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[sonycowboy]

I predict 5th HDD iPods that are more compact and styled in line with the nano.

Ding ding ding. Although, they're actually likely only to be:

1) Bumped up capacity for the same price - 20GB -> 40GB, 40GB -> 80GB
2) Dual color options ala Nano - Black & White.

All according to the latest 2 Thinksecret updates. Also rumored, a refresh to the desktop line, not stated if it's pro or consumer.

October 9, 2005 - Two new iPod configurations, each available in two colors, will debut at Apple's media event on Wednesday, sources have told Think Secret. The new models will be priced exactly the same as the ones they replace, at $299 and $399.
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As previously reported, the October 12 event will see the debut of updated iPods, but the new units may feature changes less significant than the video capabilities some have touted. Sources have said the new iPods will sport slightly smaller enclosures; the $399 iPod could potentially see a bump in capacity to 80GB while the $299 iPod could get a bump to 40GB. The color options will likely mirror those of the iPod nano, in white and black.

Apple is reportedly not worried about extending the capacity gap between the 4GB iPod nano and the current 20GB iPod as the nano and iPod mini it replaced have sold far more units than the full-size ipod. Meanwhile, one Madonna fan site has predicted that Apple will debut a pink Madonna-edition iPod nano. Think Secret sources could not confirm that development.

Lastly, reliable sources have informed Think Secret to expect at least four new Mac configurations on Wednesday, although further details were not specified.

 

[tedtropy]

Eh, less "failed," more "about 3-5 years too early." I don't think ANYONE was ready for that kind of device. The technology just didn't allow it to be as small as it should've been. I'm all for a comeback, though.

Yep. Apple sunk a ton of money and resources into the Newton, and it was a pretty brilliant gadget, it just didn't make it out in the right time and in the proper size. They pretty much paved the way for Palm. They got rich, while Apple had to can the Newton. Go figure.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

The Newton was a great device, and way ahead of it's time, but another contributing factor to it's "failure" was that it was expensive. $1000 for a PDA is just too much for a prouduct like that to go mainstream. Size was obviously an issue as well, but the Newton pretty much invented the PDA. Many current PDA's have yet to catch up to the Newton in terms of handwriting recognition. It was amazing.

As for iPods scratching, like any device this is a concern. However, there have been complaints about the PSP scratching as well, and except for the fingerprints, mine looks like I just took it out of the box. Guess it's all in the way you handle it.

 

[shantyman]

It's a portable device. Because of that very fact it should be designed to be durable. It's not sitting on a display shelf, it's getting banged around in the real, mean world. While the scratching doesn't impact the functionality of the device, it'd of been nice if it didn't occur in the first place. See the GBA SP for my idea of a well-designed portable gadget.

You are contradicting yourself. It is as durable as can be. You can get mad about a car getting bugs on the front bumpers too, but it does not amke the car less durable.

 

[ckohler]

Interesting side note:
Two ex-Apple Newton developers founded Pixo, the company that created the iPod's OS.

 

[tedtropy]

You are contradicting yourself. It is as durable as can be. You can get mad about a car getting bugs on the front bumpers too, but it does not amke the car less durable.

Yeah, but my paint doesn't flake off when I wash off said bug goo either. The car will generally look as good after cleaning it. Perhaps I should've been more specific and said 'aesthetically durable'. I just don't think it makes a load of sense to put a very scratchable coating on a portable device.

 

[aparisi2274]

This was in today's New York Post:

MADONNA IN THE IPINK WITH IPOD

By LEONARD GREENE


October 12, 2005 -- Get into the groove — the newest addition to the iPod family is expected to be a pink nano loaded with all of Madonna's hits.

Apple plans to unveil the new vanity version of its razor-thin music player today in San Jose, Calif., according to industry insiders.

The pink music player would be the first artist-backed iPod since U2 lent its name and music to a jet-black special edition last year.

Rumors about the Material Pod have been circulating on the Internet faster than the latest iTune. Gadget-watcher Jonathan Dusing even snatched up the Web address madonnaipod.com in hopes of cashing in on the craze.

"They don't have any colored iPods anymore," said Dusing, an Arizona computer technician. "I think the pink ones would do pretty well."

The new iPod is being unveiled a month after the company introduced the iPod nano along with the ROKR iTunes cellphone from Motorola.

Madonna, who sang "Justify My Love," might have to justify her turnaround.

Before she started hawking the ROKR and the iPod, she was very vocal against music file-swapping, and refused to make her tunes available for legal online downloads.

 

[Deku Tree]

I've been waiting to buy my new super desktop system,
SO BRING ON SOME GOOD DESKTOP UPDATES STEVE!!

 

[pxleyes]

This was in today's New York Post:

You gotta be shitting me...

 

[aparisi2274]

You gotta be shitting me...

what? Is it because it was in the Post? Or because they broke the story on what it might be before the offical announcement?

 

[Phoenix]

Interesting side note:
Two ex-Apple Newton developers founded Pixo, the company that created the iPod's OS.

So was Danger, the people who make the Sidekick.

 

[borghe]

You gotta be shitting me...

I guarantee they will release a new color. that was the signature of their mini line.

though I really don't think that will be the focus. I think it will be bigger than most people are believing. it all goes back to the september event. everyone was sure it would be the phone. by the time right before the event everyone thought they had it all figured out, then jobs came with the nano and blew everyone away.

same thing will happen here. the most apt quote I have seen about this whole thing is that probably only 5 people outside of steve jobs know exactly what the REAL "one more thing" is.

Personally I am starting to care less and less. Not because it won't be cool but I am happy with my 60GB ipod (and don't really want to be unhappy with it) and just bought the wife a 2GB nano (and don't want to be unhappy with that either) but it will still be interesting to see what it is.

 

[mrklaw]

Ding ding ding. Although, they're actually likely only to be:

1) Bumped up capacity for the same price - 20GB -> 40GB, 40GB -> 80GB
2) Dual color options ala Nano - Black & White.

All according to the latest 2 Thinksecret updates. Also rumored, a refresh to the desktop line, not stated if it's pro or consumer.

thats a reason for a dedicated event, using a cinema curtain as a backdrop?

surely a rationalisation of the range is something you'd unveil at yesterdays business results, to counter having figures lower than analyst expectations.

 

[AB 101]

MADONNA IN THE IPINK WITH IPOD

Well, there is "the one more thing".

I sort of have a feeling this event will be a let down.

I love Apple but screw a vPd with tiny ass screen. Its fine for music.

Anyways, I want a media type server device but we won't get one.

Why?

Apple. All iPod. All the time.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

The "One more thing..." line is usually something Steve Jobs says at the end of his keynote addresses when he's about to unveil the coolest new innovation that Apple has in the wings. He does it regularly when there is something new.

My guess is we'll see new gen 5 iPods, revisions to the Powerbook and Power Mac line, and possible "One more thing..."

 

[Phoenix]

I'll just put it this way. Apple has never announced an invite only conference just to announce some minor upgrades to existing products - EVER. That would be entirely uncharacteristic of them. While I have note that 'some things are in the queue', I have no idea what's coming and I know people at Apple... and some of THEM don't know what's coming (or are sworn to kill their first born if they tell). This suggests that there is some big news coming - more than just product line upgrades... those generally just "show up" on the website without any pomp and circumstance.

 

[AB 101]

A video iPod just would not be shock and awe at all.

Almost everyone and their grandmother is predicting it.

And one would think Apple and Jobs would know that.

 

[DECK'ARD]

I think whatever they announce today, the video iPod will just be one element of it.

 

[pxleyes]

what? Is it because it was in the Post? Or because they broke the story on what it might be before the offical announcement?

My comment was in reference to how shitty that would make the announcement.

 

[SuperPac]

iPod with larger screen spotted in new ad... it's on macrumors.com and pictured here -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ipodlounger/51879670/in/photostream/

 

[Futureman]

iPod Video represent:

 

[The Bookerman]

They didn't do a single announcement like this simply for a Pink Madonna Nano Ipod... that'd be dumb.

 

[boredJonathan]

ick

Maybe it'll look better in non-silhouette form, but my insta-pundit says ugly design. Also, screen looks way to small.

 

[dkeane]

Well I'm excited. Bring it on Apple. Not that I'm interested in buying anything from them. They've gotten enough of my money this year already.

 

[chinch]

you don't need 20>>40GB or 40>>60GB upgrades for "music" as mini/nano sales prove.

if they get a larger HDD you're obviously looking at video capability

 

[Futureman]

I predict Apple's big trump card with the iPod video is going to be video Podcasts. Places like BBC, CNN, ESPN, etc. will put 10 min or so videos up everyday recapping news and sports. The screen doesn't have to be that big for this kind of functionality. Video iPods aren't going to be for you to sit and watch a 4 hour extended cut of Lord of the Rings. Just doesn't make sense.

 

[Futureman]

If this is a fake, it's the best fake I've seen. Especially because it looks like the same exact size as in those leaked ads:

 

[Juice]

http://www.thinksecret.com/news/0510oct12e.html

The best news all day: Current color iPods should be capable of playing the video clips transfered from iTunes

Second best news all day: This kinda too-wide-to-hold iPod is NOT the planned "iPod video" they're rolling out as soon as iFilms launches next spring pending publisher agreements.

Third best news all day: the new design's width coupled with the potentiality of the nano to play itty bitty res versions of the same video mean the iPod upgrades won't cannabalize anything's sales at all. People will keep buying iPods with the incentive of the bigger screen and recent purchasers won't be screwed.

Oh, and pink Madonna iPod. Gay.

I need a video of this non-keynote. Stat.

 

[borghe]

A video iPod just would not be shock and awe at all.

you are correct.

however a video ipod combined with a truly compelling video download service (pay or free) would be shock and awe. That is the one obstacle companies like Creative and Archos haven't been able to overcome. People look at the Archos and love it, but then ask how they can watch movies and are told they have to jump through hoops to get it on the system.

If apple can deliver a video ipod and a simple idiot proof way to get content to the system, that would be shock and awe.

 

[N Coward Parody]

It's on...

 

[Phoenix]

I predict Apple's big trump card with the iPod video is going to be video Podcasts. Places like BBC, CNN, ESPN, etc. will put 10 min or so videos up everyday recapping news and sports.

We're learning

 

[borghe]

It's on...

there you have it. new ipods, available today.

apple, you did it again you wascawy wabbit you.

 

[Juice]

Additional thoughts:

Don't know what to call the iPod upgrades (that aren't the radically different iPod videos still forthcoming in future months), but these thoughts come to mind:

-You can fit a fuckton lot of compressed video into 80GB.
-The ability to use the same Composite cable to export that video in Xvid or H.264 to a TV would be a fucking PSP KILLER as a video app. The PSP had a steep mountain to climb brand-wise as it was, but if the iPod has great integration with the assured 5.1 version of iTunes for transferring video, then this definitely has the potential to slow down PSP adoption by the video buying crowd.
-If my nano can play videos on its tiny little screen, I totally just got my money's worth out of it.
-I can't imagine real people holding an iPod that wide with one hand like that and wrapping their fingers around. Even the silhouettes make it look painful.
-Good job sticking with the iPod brand name and not fucking around with it like you did with "iPod Photo" (which was later dropped entirely). The iPod Video, if it does end up having a radically different case when it's unveiled in the future, might end up being warranted as a secondary brand--but somehow I doubt it. iPod will just become a multimedia device in a natural progression.

 

[Phoenix]

http://www.thinksecret.com/news/0510oct12e.html

The best news all day: Current color iPods should be capable of playing the video clips transfered from iTunes

Best Guess:
iTunes Movie/Video Store, all current iPods already have hidden video functionality

He shoots, he scores

 

[N Coward Parody]

Yeah, if the Nano can play videos (and video podcasts specifically) I'll ditch the idea of getting my poor busted mini fixed and just take the Nano plunge.

 

[Juice]

He shoots, he scores

I always liked you. Good call.

 

[ManaByte]

-The ability to use the same Composite cable to export that video in Xvid or H.264 to a TV would be a fucking PSP KILLER as a video app. The PSP had a steep mountain to climb brand-wise as it was, but if the iPod has great integration with the assured 5.1 version of iTunes for transferring video, then this definitely has the potential to slow down PSP adoption by the video buying crowd.

It'll slow down the DVD pirates from buying a PSP, but those who buy legitimate movies will still get a PSP as I doubt you'll see major studios releasing iPod versions of their movies online.

 

[borghe]

I swear to god, if my ipod ends up being able to play video, jobs can have my wife... I can always get another one. (though I'm taking her birthday nano first).

 

[Juice]

Yeah, if the Nano can play videos (and video podcasts specifically) I'll ditch the idea of getting my poor busted mini fixed and just take the Nano plunge.

Yeah, I actually just ordered

a scratch remover: www.applesauce.com

and a (fucking amazing) helicopter-blade grade plastic skin:
www.theinvisibleshield.com

for my Nano yesterday. They can't come soon enough, as I'll be rocking out to 1" videos constantly.

... haven't been this excited about playing videos on a 1" screen since I stole my Grandpa's c.1950s portable radio television.

God, I shouldn't take for granted that this works on Nanos.... but it feels so right!

 

[Juice]

It'll slow down the DVD pirates from buying a PSP, but those who buy legitimate movies will still get a PSP as I doubt you'll see major studios releasing iPod versions of their movies online.

You'll probably see it from every major studio but Sony-owned ones come next Spring. Odds are Jobs will break another deal where Apple gets the revenue but only breaks even on content distribution.

It'd be ridiculous to think a forward-looking publisher would PAY MONEY to invest in UMD movies, but wouldn't PAY NOTHING to have their movies available for instant purchase via the Internet in a reliably encrypted way.

 

[ManaByte]

You'll probably see it from every major studio but Sony-owned ones come next Spring. Odds are Jobs will break another deal where Apple gets the revenue but only breaks even on content distribution.

It'd be ridiculous to think a forward-looking publisher would PAY MONEY to invest in UMD movies, but wouldn't PAY NOTHING to have their movies available for instant purchase via the Internet in a reliably encrypted way.

They can control their copyrighted content on a UMD disc, they can't reliably control it online.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

how long?

 

[Juice]

They can control their copyrighted content on a UMD disc, they can't reliably control it online.

Judging from a breeze through bittorrent, I can get a UMD ISO or Xvid rip of any UMD release I want. That's hardly control.

Control is an encrypted format, something Apple would need to provide (as well as an easy tool to rip DVDs to your machine, just like ripping CDs to your library)

 

[GhaleonEB]

how long?

Starts in 13 minutes.

 

[Juice]

Nuh-uh, 12.

 

[GhaleonEB]

Nuh-uh, 12.

*shakes fist*

:lol

 

[xsarien]

But my 3G 20GB and I have been through so much together.

 

[teiresias]

Since I'm thinking of getting a 4Gig Nano I welcome this news, but I really do fail to see what the attraction is to watching video on any Ipod - then again, I don't understand this fascination with music videos on cell phones, so maybe I'm just not the right market for this kind of thing.

 

[aparisi2274]

6mins

 

[Smiles and Cries]

can't wait