Team Pocket-lint predict what we think Apple might launch on 1 September
Another Apple event is almost upon us, but with so many rumours floating around there is plenty that Apple could launch on the big night. Will they launch new iPod models, will they can iPod models. What about iTunes, Garage Band, Apple TV and of course the iPad 2? Then there is cloud-based music services, random products you haven't even thought of and some you have, but just can't remember.?
Here the Pocket-lint editorial team bring you what we think will be announced:
Stuart Miles, Editor
It's a tough one, but I believe the guitar could be referencing the idea that music will be with you wherever you go, very much like a guitar is something that all good rock and roll dudes pack with them on holiday. Think campfire music (as long as there is Wi-FI).
It goes without saying there will be a new iPod touch with FaceTime thanks to a built-in camera and?possibly?a new iPod nano now branded the nano touch (touchscreen of course). Will they dump the iPod classic once and for all? That's a tough one, it's an iconic device that will be hard to let go, but the circular clicky wheel just doesn't have a place in Apple's design ethos anymore - it's counter?intuitive?to the touch approach. Let's hope it's not just a new version of Garage Band.?
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Rik Henderson, news editor
I think the guitar is literal.
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Steve Jobs will come out, sit on a bar stool and play a rendition of Kum Ba Ya, while asking the audience to clap and sing along. Then, unexpectedly, he’ll smash the guitar on stage, a la Pete Townesend, and throw the splintered pieces into the faces of the Gizmodo spies who have sneaked into the auditorium thanks to the site’s invites being revoked for life.
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Then he’ll walk off again, dusting his hands and grinning, leaving the baying crowd silent in shocked disbelief. There’ll be no “one more thing” either. As Johnny Rotten once said, “always leave them wanting more”.
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Either that, or it’ll be the much discussed iPod touch rejig, with camera, retina display, blah blah blah. I also have a weird feeling that a 7-inch iPad could be on the agenda, but then, I did have beans for lunch.
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Dan Sung, Features editor
Well, my predictions are that the Apple fest starts out with a middle of the road, trendy but safe artist playing an acoustic guitar on stage followed by Steve Jobs coming out in trademark black polo neck, mid blue jeans and New Balance trainers. There will then be lots of applause and an in-joke of some sort for anyone that's been reading the media hype build-up to the event. The laughter will not be proportional to the quality of this gag.
After a good bit of market propaganda the new products will start to arrive with each one described as not only "the very best we've ever made" but also better than all the competition. A volley of approximately 43 superlatives will be about par for the course. As for the products themselves, I'm thinking a new iPod touch - finally with camera - and enough beef to cope with iOS4 and a retina screen with almost the identical chassis to the iPhone 4.
Next there'll be a touchscreen Nano of some sort, but perhaps with a new name. Finally, the "one more thing" could well be some kind of iPad - probably the iPad 2. Same size as the old one but with a camera. That said, you'd probably do best to ignore what I say and go with whatever Chris has come up with. He tends to be right about these things.?
Chris Hall, Reviews editor
We’ve seen the guitar, we know it is music. I’ll avoid the usual speculation around the Beatles coming to iTunes (who doesn’t have the collection ripped from CD anyway?). I think this will be an across-the-board update of the iPods, the most significant of which will be the iPod touch, bringing it in line with some of the advancements made with iPhone 4.
I’d expect a higher resolution display with enhanced video playback capabilities, but I’m not expecting a major design overhaul. I think they’ll stick with a metal-backed body, but I do think we’ll see a camera coming into the mix. Am I playing it too safe?
Libby Plummer, Reporter
Could Apple's guitar-themed invite spell the introduction of sheet music and guitar tab on iTunes?? If the iBookstore is anything to go by, then it seems that this would be a obvious product for Apple to sell, particularly as it's already got a captive audience of music fans with cash to burn. And the iPad seems like a good place to look up a few power chords at a moment's notice...
Paul Lamkin, Reporter
It's gonna be the iPod touch 4G. It's a given. Apple is a creature of habit and since 2007 it has always announced an iPod touch in September and I can't see this year being any different.
The Apple guitar on the invite is intriguing though - sure a guitar works for an iPod launch, but it's a bit vague.
I think we could also be seeing a big iTunes announcement regarding live music. Maybe more Apple in-store live music (with acoustic sessions). At the Covent Garden launch they made a big deal about how the courtyard could make an excellent music venue.
So I'm going for the obvious iPod touch launch and some new iTunes Live features.?
Ben Crompton, Production editor?
"If everything goes to plan, then it looks as though Apple will be thrusting another iPod onto the market. It will probably get a camera, and no doubt be very, very shiny; queue inane whoops of delight from audience.
The new iteration of Apple TV should also come to light, and there might be some kind of update for iTunes; you never know, if Apple fans are really lucky it might get a complete overhaul which, arguably, is what it needs".
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Pocket-lint will be live from the event bringing you all the latest news as it happens
Tags:
Audio iPad iPod iTunes Apple Tablets MP3 players Software iPod Touch
Apple Special Event predictions originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100
