iPod Season Coming?

[Eidorian]

iPod season! sweet.

I'll have to get my shotgun ready.

I was about to say the same thing. I'm glad I sold the Nano that I got free after rebate. Not that it's a bad little player, I just want something new.

 

[Proud Liberal]

I think an Apple iPhone is a waste of resources and technology.

Apple is an innovator, not a follower.

I couldn't agree more w/the 1st sentence. But I disagree w/the 2nd sentence, as it relates to MP3 player/iPods. Apple was NOT the "innovator" of MP3 players...the PJB-100 HDD MP3 player came out in 1999 (IIRC); Apple were somewhat slow to market w/the iPod in 2001, but they made MP3 players "hip" and simplified what was already out there. That's not innovation - it's "refining what already exists". Just my 2 cents for the day...

 

[Jetson]

I'm looking forward to Apple's new iPod offerings. However, in addition to whatever new whiz-bang innovations Apple comes up with, I'd like them to first fix some rather annoying problems with their current product:

1. Develop a durable, scratch-resistant finish for the iPod. Prior to the introduction of the Nano, the iPods never had the kind of unusually easy to scratch problem as they have with the current lineup.
2. Provide gapless playback between tracks when playing albums.
3. Improve the smoothness of skipping forward to the next track or back to a previous track. Sometimes music data doesn't get cleared out of the buffer and extraneous bits of music plays back.
4. Improve the robustness of the processor - navigating through screens can be a bit sluggish.
5. If I don't want the operation of my computer to effect the iPod while it's resting in the dock, I have to disconnect it from the computer. Somehow the system isn't smart enough to know that I don't want to start up iTunes to sync the iPod whenever I restart the Mac.
6. Increase the amount of space available to notes.

I'm sure others have additional issues with their iPods. These are relatively minor problems, but they do detract from the perfect experience that we all want to enjoy with our iPods.

 

[Porchland]

i smell a big tide of change at apple.

not only the video ipods. ipod cell phones. ( i would really love a treo replacement with full Ipod & PDA ability!!)

but HDTV content via itunes as well. Apple isnt just readying content for the small screen, but will also offer HD content for bigger screens as well)

perhaps in the fall or spring models which can drive contect secure via HDMI to televisions for full HDTV use as well. which would be awesome. (hoping apple comes out with LCD and plasma tv's at 1080P with integrated speakers, it is time apple upgrades the display options)

What people don't know is that Apple has been asking for HDTV masters for TV shows, and the upcoming movies from the tv and hollywood studios.

The upcoming movie launch will be a precurser to larger things to come. even if HD content doesnt come in the fall. It is coming. Apple is planning on it already.

Apple will make 2007 the year of making apple into a true media center for gaming and video content.

It's not just music at Itunes, and the fall and upcoming year will definitely make this other content core to their strategy to showcase Macintosh vs the rest.

I agree with a whole lot of what you're saying, but I think bandwidth is going to be a huge issue. It already takes too long to download a below-SD quality 40-minute TV episode. SD quality would take longer and HD quality would take a LOT longer on standard broadband connections.

One solution woudl be for Apple to work out a deal with one or more of the cable companies for Apple to produce a Mac mini set-top box that can access on-demand content.

 

[PygmySurfer]

I wonder what typical ipod usage is by different people. For me, the ipod is either:

-plugged into the car
-plugged into a stereo/radio

I dont use it with headphones all that much. Therefore, an iPod phone would serve me no good; I wonder how common my usage patterns are to others, and whehter such patterns are shaping wher the ipod is going.

So, you couldn't plug an iPod Phone into your car or your stereo?

 

[Porchland]

Xmas quarter last year was a record quarter for Apple with 14 Million iPods sold. They will be looking to better this. I predict that new iPods, specially the lower end (shuffle, nano, ..), will be announced earlier in the quarter. Waiting till thanksgiving may be too late to surpass 14M.

Quarterly sales measurement is the reason iPods refreshed in October last year.

Isn't there supposed to be gi-normous Bob Dylan digital box set coming out? This coming Tuesday is the release date for his new album, which Apple is already promoting as a pre-order. Seems like I recall the U2 and Madonna box being announced at iPod launches.

 

[pilotError]

Future

Other then the G5, no models that don't have Intel chips can run 1080i smoothly, let alone 1080p.

Looks like you'll have to upgrade when it does get released. I know Steve just hates it when you upgrade.

Just being a wise guy - seriously, Apple has to move forward, and some older tech is going to be left behind.

I would expect the full video iPod w/ 120gb drive.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I'm looking forward to Apple's new iPod offerings. However, in addition to whatever new whiz-bang innovations Apple comes up with, I'd like them to first fix some rather annoying problems with their current product:

1. Develop a durable, scratch-resistant finish for the iPod. Prior to the introduction of the Nano, the iPods never had the kind of unusually easy to scratch problem as they have with the current lineup.
2. Provide gapless playback between tracks when playing albums.
3. Improve the smoothness of skipping forward to the next track or back to a previous track. Sometimes music data doesn't get cleared out of the buffer and extraneous bits of music plays back.
4. Improve the robustness of the processor - navigating through screens can be a bit sluggish.
5. If I don't want the operation of my computer to effect the iPod while it's resting in the dock, I have to disconnect it from the computer. Somehow the system isn't smart enough to know that I don't want to start up iTunes to sync the iPod whenever I restart the Mac.
6. Increase the amount of space available to notes.

I'm sure others have additional issues with their iPods. These are relatively minor problems, but they do detract from the perfect experience that we all want to enjoy with our iPods.

3 of the 6 things you listed aren't a problem with the older iPods (4th gen and earlier). I don't have a 5th gen one, but from the sounds of it, perhaps apple should work on refining what they have rather than adding more crap (such as the color screen) that slows it down.

and yes, a color screen will slow it down (due to more code needed to make the OS color) eat up battery, and be useless while listening to music.

I just want something nice looking. The 3rd gen and mini were the last iPods to be unique (IMO) let's get something new apple!

 

[p0intblank]

Real iPod video by the holidays? I certainly hope so! They're guaranteed to sell like crazy.

 

[HecubusPro]

I'm hoping that the Merom MBP's will come out before the iPod rebate ends in September so I can sell the rebated iPod nano, and my current iPod video in the further hopes that an even better/real/widescreen iPod video will be coming out soon, because I'm there!

 

[Sean7512]

what ever happened to....

Speaking of the movie store, what ever happened to that large data center that Apple bought some time ago? Surely by now it is ready to go with movies. Anyone even remember what I'm talking about, it seems like it was AGES ago......

 

[~Shard~]

Speaking of the movie store, what ever happened to that large data center that Apple bought some time ago? Surely by now it is ready to go with movies. Anyone even remember what I'm talking about, it seems like it was AGES ago......

You mean this one?

 

[Sean7512]

You mean this one?

That would be the one

 

[scoobz]

New iPod Video Only

Probably BS, but was talking to a city boy (London) recently who told me there was a new iPod coming but it was going to be Video Only... don't know how or why he would know, but sounds like something Apple would do

 

[HecubusPro]

Probably BS, but was talking to a city boy (London) recently who told me there was a new iPod coming but it was going to be Video Only... don't know how or why he would know, but sounds like something Apple would do

They've already proven with the first iteration of the iPod video that MP3s and movies can coexist on the same device. Why would they decide to separate them now? Seems like it would be an odd step back or sideways.

 

[balamw]

told me there was a new iPod coming but it was going to be Video Only...

I guess this explains the improved closed captions in QT under Leopard.

Since the new iPod is video only, i.e. doesn't make any sound, I guess we'll all have to learn to read. Great news for those who own silent movie archives!

B

 

[~Shard~]

Probably BS, but was talking to a city boy (London) recently who told me there was a new iPod coming but it was going to be Video Only... don't know how or why he would know, but sounds like something Apple would do

Yeah, not including any audio whatsoever - sounds like something Apple would do alright...

 

[SeaFox]

Well of course they're going to do an iPod update now, I just bought one!

Well, not really. I bought a used 1GB Shuffle with the external battery pack on eBay yesterday. But if there was a sudden shuffle update with a smaller form factor or more battery life and available in black, I would resell and buy a new one instead.

 

[NYmacAttack]

Maybe they will finally bring back an iPod with a firewire connection

 

[ezekielrage_99]

I'd say it's a sure thing, it's nearly been 12 months since the last update and Apple did settle the thing with Creative very quickly.

My fingers are crossed for a new iPod for next tuesday

Maybe they will finally bring back an iPod with a firewire connection

The Firewire iPods rocked, why did Apple kill that off

 

[gugy]

The Firewire iPods rocked, why did Apple kill that off

because of size. They want a thin enclosure and the firewire port is pretty thick.

I'd say it's a sure thing, it's nearly been 12 months since the last update and Apple did settle the thing with Creative very quickly.

My fingers are crossed for a new iPod for next tuesday

I would say any new Ipod will come with a special event. I doubt only a Tuesday announcement will do it.
i look forward October as the time frame for that.

 

[Lollypop]

because of size. They want a thin enclosure and the firewire port is pretty thick.

What about the dock connector? Have the dock connector on the one end and the firewire port on the other end.. the end that plugs into the computer.....

Ive gotten a new iPod every year for my birthday, I dont care when exactly they release something new, just as long as its before the end of oktober... LOL

 

[KindredMAC]

because of size. They want a thin enclosure and the firewire port is pretty thick.

What are you talking about???? The Dock Connector-to-Firewire was used with every iPod from Gen 3 up to just last year. The large FW port hasn't been used on the actual iPod in years.

If they are going to do full on video, Firewire needs to make a come back. I have too many USB devices already anyways.

How about true Firewire 800 capabilities if you have it???? Can you imagine how fast your iPod could get synced with that kind of raw speed and power?????? I use my FW 800 on my Power Mac G5 for my iPod but it is dumbed down to 400 max speeds.

 

[gugy]

guys,
I know there is a dock connector. But there are times that people are on the go and need to plug the cable direct to the ipod to recharge etc.
I love Firewire, but to keep the enclosure thin, the size of firewire cable head is a problem. Unless Apple has a new idea, I think they rather have the enclosure thin, that's why USB is a choise.
And if I am not mistaken, the fact ipod is also mostly used by PC users, that contribute a lot for USB to become the choice as well.

 

[MacSync]

Firewire on iPods

Actually my 5G iPod will plug in just fine with my 3G firewire to dock cable. The only problem is that it only supports charging of the unit. No syncing. Due to the thickness of the 5G iPod, Apple elected to remove some of the firewire circuitry from the interior of the iPod. I'm not very happy about this. I much prefer the sync speed of my 3G through firewire.