Let's Talk Apple » “It’s Only Rock and Roll” Rumor Roundup

itsonlyrockandroll

Tomorrow is the big event, and Apple is set to release new software and hardware. Based on the invitation and the timing of the event, we can predict that the event is all about Music. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all of the rumors on all of the blogs, so I have gathered all of them right here for you! Convenient? Yes.

Something tells me this is going to be another Schiller-note, despite some of the rumors that Steve Jobs would be hosting. However, there is something funky about this event. It is the only event, to my knowlege, that has been scheduled on a Wednesday. I am sure we will find out why tomorrow…

iTunes 9

Snow Leopard did not contain a new iTunes Update, as iTunes is kept separate from the OS. We should be seeing iTunes jump up a version number tomorrow, making it iTunes 9 and adding some serious functionality.

itunes-9

New iPhone/iPod Touch Integration The new iTunes 9 will have the ability to reorganize applications from within the application, and sync the changes back to your device.
Blu-ray Support This was rumored to be in the last interaton of iTunes, and has returned a second time with more chance than ever. Blu-ray is now the official medium for HD Movies, and HD-DVD is out of the race.
iTunes Subscriptions A lot of people, including myself, are hoping this rumor is true. Imagine having the ability to download all of the music you can think of (Like Microsoft’s Subscription Service & the Zune), with the ability to purchase tracks for keeps. AppleTell [Link] points out that “A similar service to this has been launched in the UK, called Spotify, and has been incredibly successful.”
Social Networking Some people seem to think Apple might introduce a link between iTunes and various Social Networks like Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm. The Guardian’s Bobbie Johnson [Link] had an interesting opinion on the new multimedia beast:

I think if Apple adds social networking tools it will be the start of a larger push in that direction (since the company has largely avoided this area in the past). The idea of a subscription service has been around for years with no movement, but it could be brought in for video content as a way to encourage more usage. I expect to see iTunes 9 to be full of largely incremental advances, offering a smarter Genius, shinier chrome and better viewing experience.

iPod and iPod Touch

Every year, around this time, Apple upgrades their iPod lineup for the upcoming holiday season. With the focus on music, we can definitely expect to see some updates.

itunes-9

Camera The iPod Touch is long overdue for a camera upgrade to make it more like it’s older brother, the iPhone.
Death to iPod Classic Some sites are claiming the iPod Classic will be discontinued, and officially replaced by the iPod Touch. Apparently the market for a high-capacity music player has fallen to only a small portion of the market.
Minor Upgrades As always, Apple will most likely upgrade the iPod lineup with small memory increases, and minor price cuts. Just recently, 9 to 5 Mac [Link] noted that Apple might keep the older version of the iPod Touch, and sell it for $149

iPhone

Not much for our beloved device, but there is a rumored 3.1 Update to the iPhone OS making headlines around the net. After AT&T revealed there will be a MMS update on September 25th, we can definitely expect a small announcement for the iPhone tomorrow.

Apple TV

This is a tricky one. In the past few years, Apple TV has not caught on and has received no love from it’s Pa’, Apple. Some beleve the project will be killed off entirely, or given the “Apple Touch” and revived in a new project.

New MacBook or Apple Tablet

Definitely er, um… The rumored Apple Tablet or New MacBook is an unknown beast. Some people swear the device will be arriving at tomorrow’s event, while others believe it will be some time before the project sees the light of day. Personally I believe Apple will “pull an iPhone” and announce the device tomorrow, but release it at a later date. In the mean time, check out my Ideal Apple Tablet.

Beetles Announcement

This is another rumor that is up in the air. As I said before, this is the only event, to my knowlege, that has been scheduled on a Wednesday, and Apple Events are normally held on a Tuesday. Why the change? Beetles. 9-9-09 is the same day the Beetles plan to release both Rock Band, and the their remastered albums. Adding to the suspicion is the fact that Apple has not done it’s weekly update to iTunes. Why? Beetles.