August 29, 2005 11:20 AM PDT
Apple hints at big music announcement
Last modified: August 29, 2005 12:15 PM PDT
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The company sent an invitation to reporters on Monday morning for a "special event" being held Sept. 7 in San Francisco.
"1,000 songs in your pocket changed everything," the invitation reads, referring to the release of the first 5GB iPod nearly four years ago. "Here we go again."
As with any planned announcement from Apple, details are scarce and rumors are running rampant. However, some potential clues have emerged.
Record company executives have said recently that Apple has been seeking licenses to distribute a wide variety of music videos through the iTunes music store, and that the computer company has told them of plans to unveil an iPod that plays video.
Research firm iSuppli recently reported that Samsung Electronics was dedicating a large amount--perhaps as much as 40 percent--of its flash memory production to Apple, leading to speculation that the Mac maker was preparing a larger-capacity version of its flash-based Shuffle player, or even switching its iPod Mini to a flash-based technology.
Apple sold 6.1 million iPods in its last fiscal quarter, and the company has ridden the demand for the music player to its strongest financial position in years.
Other Apple-linked products are also nearing market release. Motorola has said that a long-promised iTunes cell phone will ship before the end of September. And the latest version of iTunes, version 4.9, contains hidden references to mobile-phone features, adding to the expectation that an iTunes-compatible cell phone is coming soon.
The Federal Communications Commission has granted regulatory approval for Motorola to start selling one iTunes-capable phone, although it is not certain that handset will be the first model Motorola introduces.
Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg cautioned against expecting anything too far out of Apple's existing product line, saying that a video iPod is unlikely. The iTunes-compatible phone is a likely candidate, he said, but added that the company could have surprises in store.
"When it comes to Apple announcements, expectations are often set unrealistically by Apple enthusiasts," Gartenberg said. "But Apple has been known to pull rabbits out of the proverbial hat. It may be a new category of device altogether."
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ground it new ways that others will try to copy, it would be cool to
place a link to yahoo's finance section for those who want to track
or buy Apple stock. It is up 3or 4 fold in as many years, what a
great investment http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=aapl
Or still waiting on the Wireless iPod, Bluetooth 2 is now in the new machines, so that's a possiblity.
And to the other comment on Apple Stock, a sure way to triple your money in the next 5 years is Apple. It's very unlikely anyone can compete with them in the Music arena, (they own all 4 parts to the future of music, (iTunes, the Apple Music Store, iPod and Logic/GarageBand) everyone else, barely has 1) and with OSX... the Mac is by far the top computer for smart buyers worldwide.
If or when Apple decides to Advertise and Distribute the Mac, it's all over for Windows & Linux.
The Fat Lady is warming up... and will soon have a 99 cent song on iTunes
http://aaron365.blogspot.com
Unless Apple are trying to take credit for the idea of another company... no Apple wouldn't do that.
new Newton or something like it. Samsung's flash memory not for a
new iPod Shuffle but the memory for the Newton. I think that there
is a large enough demand for a new Newton and could be what is
up Jobs' sleve...
2. A cell-phone with enough flash memory to compete with the
mini, and completely synch with iLife.
3. Probably the most desireable, but most un-likely, is a new
"Newton". But they sold their rights to that a long time ago. But a
Newton like device with all the capabilities of a cell phone, AND a
mini, with no moving parts would be a dream. But like I said most
un-likely.
unfortunately it is only available in a 5GB version, but a 20GB 'carry-on luggage' edition complete with extending handle and rollers is on the way
- Everyone assuming this is music oriented.
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by
August 31, 2005 10:18 AM PDT
- Why is everyone assuming this is music oriented? The invite floating around on the internet certainly doesn't make mention of music. I'm thinking they held off on releasing the phone to make us think this event is for the iPhone. In reality, I am willing to bet this is something TOTALLY different.
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