod Nano will be replaced by a new model (slightly larger than the Sandisk Sansa e200 series player) that uses a new, scratchproof metallic case and larger scratchproof display. Flash memory storage capacities will be 8 GB, 6 GB or (possibly) 4 GB, with a future model arriving in January 2007 with 12 GB storage capacity.

2. The iPod Shuffle will be replaced by a new model in a scratchproof case that now includes a small LCD display to show song title and time information. Flash memory storage capacities will be 2 GB, 1 GB and maybe 4 GB.

3. The hard disk-based iPods will switch to a scratchproof metallic case and scratchproof display. Hard disk storage capacities will now be 80 GB and 40 GB.

4. Apple will demonstrate (but not ship) the true "video iPod" with a large screen and touch screen controls. It will have a hard disk storage capacity of 80 GB and 120 GB. The player will not ship until January 2007.

5. Apple will upgrade the iTunes software for better ease of use and also to better support paid video downloads.

1. No, Apple won't make the nano larger.

2. Possibly but I doubt it.

3. That would be nice.

4. Good lord no, if there's one thing Steve tries desperately to cling to it's his notion that a product should ship as soon as possible after announcement, Apple aren't going to kill their iPod sales just to show off the next gen version of the player.

5. Maybe.

 

[z-man]

No iTV?

Are you 14?

Hey, let's not get personal here, I'm just a "mac-head" speculating like everyone else.

Everyone replaces their TV at some point (especially nowadays), just as they do cellphones...and look how excited people get about the possibility of an iPhone!

I appreciate your thoughts and your opinions -- but don't you sort of see a natural progression with screen sizes, I mean what will really separate a TV from a computer in a few years (or tomorrow-lol, you never know)? You can already hang the 24" iMac on the wall -- I'd say that's pretty close.

Remember the 5 gig iPod? -- gotta start somewhere! : - )

 

[wizard]

My predictions.

Nano's will surprise everybody. I suspect 4, 8 & 12 Gig bytes maybe even 16. such sizes would drastically increase demand for such a product. Well atleast they would in my case, as I want a large solid state storage device. I would not be surprised if we find a video enabled nano, much lke has been rumored for the IPhone.

Some place in there the IPhone will come to market, I'm suspecting at least 12 giga bytes of storage in that device. 12 at the low end as I suspect that this will be more of a multifunction device with big demands on storage.

I would not be surprised if the new "nano" and the Iphone where different variants of the same device. That is the Nano will be nothing more than a slim IPhone with very similar features. Wild speculation but that is how I would do it.

I have very much designed the ideal cell phone / multi functional device in my head and know exactly what I'd want to see in it. Hoping Apple has taped into my dreams.

************************
As to the shuffle who cares? The only way I'd take interest in that is if the storage capacity and the price point made it somewhat competitive with memory sticks as that would be the primary usage in my case.

**********************
I'm not sure what Apple is up to with video but I do hope that the codec's support better video than the iPod screen supports. Specifically I want to see downloads that will drive HD video displays. I realize there is the huge size / quality trade off here, but what is the sense in downloading a movie if it can't play well on a TV or PC monitor or laptop for that matter? I know this is a time problem for downloads but, low quality will lead to a big flop for Apple. Of course old television shows won't be a problem.

**********************
As far as disk based video players, I see IPod sized devices as being a failure. Mainly because old eyes need a big screen. This does not appear to be doable with the current industry form factor for the iPods. So expect a video specific player of some sort. I'd like to see something about 4x6 but holding a 16:9 capabilty.

Why close to 4x6 you may ask. Simple it is the common size to exchange / share pictures and such. Not to big and not to small. If you want a larger display the avenue to follow would be a laptop. With the price of laptops so low it would be hard to justify a limited device with a 14 inch screen. Even the standard iPods currently made are to small for sharing pictures much less videos.

Dave

 

[Donz0r]

Hey, let's not get personal here, I'm just a "mac-head" speculating like everyone else.

Everyone replaces their TV at some point (especially nowadays), just as they do cellphones...and look how excited people get about the possibility of an iPhone!

I appreciate your thoughts and your opinions -- but don't you sort of see a natural progression with screen sizes, I mean what will really separate a TV from a computer in a few years (or tomorrow-lol, you never know)? You can already hang the 24" iMac on the wall -- I'd say that's pretty close.

Remember the 5 gig iPod? -- gotta start somewhere! : - )

Sorry, I guess I'm just in a bad mood. But people don't replace their TVs except Once every 7-10 years. If you spent a couple grand on a 40'' plasma, would you buy a 30'' LCD that's also a mac....when you've never even used a mac (95% of computer owners)

Speculating is fun, but keep it reasonable!

 

[sisyphus]

That's go to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
1. Everyone already HAS TVs
2. Nobody wants to replace their TVs
3. 30''? That would only attract a certain audience. Many people have TVs much larger than 30 inches.
4. There's so many different TVs out there with so many different features. You cant just throw a tv tuner on a 30inch iMac and expect people to replace their TVs.
5. A much more plausable option would be a macmini like media center that plugs into an existing television
6. I can't believe I'm actually typing a response to this post. Your iTV is the most absurd thing I've ever heard of.

Are you 14?

You know while it may not have been the best idea on the board, it certainly wasn't the worst I've seen either.

No need to be a jerk.

 

[z-man]

We want something cool! We want something cool!

Speculating is fun, but keep it reasonable!

I hear you. But I don't know, I mean...Christmas is coming up, I could see buying something for a family member -- especially if they are far away, and "iChat" with them like the Jetsons from their living room....and send them some pictures or a movie in real-time. You know, for a "non" computer user -- someone who might only understand a tv (on/off -- lol).

It would be cool at least! Hook it up to our "Apple Hi-Fi"--maybe that's what the freaky handles are really for...some kind of freaky "base" for a really thin monitor or something.

Again, just speculating...and it's fun!

 

[n-abounds]

Why close to 4x6 you may ask. Simple it is the common size to exchange / share pictures and such. Not to big and not to small. If you want a larger display the avenue to follow would be a laptop. With the price of laptops so low it would be hard to justify a limited device with a 14 inch screen. Even the standard iPods currently made are to small for sharing pictures much less videos.

Dave

Please learn the difference between "to" and "too". Perhaps you're just tired.

 

[B. Hunter]

Old Shows

http://www.liketelevision.com ?

Great!!!
Thanks for this link.
Did not know it existed.
Has a lot of good shows but not all of them.

 

[z-man]

Give us our movies!

Great!!!
Thanks for this link.
Did not know it existed.
Has a lot of good shows but not all of them.

No problem! It uses a lot of "realplayer" I think, but I remember using it a few years ago (I like some of the old shows too)! If I remember correctly, you can download most of the shows on there (no DRM!).

I've wondered too why Apple does not have more older shows available in iTunes -- there's surely got to be some demand for them. People buy songs they remember, why wouldn't they buy [shows] they remember too?

But who knows? They are always adding tv shows, and maybe tomorrow they'll somehow begin adding movies!

 

[SactoGuy18]

1. No, Apple won't make the nano larger.

I have to disagree here. A slightly larger replacement for the Nano allows for the following: 1) a stronger, scratchproof case, 2) a larger scratchproof display and 3) more space inside the case for a slightly larger battery and 8 to 12 GB of flash memory storage. I'd say the case will be 1.5 mm larger in width and height and 1 mm larger in depth.

I doubt a 16 GB flash memory iPod due to the cost of using that much flash memory per player.

4. Good lord no, if there's one thing Steve tries desperately to cling to it's his notion that a product should ship as soon as possible after announcement, Apple aren't going to kill their iPod sales just to show off the next gen version of the player.

I have to disagree because this "true video iPod" will be a much more expensive device than you think. I'll guess US$550 for the 80 GB player and US$650 for the 120 GB player. As such, my suggested 80 GB and 40 GB hard disk-based iPods will sell for US$399 and US$299, respectively.

 

[B. Hunter]

TV & movie Memories

No problem! It uses a lot of "realplayer" I think, but I remember using it a few years ago (I like some of the old shows too)! If I remember correctly, you can download most of the shows on there (no DRM!).

I've wondered too why Apple does not have more older shows available in iTunes -- there's surely got to be some demand for them. People buy songs they remember, why wouldn't they buy [shows] they remember too?

But who knows? They are always adding tv shows, and maybe tomorrow they'll somehow begin adding movies!

Great point!
For now Apple is playing the modern-hip angle to attract customers.
I am one of those older mac users out there. Please Apple, consider older shows for downloads. They are just as memorable as music!

 

[mensrea]

Bloomberg says:

Disney and New viPod.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a7MNkU.36h8k&refer=news

 

[DrFrankTM]

Possible:

- iSight (higher resolution, much smaller form factor, connect to iPod)

I really like the idea. An iSight small enough to clip on your iPod to film stuff and record it straight to your iPod's hard drive would be pretty cool, I think. It'd still be an add-on though. Maybe Apple will integrate one in an iPod/iPhone a little further down the road instead. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Cue]

Apple Paris Expo

So the Paris Expo has already started. No news to report from over there? :/