But some analysts don't believe the new product will be a tablet, but a successor to Apple's iPod music player. The new device would have video capabilities and possibly a touch screen and wireless capabilities. As such, the device would be similar to the portable video player unfurled by Intel last year. Sonicblue is currently marketing the Intel-designed device. "I think any rumors about a tablet computer are a smokescreen for iPod II," said Richard Doherty, president of research firm Envisioneering Group. Technology Business Research analyst Tim Deal agreed. "I wouldn't be surprised to see Apple introduce an iPod with touch-screen capabilities as well as additional applications to include cellphone connectability and gaming as it continues to evolve into a fully functional PDA," he said. "A wireless iPod with bolstered display features would allow users to share and view digital (pictures) and videos on the fly." Doherty said Apple has been working on a video-capable iPod-like device for some time. "Originally, Apple had planned to announce iPod II at Expo Tokyo," he said. In December, IDG cancelled next month's Macworld Expo/Tokyo. "We think the product can be announced, if not shipped now," Doherty added. The iPod II, in fact, is one of three principal pieces of hardware in Apple's labs that Apple has shown analysts but not officially announced yet. The company is also working on computers that will contain IBM's 32-bit and 64-bit chip and a computer with a 3D screen, similar to the screens recently unveiled by Sharp. Of course, Doherty added that not everything in the lab eventually goes public. Whether tablet or iPod, emphasis on video would be one of the new product's distinguishing features, Doherty said. Apple could further advance its digital media strategy around MPEG-4, the successor to the MPEG-2 format widely used for Hollywood movie DVDs. "Nobody has better MPEG-4 tools than Apple," Doherty said. The ripe and the unripe
During his keynote address on Tuesday, Jobs also is expected to unveil new versions of the company's digital media programs, or "i" applications. But consumers will have to pay as much as $50 for new versions of iDVD, iPhoto and iMovie, which will be sold together as a bundle. Apple released new versions of iCal and iSync on Thursday. Bluetooth and next-generation 802.11g wireless networking will be important parts of the Macworld announcements, sources said. Apple plans to release a new version of its AirPort wireless base station using 802.11g, as the company moves up from the slower 802.11b that moves data up to 11Mbps. Meanwhile, the company apparently has delayed launching new Macs ready for Macworld until later in January, while the company sells out stock left over from the holidays, according to sources. When available, some of the new Macs are expected to include support for 802.11g and Bluetooth wireless. The "quarter's financial results will undoubtedly show weaker-than-usual holiday sales for Apple," Deal said of the decision to delay new Macs. Inventory information from distributors Ingram Micro and Tech Data indicate Apple is sitting on modest inventory -- anywhere from one to three weeks -- in most product categories. But some products are considerably back-ordered, such as the 5GB and 10GB iPod for the Mac, AirPort base station and 15-inch flat-panel monitor. Based on similar past situations, the back orders would suggest new products are coming in these categories. But sources said to watch for Apple to drop the 15-inch flat-panel monitor as the company replaces the current 17-inch display and adds a new, 19-inch model. The new monitors could debut on Tuesday, but are more likely to appear when Apple announces new Mac models. No matter what happens on Tuesday, "the innovation ratio will be much higher than Apple's 5 percent market share," Doherty said.
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Talkback
when it going to be done
I´d like to know
when Apple is going to develop
an ipod with:
radio FM,
voice recording
and more battery capacity.
Thank you,
MJulia