The Beat Goes On: Nano, Touch, Beatles, Wireless?

[lilljimi]

if any one is going to make a" killer "

The 10k's figure is a guess, of course, but I don't see how anyone could assert that a fully Internet-enabled iPod would not cut noticeably into the iPhone's sales. The issue of revenue from iPods is irrelevant here: Apple is not going to let anything they make threaten the iPhone at this point in time, either in terms of sales or perceptions. And if they do, then it's going to be one of their more serious blunders in recent memory as far as I'm concerned.

if any/one is going to make anything that is an apple product killer it
should be apple , i heard steve say that before
think about it
you dont let someone else make a better product than yours
and have them knock your product out
its better to have one of your own new products knock the older product out
what if they came out with the *podphone* say , same as iphone cept.
you could use it with any carrier and had gps and 3g , what would happen ?
just to toss that out there
any how if apple pushes one of there product out , with a new one or other one apple still wins
pritty simple

 

[needthephone]

There's lots of talk of the google phone which is apparently going to launch soon.


Just pure speculation but:

Are Google and apple going to announce a joint venture? Al Gore is on both apple and google boards and they have very strong links in many ways???

Does apple think that the google phone (rumoured to be low cost and offer very low cost internet based calls) will totally change the mobile phone market place that it has decided to put its multi touch technology into the ipod already, knowing that it has to concentrate on ipods as no one can compete with google phone???

I would be surprised to see a multitouch ipod as it risks stealing iphone sales. But who knows..

 

[hatcher146]

The iPod will have Wi-Fi, but will not have all the stocks or weather or any of that stuff. Wi-Fi will be for file sharing and Safari. The other 18 features will be taken up by NON-connectivity related MEDIA PLAYING features.

this is what im thinking/hoping too. i dont think the new "ipod touch" will have stocks, weather, etc. i think all of that is irelevant for the iPod. but it will have wifi for safari. safari is a breakthrough for apple and they arent just gonna keep it on the iPhone. they will use it on the upcoming iPod. i really hope they do. and file sharing would be a great idea also.

 

[Rick America]

On this "WIFI iPod eating into iPhone" debate, just a few observations:

1. Of all the technology companies I have ever observed or worked with directly, Apple has been the sole one to never be afraid of launching new products at the "expense" of existing ones. IF you look at other technology companies that have crashed over the years, every one of them fail because of this misguided fear. Vendors never control a marketplace (for long) --- ultimately the buyer does and buyers are not stupid. They know when they are being manipulated and ultimately the vendor trying to do so pays the price..

2. WIFI iPod (with browser like iPhone) would be an internet convenience feature and not a PC replacement.

3. Many people cannot get an iPhone either because AT&T is not available (or does not provide reliable/quality coverage) where they are, or they are still locked into 2-year contracts to other providers, or no provider at all exists (many countries around the world). And, this potential marketplace globally (don't think US only here) is huge --- significantly larger than someone who might choose to but a WIFI iPod instead of an iPhone. iPhone service/availability is not global or pervasive and will not be for quite some time. WIFI internet is though. What better way to tap this marketplace and provide a platform for these users to move up to an iPhone later than with a WIFI iPod (iPhone without the phone).

4. The issue for Apple is profit. If the cost/pricing is right and the profit margin on a WIFI iPod and iPhone of similar capacities is the same, there is no erosion here. And the "upside" for profit by tapping the market outlined above in #3 is huge.

Just my two-cents...for what it's worth...

 

[Iced Angel]

would it be the same price as video iPod ?? I just sold my iPods... waiting for new touch screen

 

[Cloudane]

Speculation is fun, but some people really are going to the far end of a fart! (And I notice others stating their beliefs as fact or pretending they have "contacts", that's religion for you I suppose!)

There is no need to go completely nuts. To borrow a phrase from JK Rowling - soon you will know EVERYTHING!

 

[madmaxmedia]

1. In general, yes. I think Apple is product-centered, meaning they recognize the importance of creating great products. They have a closed platform that sometimes limits customer choices, but at the same time they do expand their product lines when there is a market.

2. Agreed.

3. Agreed.

4. Agreed, there is definitely a good argument for greater overall profitability IMO. Especially since there is always competition to watch out for.

But all that being said...remember the fanfare over the iPhone introduction. In the long run, all your points above hold true. But in the short term, Apple does need to be careful regarding perception of the iPhone product and launch.

On this "WIFI iPod eating into iPhone" debate, just a few observations:

1. Of all the technology companies I have ever observed or worked with directly, Apple has been the sole one to never be afraid of launching new products at the "expense" of existing ones. IF you look at other technology companies that have crashed over the years, every one of them fail because of this misguided fear. Vendors never control a marketplace (for long) --- ultimately the buyer does and buyers are not stupid. They know when they are being manipulated and ultimately the vendor trying to do so pays the price..

2. WIFI iPod (with browser like iPhone) would be an internet convenience feature and not a PC replacement.

3. Many people cannot get an iPhone either because AT&T is not available (or does not provide reliable/quality coverage) where they are, or they are still locked into 2-year contracts to other providers, or no provider at all exists (many countries around the world). And, this potential marketplace globally (don't think US only here) is huge --- significantly larger than someone who might choose to but a WIFI iPod instead of an iPhone. iPhone service/availability is not global or pervasive and will not be for quite some time. WIFI internet is though. What better way to tap this marketplace and provide a platform for these users to move up to an iPhone later than with a WIFI iPod (iPhone without the phone).

4. The issue for Apple is profit. If the cost/pricing is right and the profit margin on a WIFI iPod and iPhone of similar capacities is the same, there is no erosion here. And the "upside" for profit by tapping the market outlined above in #3 is huge.

Just my two-cents...for what it's worth...

 

[andypullen]

What I would do...

I really don't know what to expect as far as new iPods go, but if I were Steve Jobs, Phil Schiller and Jonathan Ive all in one I would probably do this:

1. Update the shuffle with storage bumps (probably to 2GB) and the rumored (RED) with the same price point
2. Update the nano with storage bumps of 8 and 16GB at the same price points.
3. Update the current 5.5G iPod video with 32GB flash and an anodized aluminum case, giving it just as big of a footprint as the 5.5G but just as thick as the nano (a little thicker for a better battery) at the same $249 price point. I'm wondering if that's what the "iPod Phatty" is. I know some people are suggesting that on various sites. This and the nano would have OS X on it with an interface that would work with the click wheel. Maybe it will be that UI that was leaked a month or two ago?
4. Add a full-screen multi touch iPod running OS X to the lineup, using the series of Apple's patented gestures to play, pause and skip tracks so that it would be just as simple (maybe even simpler) to use as the current click-wheel input. That way we would not have to be looking at our iPod to do basic tasks, and we wouldn't even have to fumble around to find the click wheel (not that it's that hard). If it doesn't have wifi (which I'd think would be the case, unfortunately for those of us who will buy one), it would have notes, calendar, and contacts widgets with the same interface as the iPhone for editing entries (and even meta data for media files) on the fly. It would have 80GB and 120GB (or more) options. It would keep the mini jack for the standard iPod headphones and the dock connector on the bottom, to retain compatibility with all 5G and earlier dock connector accessories. I would also definitely keep white as an option... it's iconic... it's definitely the one I would buy.
5. A possible update to the current iPhone configurations... although it's probably too early in the product life-cycle to see any spec boosts, but we might see some extra widget (maybe iChat?) or a significant software update (copy/paste functionality and the ability to send iCal events over Mail?).

By doing this, it would bridge the gap between the iPod and iPhone without "cannibalizing" iPhone sales whatsoever. And even if it did a little it would not be detrimental to the iPhone, because it would still make sense to have a high end iPod and an iPhone. The only way that Apple won't add a gap in their product line is to keep an iPod at the $250-300 price point. A good upgrade would be an aluminum nano-ized form factor with a flash drive instead of the current HDD.

I'm sure a lot of people are suggesting these things, probably exactly, but I've read a lot of comments suggesting that the iPod Phatty mockups are the new nano... I think it's the 6G iPod video. But we'll have to see on Wednesday morning.

Cheers.

 

[Rick America]

But all that being said...remember the fanfare over the iPhone introduction. In the long run, all your points above hold true. But in the short term, Apple does need to be careful regarding perception of the iPhone product and launch.

All comes down to "spin and marketing" --- again, "Advantage Apple"

 

[Don Bagles]

I had the opportunity to see the leaked specs this morning. I had a mini-heart attack from joy, and that's why I didn't come on the forums to tell you guys until now.

They're watching me, so I can't tell you guys the specs. I can only say that NONE of you will be disappointed.

 

[Garage Battle]

I had the opportunity to see the leaked specs this morning. I had a mini-heart attack from joy, and that's why I didn't come on the forums to tell you guys until now.

They're watching me, so I can't tell you guys the specs. I can only say that NONE of you will be disappointed.

you know don you could always just, you know, log in with an account like 'Jack Donuts' and tell us what they are. you know.

 

[Wayfarer]

I had the opportunity to see the leaked specs this morning. I had a mini-heart attack from joy, and that's why I didn't come on the forums to tell you guys until now.

They're watching me, so I can't tell you guys the specs. I can only say that NONE of you will be disappointed.

Eh, what you blabberin' aboot?

 

[unimac]

Dont you mess around. You better be telling the truth !!!!
I take this kind of statement seriously

 

[Don Bagles]

you know don you could always just, you know, log in with an account like 'Jack Donuts' and tell us what they are. you know.

Apple told me that if the specs are leaked, and they don't have proof that it wasn't leaked by me, then they'll blame it on me.

Just wait till Wednesday. If I can wait until Wednesday, after seeing the specs of a line-up that has a very real chance of taking over 95% of the MP3 player market, you can wait too!

 

[nirvana06]

I had the opportunity to see the leaked specs this morning. I had a mini-heart attack from joy, and that's why I didn't come on the forums to tell you guys until now.

They're watching me, so I can't tell you guys the specs. I can only say that NONE of you will be disappointed.

send me a PM...I just want to know if wifi is present.

 

[P.B.]

Apple told me that if the specs are leaked, and they don't have proof that it wasn't leaked by me, then they'll blame it on me.

Yeah, I was told the same after Elvis revealed the murderer of JFK to me. Oh boy, you'd all be surprised!

 

[nirvana06]

Yeah, I was told the same after Elvis revealed the murderer of JFK to me. Oh boy, you'd all be surprised!

2pac confirmed that story to me a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Don Bagles]

Remember when Apple's homepage said "The First 30 years Were Just The Beginning. Welcome to 2007."?

September 5th is what they were referring to.

 

[i0Nic]

Yeah, I was told the same after Elvis revealed the murderer of JFK to me. Oh boy, you'd all be surprised!

2pac confirmed that story to me a couple of weeks ago.

I bumped into an alien at Roswell who already had an ipod touch with wifi. He just bought Loving the Alien by Velvet Revolver with the wireless iTunes store.

 

[hatcher146]

Remember when Apple's homepage said "The First 30 years Were Just The Beginning. Welcome to 2007."?

September 5th is what they were referring to.

i hope this is true. i cant wait to see what apple brings to the table. maybe more than just the iPod?? maybe they have that "one more thing..."


also....why would apple tell YOU the specs???

 

[Don Bagles]

i hope this is true. i cant wait to see what apple brings to the table. maybe more than just the iPod?? maybe they have that "one more thing..."


also....why would apple tell YOU the specs???

Apple didn't tell me. One of their workers did. The guy asked me to respect his NDA until he chooses (if he chooses) to send the info to appleinsider or macrumors.

 

[Stang68]

****...thats all I have to say.

 

[Quickdood]

Release Date

I know the announcement is on Wednesday but does anyone know if apple usually makes the product available at Apple Stores the day it is announced. For example does anyone know if the Nano was available the day it was announced or did it take a while to get to stores? If so how many days?

PS: I know it will prob be available on the online apple store on announcement day but I am worried more about the retail store cause I don't want to pay for over night shipping.

 

[Don Bagles]

I know the announcement is on Wednesday but does anyone know if apple usually makes the product available at Apple Stores the day it is announced. For example does anyone know if the Nano was available the day it was announced or did it take a while to get to stores? If so how many days?

PS: I know it will prob be available on the online apple store on announcement day but I am worried more about the retail store cause I don't want to pay for over night shipping.

Why not? That's the fun of it! I live on an island, so I don't have an apple store near me, so i'm definitely ordering one the minute the apple online store is up, with overnight shipping.

 

[ARM2007]

All I know is. Here in the UK, where I work we have been told we will be receiveing them on Friday