All The Apple Event Rumours: Is It Only Rock And Roll?

I hope the classic doesnt die. Maybe they can keep it and shove a 64 gig HD like they have in the V3 touches.

I would love for iTunes 9 to have the ability to sort the apps on the touch/phone from within iTunes.

KTK1990

Umm... This isn't really a Mac event, so the tablet rumour is a bit irrelevant to post.

However, a 10" mega iPod Touch could be very likely indeed.

@wkm001: Um doesn't it already have a mic? It's built into the headphones i thought.

As long as any updates to the iPhone leave Doodle Jump alone I'm good.

stryder100

What about the touch getting a microphone? I will be buying one if it comes with a mic. Skype here I come, or just connect to my Trixbox SIP server at home and actually make use of my home phone line.

wkm001

They should really just add the gps to the ipod touch. That'd be the deal breaker for me. If not, I'm probably just going to get the 2nd gen 32 GB when they cut the price to clear em out.

Luxowell

For what it's worth and it's not iPod related, I live in Italy and there is not one shop that has an iPhone in stock - even to order it online is a 1 week wait.

Why?

可愛い兎

Cocktail is just a gimmick. I couldn't care less if there's a bunch of neat lttle pictures included when I download a full album, I won't be buying any more of them than I do (basically none). However I do wish they would give the classic line just one more update. I realize it's a dying technology but it's going to be a couple years before there's an affordable flash-based player with a large enough capacity for me to take my entire library with me (200gb+)

I'm still intrigued about the tablet, but I have a question. Do you think that the tablet will be subsidized through a telco and require an "always on" data plan much like the iPhone? I have a feeling that the initial offering will require that and later there will be a wifi model much like the Touch launched.

All the fuss about the apple tablet...again...including people spending hours arguing about how awesome/stupid it is, with little other than speculation about what it might even be. And now you guys don't even think it will happen. Well, at least I'm not surprised.

So let's get the rumors started for the next Apple event. I hear they are coming out with a new apple iGame console for the summer 2010 to take down xbox ps3 and wii. iGame will revolutionize gaming. It will run iPod touch games...but on a BIG SCREEN! Gonna be sweet.

I think you forgot the apple tv refresh which is rumoured. Considering the 40GB model is now a 2-4 week wait.

videomilk

I wouldn't mind a zune-pass type thing....oh how i want a zune HD.

MrBlahBlah

After seeing the earlier NSFW article, I thought the label on the crane said "Jug Lift", and hoped for more of the same!

J0hnP

"One More Thing ... aren't those Zune HD's pretty slick?"

Not even going to mention the possibility of the Beatles catalog? Really?

njknight

@Luxowell: They have the location services that can actually get surprisingly accurate (at least surprising to me) from a wifi signal. The problem is without a wifi cloud, you won't have access to google maps, and wifi clouds right now are usually inside, where you can't get the GPS reading reliably. They would have to preload the iPod Touch with the maps for it to really be useful, or connect it to the net by some other means like through the cellular network, but that would require a service contract like the iPhone...which you can see where that goes.

aquajaws

Would be ironic if they discontinued the Classic - especially since the giant pink and blue window covering on the building is someone dancing with a Classic, no? I guess that could be a touch too...

Adam Kilker

@njknight: So then why did you ask why there was no mention of the Beatles catalog being on iTunes? Obviously, it matters enough to you that you think the announcement should be part of the event.

@njknight: While it's possible, it seems very unlikely. The newly remastered Beatles CD albums are touting a lot of extras ("Cocktail" style) with original and new liner notes, embedded films, etc. I don't think they'd risk such an expensive and risky endeavor if they were simultaneously going to submarine it with a purely digital release on iTunes. Releasing new CDs, a video game and iTunes distribution all at the same time seems a surefire way for one of those products to tank spectacularly. However, removing iTunes from the mix makes the other two possibly quite lucrative with little risk.

@OMG! Ponies!: I'm faced with the issue that I want some Beatles songs but I already have the Number 1 Hits Album in my Library. So if I go out to buy a Beatles CD I'll be getting 3 songs that I don't have and 7 that I do. That's why I want someway to buy individual Beatles songs online.

benjamoon

@MrThunderfield: umm ca you justify ur need for a 10" mega iPod Touch that is not a tablet? I don't think apple would just make a XL Touch. Tablets have A LOT of problems, or they actually would be adopted by more people, and I just think apple will take its time until it believes it can get it right and XL Touch is not getting it right.

@OMG! Ponies!: OMG! Hostility! Personally it doesn't matter much to me. I only buy on iTunes things I either A: can't get on physical media (CDs/DVDs) or B: Single songs/episodes. I'm already planning on getting one of the boxed sets, or putting it on my Xmas wish list. It will probably be the stereo one.

njknight

@可愛い兎: I've heard that the 3GS isn't selling well, so they cleared out inventory to make room for the faster 3GS-B.

@benjamoon: NO it doesn't. you can Buy headphones with a mic inline, but there's no mic on the touch itself.

GPS would be a better addition to the touch, I think

how likely is the addition of GPS and compass modules to the iPod Touch?

@MrDecember: Because the Date 9/9/09 is just irresistible if you're planning an event. I'm pretty sure there will be something going on 9/9/99 if Apple still exists in 90 years.

benjamoon

@[ipanties.weebly.com]

the_amazing_doug

@jmeltzer: I'm On a Boat

@MrBlahBlah: You mean something that deletes your music when you unsubscribe? AWESOME

benjamoon

@njknight: It doesn't matter!

What is this goddamn obsession with downloading a compressed version of Beatles music when a DRMless uncompressed version can be bought from a store?!

Can you honestly say that there is a benefit to downloading Beatles from Apple versus buying a copy of it, thus allowing you to rip the music at the bitrate you want AND have a physical backup?!

For years, this has royally pissed me off. If the Beatles catalog not being on iTunes is the only thing that has prevented you from buying it, then you are a colossal moron! I am completely serious! The CDs will be available for purchase on September 9.

While there are those who might argue that Paul and Ringo and John and George's heirs don't need any more royalties, a similar argument can be made that Apple doesn't need to get a cut of the sales either.

ENOUGH WITH THE FUCKING OBSESSION WITH THE BEATLES CATALOG ON ITUNES! GO TO A STORE AND BUY THE CD!

What about a possible subscription model?

So Apple is bumping up capacities. Do you think prices are going to stay the same or will we get a slight price drop?

unwritten_law9

@wkm001: Second Gen touch has a built in mic

benjamoon

I like what you did there, using the song titles in this post.

Some people might have their 19th Nervous Breakdown if Time is not on Their Side and the iPods are released late.

As Tears Go By, the Apple fanboys will need some sort of Emotional Rescue, other wise this iPod release will be met with Mixed Emotions.

jmeltzer

@timtempest: I'm with you. Updating their current lines have me bored. If they want my money, they better give me a damn reason.

Topsy_Elephante

Id really like to see something totally new that I dont already have.. i dunno... a watch.. a television... a car... under pants.. just something.

timtempest

Great!

Jiří Ibl

@KTK1990: I'm hoping iTunes 9 comes with a new interface. iTunes looks more like Excel now-a-days than ever before.

imTheKing

@njknight: I think the Beatles on iTunes thing is happening for sure.

Why else would they time this event to coincide with the release of The Beatles: Rock Band and the complete re-mastered catalog?

MrDecember

@benjamoon: Absolutely!

I would much rather spend a dollar a song plus tax than pay $15 a month for all the music I want with the ability to keep 10 songs per month. That is definitely a more fiscally sound approach to music buying.

Good article, but it's lacking in one aspect.
What exactly is an iPod?
I've never heard of this device.
Is it like a Victorola I can take with me?

ottermann want's a Snickers

@OMG! Ponies!: Looking forward to buying the remastered set in physical form regardless of what other form it shows up in.

But you can't deny the symbolism. The Beatles is the most famous band in the 20th century. The industry is shifting from physical to online. The Beatles is *the* noteworthy holdout. Beatles availability on iTunes would be a watershed moment in the evolution of the industry.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Beatles online availability, whenever it comes, was also accompanied by a higher-resolution or uncompressed format.

@A Pimp Named DaveR: I agree. They'll probably keep it around just for the people who want more than 64 GB of space. Not market it, just have it be there and limit the production quantity. Its not like it would take more work to keep it for them other than telling the stores to order as needed. Next year (or whenever the iPod Touch capacity gets to 128 GB) when the flash and HD capacities match or flash exceeds, is when I would drop it.

aquajaws

@jmeltzer: Meanwhile, I'm Going Slightly Mad waiting to see if my next MP3 player is going to be a Zune HD pending the death of the iPod classic. Nanos are too small for me and touches? Try navigating playlists carrying it in your pocket. It just leaves you Hungry as the Wolf. Apple, I loved your iPod but If That's the Way You Want It then I'll have to switch. I may just be Barking at the Moon, but to me it looks as though Apple's Crazy Train has left the station.

RStormgull

@unwritten_law9: I'd put money on the 16 GB Touch dropping to match the price of the Zune HD. Currently iPod Touch is 8 GB = $220, 16 GB = $300, 32 GB = $400. Zune HD is 16 GB = $200 and 32 GB = $300 IIRC. Normally when they bump capacities the price points stay the same just double the spaces so that would make the 16 GB = $220, 32 GB = $300, 64 GB = $400. Dropping it $20 more seems doable if it'll get rid of the claim that Zune is cheaper. It wouldn't have much that could 'beat' the iPod at that point. Proven tech, more apps, bigger music library.

aquajaws

I'd be surprised if they COMPLETELY abandoned the iPod classic. There is a market segment out there (like, um, me) who needs that high-end level of capacity, which isn't fulfilled by the Touch's offerings (yet).

They may retain one iPod classic model, but in limited quantities and without much of a marketing push, just to keep a hold on that particular segment of the market until high-capacity solid state options become more cost effective.

Most likely: On 9/9/09 Apple will drop their newest massive app on the store, a tribute to that most significant of days, 9/9/99.

A Dreamcast emulator. Also, a hardware expansion allowing the connection for dreamcast peripherals. PSO on iphone? Heck yes! Samba De Amigo? Why not!

Stitchopoulis

@Christo27: Good call.

Adam Kilker

@Justinpaulson: Seriously? That sort of hyperanalysis of Apple signage has to stop. I don't mean to single you out but you're an excellent example of it in this thread.

Stop. Just stop.

@benjamoon: What is being released tomorrow are new remasters and the mono versions. I assure you, this is not in your collection.

Also, as a Beatles fan (and a fan of music in general): The Number 1's album is a disservice to the Beatles. There is a great advantage to owning the albums inasmuch as I can almost guarantee that songs you like now will not be songs you like later and vice versa. I used to HATE "Within Without You" but have come to really appreciate it now. Similarly, I didn't used to like the early Beatles albums. But listening to them now, there is a rawness and vigor in them that I have come to like more than some of their later work.

While not every Beatles song is great, the vast majority are. "Magical Mystery Tour" is a terrible album, but every song on it is a classic.

Buy the albums. You won't regret it.

@Adam Kilker: yep, its a touch- look at the cord

[edit] wrong cord/chord

@Songoman: I hope not. That's so chintzy.

@Songoman: Lol don't go there :)

Earthslide

@Adam Kilker: Sure that's not a touch? I mean the headphones are coming out of the bottom of it...I don't see a wheel.

@MrDecember: Because Apple wants to beat out the Zune HD. I would hope that its hitting iTunes as well, but just because they all hit on the same day doesn't mean they are corolated. I think the cheaper, impressive Zune HD coming soon (I think next week, right?) would be a reason for them to make sure they announce better, faster, bigger, cheaper iPod Touch's this week.

aquajaws

Do you think there will be a price drop on the ipod touch?

unwritten_law9

@Songoman:
Not.

TheCrudMan

@OMG! Ponies!:
But it's useful for when you're stranded! You use the compass to figure out which way to go, then you realize you have been so desensitized by technology that you have no idea how to read a compass and try to look it up on Wikipedia. Wikipedia appears to be down so you figure you'll just use maps. Maps is also down....oh no you have no signal!

Then you get eaten by a bear.

TheCrudMan

@OMG! Ponies!:

I'm with you 100% on this. The Beatles aren't a passing fad - if you want the music, BUY the CD.

sharkync

@unwritten_law9: I'm going to say yes. I would be absolutely shocked if the iPod Touch's price doesn't line up with the Zune HD's prices to the penny.

Not necessarily because Apple needs to match Microsoft's prices, but because they were already planning the price drop months ago and Microsoft found out about it and beat them to the punch.

Not trying to make Microsoft look bad or anything, it's just that I can't think of any other way to justify the Zune HD's shockingly low price when Microsoft's strategy has always been to match prices with the iPod lineup exactly.

chefgon

@Archos that actually even seems to have a 2.5" hd?

yogibimbi

@OMG! Ponies!: I wouldn't pay $15 a month to have music disappear if I wanted to cancel service. What if I wanted to move to a different subscription service? Then I would have to start all over again - it's not worth my time.

@OMG! Ponies!: I feel good not knowing that the classic's headphone port was on the top...I thought they moved them all to the bottom? I guess not.

Hey people get excited! Let's hold it backwards!

TheCrudMan

@Justinpaulson: I didn't like it when I was a child. After about age 23, though, I started to like it more and more.

For what it's worth, I'm 35 and the first animated movie I saw was "Yellow Submarine".

@elchimpo: you mean my grammophone is out of date now! im most upset

spudhed

@Stitchopoulis: I can think of hundreds of unlikely things that would happen well before that.

chefgon

from what I heard (and I could be 100% wrong) Apple has to deliver unlocked iPhones in Italy and so they don't make as much money with those (since they are not exclusive deals) so Italy is probably not has high as a priority when there are countries that do accept exclusivity deals and gives more $ to the carriers and Apple.

@A Pimp Named DaveR: Is it even necessary to keep a hold on that segment of the market? As far as I'm aware, there's no competition there. Everything is flash based these days, with the only two big HDD players being the iPod and Zune, and the HDD Zune just got discontinued last week.

If they don't discontinue it, expect them to not even bother mentioning it and continue selling the 120gb version for another year with literally no changes at all. I can't see a new model coming out, not even a capacity bump. It just isn't worth the effort to them because they aren't in demand anymore.

chefgon

@LumpyLouis: Because comments (and commenters who just got hearted by yours truly) such as these are undoubtedly awesome. We need more comments like these.

@jayteemo: Trust me - Compass is the most useless "feature" on the iPhone. I've used it twice.

The first time was when I got the iPhone. The second time was when I showed my friends the iPhone "compass". We all agreed - it's crap.

There are better things to ask for than an iPhone-quality compass.

@Justinpaulson: Not saying its not possible. Would be cool. Just pointing out the potential problem with it.

aquajaws

@OMG! Ponies!: How could you have ever not liked "within you without you" So friggin brilliant. It will play at my funeral, for sure.

@imTheKing: I kinda like the interface it has now. I use the list view for songs.

KTK1990

@aquajaws: the GPS would be nice for geo-tagging of pictures (assuming a camera is added)... also, assuming they get a storage bump, the maps wouldn't be an issue really, especially considering the recent release of gps apps.

I'm a mac guy, but with their lineup so rounded the way I see it at this point they can only release incremental updates to their line (ie adding a camera to touch). Or release niche products that most people won't have use for (ie tablet).

thedarkhorse

pls do not drop the classic... Where else can I store my 90GB of music

@OMG! Ponies!: I appreciate your take on this issue. The ongoing ire over lack of Beatles property on iTunes has consistently puzzled me. If one truly likes an artist, then purchasing the CD is far superior to whatever approximation iTunes provides (with only a marginal savings). Further, this new Beatles release contains far more material than iTunes has been consistently known to provide along with the digital song files. The only conclusion I can arrive at, that is consistent with all the data, is that the people bleating for Beatles on iTunes are only marginally Beatles fans, or, more likely, simply Apple fanboys finding something new to insult someone else for. If they actually gave a shit about the music itself (and not simply adding more "win" to the iTunes column) then it doesn't matter where you get it, especially if the alternate source is of higher quality and contains more value-added material.

@aquajaws: A lot of the latest turn by turn apps work offline and have the maps downloaded in full.

@ottermann want's a Snickers: why is it that comments like this show up, but mine never do?

LumpyLouis

@Justinpaulson: Most likely a touch...could also be a classic held the wrong way, or the cord wrapped around the back. But I think trying to determine if the classic will be discontinued is a bit much from one sign.

aquajaws

@frigg: But the CD gives you the physical backup. Not only that, but by ripping from the CD into .m4a, as opposed to .m4p, I only need one copy on my computer because my Zune plays .m4a. I can have it on my Zune and my nano (or a shuffle).

@ottermann want's a Snickers: I heard it plays wax cylinders without a player piano.

elchimpo

@unwritten_law9: Yeah I was really hoping that, but I doubt it. With the new features they're adding I'm pretty sure they'll just build in a faster processor, GPS, and a camera/video camera to keep up with the iPhone. I expect them to announce the product at the same price as the current gen iPod Touch.

@jayteemo: Compass...MAYBE, but wouldn't be very useful without GPS. I posted a similar thing below, but GPS is kinda impractical with the iPod Touch. Without a data connection you can't get to maps. So would either need to be preloaded killing usable space, or only usable in a WiFi cloud, which are usually inside where the GPS signal is unreliable.

aquajaws

@rt¹⁰⁰: But isn't GPS dependent on having wi-fi always on? I can see having it while driving/walking in an urban center, but if you're doing driving in isolated areas, you won't be picking up wi-fi signals to make the GPS useful.

No mention of the rumors of The Beatles finally coming to the iTunes store? It does happen to fall on the same day as the release of Beatles Rock Band...

Twanzio

@ThisIsSharksTerritory: I think he was joking.

@OMG! Ponies!: Star or no star, I don't think you are the person who can draw the line for how much Apple speculation people are allowed to do on the internet. I'm sure much of the world would think that posting comments to this story (or commenting so much as to gain a star) is too much.

And "Stop. Just stop" is absurdly patronizing, you know. You're not the boss of internet comments.

@timtempest: like a tablet?

I'm blatantly assuming that Apple's got some huge new product in the pipeline that's taking up all their time. It's likely the tablet, but it could be something else, too. Maybe it's a tablet now and it'll end up being something else by the time it's released, who knows.

I just figure that SOMETHING has to be eating up all their time and attention because I can't think of any other reason why their iPhone and (likely) iPod refreshes have been so boring and predictable this year.

chefgon

@aquajaws: I look at the Zune HD's pricing as confirmation that iPod touch will get a price drop to match. Microsoft predicted Apple's new pricing, and then locked them into it by officially pricing the Zune. Apple probably would have dropped to that price regardless, but now they're totally committed to so that they don't get bad press for being overpriced.

chefgon

@OMG! Ponies!:
you can't have "augmented reality" applications without the digital compass, it is a MUST have now for these advanced applications. For example, this app <[www.acrossair.com] would not be possible without the digital compass.

fuzzylollipop

@Songoman: Subscription music? I'm assuming that the only reason they don't already have it is because the music labels won't let them, in which case it isn't really a feature in high enough demand to bother renegotiating all their contracts.

For the record, I'm in love with subscription music. I like having the option to buy records that I really love while still having unlimited access to all the other stuff that I might want to rotate in and out of my collection.

That said, I think most people just don't "get it" and they think it's meant to replace album purchases instead of supplimenting them, at which point it sounds kind of scary because your entire music collection could just disappear.

People are too used to the idea of building a music collection, instead of just listening to music, so the demand for subscription services isn't high enough to warrant a huge commitment from Apple. They certainly aren't going to lose very many player sales because of it.

chefgon

@OMG! Ponies!: two words, augmented reality.

@jayteemo: I'm going to guess yes. I can't imagine any other reason why they're including a camera on a music player unless they want augmented reality apps, and those require at the very least a compass.

chefgon

@KTK1990:
How about just general usability when it comes to dealing with iPod/iPhone...mine wants to sync all my goddamn apps with the old versions and fewer apps on my computer...and by sync it really means "wipe what's on the ipod" they seem to have a hard time dealing with people who get most of their content on the go.

TheCrudMan

@jaan: Your computer?

@OMG! Ponies!: Phone calls are so 2003, text messaging works great! Plus I think that is ATT's bad, mine works great around these parts. And probably not as big of an issue on an iPod Touch.

Imagine Loopt with augmented reality, it would be great for stalking...err...finding your friends.

@A Pimp Named DaveR: I agree, I have more than 64gb of Movies, and sometimes a laptop is to combersome, not to mention it is the Original iPod.

bwilliams18

@Twanzio: And the release of all the remastered albums. If it doesn't happen tomorrow I officially give up. Not that I'd download all the albums, but it'd be fun to see Beatlemania hit the iTunes singles chart.

annab

@Dave J.: I don't see why you'd need wi-fi for GPS. As long as you have wi-fi when you first plan your route, a map could be downloaded for the route and surrounding areas and updated as you move through hot-spots.

yeti

@vinod1978: You can't tell me that Apple doesn't make much money out of the over $1000 it costs to buy an iPhone here in Italy?

可愛い兎

@joestoner: "(or commenting so much as to gain a star) is too much."

Ha! Awesome.

Shawn Pero

I get the feeling that Jesus longs to be a DJ.

3Djesus

What, no mention of iTunes 9 (more likely QuickTime 8 (9?)) being able to support Blu-ray? That's my favorite, #1 rumour for this event. Finally, I could stop booting into Windows and dealing with PowerDVD just to play BD's on my Pioneer BD burner.

@chefgon: not a tablet... I mean i have an imac and a macbook. How about that motorised unicycle thing in Gizmodo last week. Imagine if Apple made that even sexier and affordable.

If was able to think of a fab new product for Apple, I'd already be working there i guess lol.

I need some new glasses... iframes with built in 3D vision and HUD... hover boards even. Upgrades are all well and good, but they are just that.

New products please !

timtempest

@Justinpaulson: Two more words:

Better reception.

I'll take better call quality over augmented reality any day of the week and twice on Tuesday. First, work on getting the phone to not drop my calls and to get reliable reception then work on making it the "Uncle Nutso's Funbox".

@Dave J.: Gps doesn't need wifi. It is assisted by wifi if the GPS signal is unavailable, but it is not a necessity for GPS location.

@Adam Kilker: for you know how innovative Apple is they sure are holding onto that same design for a long time.....no matter how "iconic" you think it is

@A Pimp Named DaveR: I'm holding off on an iPod classic purchase because of tomorrow's announcement. I'd love to get my hands on a 120+GB touch (assuming it is hard drive based, as flash-based would be way too expensive), but the storage capacity is more important to me than apps. I have 50 gigs of music, and I have to only sync a few movies/TV shows to fill my 5th-gen 80 gig.

Are there any good mac-compatible ipod alternatives?

@jmeltzer: anyone else find it funny that Apple is using the 'stones after microsoft used 'start me up' for windows?

cgraham

@RStormgull: I have a message for Steve Jobs. We all Miss You. I hope they Shine a Light and there is a "one more thing" and then Steve will Come On the stage. Then we could have some Good Times again.

jmeltzer

@jaan: how much of the 90 gigs do you even listen to?

@bwilliams18: Do you really need to have all 64 GB of movies with you at all ties?

@OMG! Ponies!: Wait.... You're trying to make calls with your iPhone? I thought it was for music, and videos, and taking pictures and videos, and playing games, and making fart noises.

@Steve: 64GB worth of movies is not that many.

Honestly, I have about half of my 120GB iPod Classic currently taken up by Nana (guilty pleasure) and Cowboy Bebop episodes. And yes, I need them all, because not having to constantly manage my iPod whenever I want to watch something new is one of the reasons why I have an iPod and not some other player that's neither as big capacity-wise nor as automated.

@Twanzio: On the other hand, you don't think the tag line "It's Only Rock and Roll" is odd for a Beatles reference?

@Justinpaulson: I again mention that this would take up valuable space on your PMP.

Bigbadbikernerd

@yeti: No WiFi=No maps, unless you load them onto the device and take up a crap load of your storage space. I think this is useless on a flash device.

Bigbadbikernerd

@chefgon: I think your argument is flawed here. Apple doesn't care what MS prices their hardware. They tout the "experience" rather than pricing.

An example of this would be with computers. Although their hardware may be the same as another manufacturers, they charge more because the "experience" is worth it (in their opionion).

I'm not saying they won't be the same price, I'm just saying that the logic that they will drop prices to be the same Microsoft's is flawed...

Bigbadbikernerd

The Classic may die but there won't be a 64GB iPod Touch. It'd just be too expensive. People will spend $200 on an iPhone but they won't pay $400 for an unsubsidized iPod. (I know I know, the original iPod was like $500, but it had a lot less competition, and hardly any at a similar capacity for a lower price.)

Apple often leaves gaping holes in their iPod lineup. My prediction is that the Classic dies but there is not even an attempt at replacement. Anyone remember when Apple killed the Mini, replacing it with the Nano that (at the time) had like 1/3 the capacity?

If you want an iPod with a capacity greater than 32GB now, my advice is to get a Classic while you can.

and btw, my Classic will be the last iPod I buy if they kill it off. (Not saying I'll never get an iPhone, but I see no reason to deal with such drastically lower capacity if I don't at least get a phone as part of the deal.)

Release of iPhone firmware 3.1 is a good bet, given that 1.1 and 2.1 both shipped in mid-Sept

Skyyboy

@OMG! Ponies!: yeah the iphone compass isn't the best... i've only used the actual compass app once, when i first got the iphone.
it works ok for geo-caching though.
i was really wondering more about the GPS possibility.

@SpudMills: Why, because it would give you the OPTION of all you can eat music for a reasonable price. I use the Zune pass and it is awsome! All the music I could ever want, plus I even get to keep 10 DRM free (some are DRM free) per month. People bitch that it's renting music, but people rent TV (Cable, Satellite, etc...) all the time and they don't get to keep any of it (legally).

Bigbadbikernerd

@Shawn Pero: There is no such thing as "too much"...

Bigbadbikernerd

@chefgon: Maybe they decided to change strategies since the last one didn't exactly pay off with the Zune. I think Microsoft may have taken a play out of the Apple playbook and decided to "Think differently".

Bigbadbikernerd

You may think the compass is useless - but it's not. It enables pretty impressive functionality such as augmented reality in upcoming applications. Yelp currently uses the compass to create augmented reality.

MimiAegyptus

Also... Augmented reality is going to be a big thing on upcoming iphone apps... Impossible without the compass. Without a compass gps is just a dot ... with a compas.. can detect where your facing and overlay information via camera about the world around you. So in my opinion... Coolest "feature" they added to the iphone.

DeannaImber

Hahaha... Umm The compass "app" may seem somewhat useless but the fact that the iphone has compas technology inside is HUGE it changes the possibilities of apps, it makes google maps smarter and allows them to face the way your facing turning google maps into a true gps unit. You and your friends are a little clueless and hasty in your thought process.

LeannePanoptes

@OMG! Ponies!: Three Words:

Not mutually exclusive.

NerzzleintheVerzzle

@badasscat: The iPod mini was 5GB. The original nano was 4GB. So that's 4/5, not 1/3, the mini capacity.

jimothy

@spudhed: You can upgrade to Gramophone 2.0 if you take the trolley down to the Apple store--or your local dry-goods vendery--and purchase the upgrade cylinder.

cletar

@RStormgull: i'm not sure you quite get the joke there, bud.

im just hoping for a new ipod touch with gps and a camera. current 1st gen suffers from an unforgivable hardware defect that causes audio to stop playing until a full reboot if the lower right side of the screen (or the corresponding location on the back) is pressed even lightly. it will remain my portable wikipedia reader and rough-and-tumble portable web browser, since it's already dented and scratched.

@badasscat:

I thought it was odd to hold an event titled "It's Only Rock and Roll, but we like it." on 09/09/09.

Number nine...
Number nine...
Number nine...

Crap, hope the classic never dies. I use my old 5th gen in the car and I don't know what I'll do if it dies. I don't care about touch features and such for a car player, I just want capacity.

bitgod

@OMG! Ponies!: Ponies! Promoting a comment just to take a slug at it? That's like stocking the pond and then dynamiting it.

That's far from hyper-analysis, too. I had noticed that it was a Touch in her hand within a few seconds, I'm more upset about the LACK of analysis that the original poster used by not knowing it's a Touch.

pixelpushing

@thedarkhorse: "Adding a camera" is not incremental. And if they add the GPS/Compass combo? Definitely not incremental.

pixelpushing

@bitgod: I know this may not be feasable, but if they do discontinue it, go and buy two or three of them to use when your existing one dies. And if you end up not needing them, you could always make a profit on eBay from people who also wanted Classic iPods but didn't have the foresight to stock up.

Platypus Man

looking forward the iphone OS update

On 9/9/09, iTunes 9 will be released.

LucilleMosquito

@badasscat: 09/09/09,
Revolution no. 9 "number 9, number 9, number 9"

Compass? Put a GPS in there instead. Walk three feet, it'll know which way you're facing, and there you go. That's how most GPS systems work out your direction of travel anyway. And a GPS is a darned sight more useful than a compass.

If your concern is matching what you see with what the ipod displays (virtual reality of some kind), it can display some angle, and you can, with your oh-so-flexible finger, swipe at it until it's oriented correctly to match your view.

The things that I'd like to see are GPS, camera, microphone(s), mono output capability (you'd think this would be an accessibility mod), and most of all, a larger surface. I have large hands, and the touch is very difficult for me to manage accurately. I'd buy a tablet sized "touch" in a heartbeat; moreso than a mac. And yeah, if there's room, go ahead and put a compass in there, too. :)

@Bigbadbikernerd: Yeah, sort of. Except that there's a huge flaw in your argument, too... The Zune HD is not in parity with the iPod Touch. It doesn't have the amount of apps and won't for a while, it doesn't have the amount of cases and devices that it can interface with, and it's looking like this new Touch will be adding at least a camera. Maybe higher capacity.

I do agree with you that the ZuneHD's price won't be the end-all factor determining the Touch's price - Apple doesn't mind putting something at a slightly higher price if it offers more features than the competition.

pixelpushing

@OMG! Ponies!: Absofuckinglutely--if AT&T doesn't get its shit together SOON I'm gonna throw my shiny new iPhone3GS off the Golden Gate!

Tattertotter

@badasscat: People WILL pay $400 for a 64GB iPod touch. Many people will. People were lining up to pay $400 for the 32GB too.

@Tattertotter: I have never had an issue with AT&T at my house (currently use a Fuze), and had 2 friends over this past weekend with iPhones that got really crappy signals and had trouble downloading data. Don't be so quick to blame AT&T. As Ponie's indicated, it's up to APPLE to improve the reception in an iPhone, not AT&T.

@OMG! Ponies!:




The idea of a generation of people listening to the beatles for the first time compressed and on a set of apple earbuds is a disgusting thought.

@OMG! Ponies!: But by that logic, aren't you spending The same money for less music?

I mean, if I spend 15 bucks with the zune, I get 10 songs a month ($1.50 each) and get to listen to a bunch of other music.

With the Ipod, I get 10 songs for 10 bucks, (or 13, depending on content) and that's all I ge to listen to.

I'm currently not using either service, as I have a ton of cd's that I've thrown on my laptop, and then my blackberry, but the Zune idea makes me feel like I'm getting more out of my portable player with less overall cost.

And honestly, who needs to keep their music forever? Are you really going to buy the black eyed peas new album to cherish and hand down to your kids? Or are you going to rock out to it for a month, then ignore it forever?

@Mayor McRib: Why would apple do that? It makes no sense from a marketing standpoint.

@imTheKing: you know, I never really noticed that before, bu having both of them open on my desktop as I type this, that's a little scary. I always thought it was starting to look dated, but it looks a lot like excel 03.

@OMG! Ponies!: you and your logical thinking have no place here...out I say, out! :)

What's more amazing, is that counting the panels in the sign, there will no doubt be a 180GB classic available announced.

The sign's predominant color is Pink, combined with the number of panels means that the Touch will now be available in that color, with a 64gb variant.

The person in the sign is kicking with a heeled shoe, meaning that the classic won't be cancelled, because heel is part of the word wheel, which is obviously a reference to the control structure on the classic.

(you counted the panels...didnt you? you're sheep, all of you, and I will shepard you about as my playthings)

A matte screen option for the iMac as a minor announcement would be cool.

MatthewT

@pixelpushing: "The Zune HD is not in parity with the iPod Touch. It doesn't have the amount of apps and won't for a while, it doesn't have the amount of cases and devices that it can interface with, and it's looking like this new Touch will be adding at least a camera."

Yet...It doesn't yet. Let's not underestimate Microsoft here.

Bigbadbikernerd

The thing I'm looking forward to the most --That's not a new iPods-- is Cocktail. But I have a big concern about it. I have some albums that aren't in iTunes. How will I be able to get Cocktail for those? Let's hope there will be some sort of software built into iTunes that lets you make your own "Cocktail".

DaSazonator

@Bigbadbikernerd: You don't keep the fucking shows that are broadcast over cable or satellite (DVRs not withstanding). You keep music. Renting music is dumb. If I want it, I'll want it forever and don't want to pay some greedy bastards for the rest of my life.

@ThisIsSharksTerritory: I only said a giant ipod touch was the most likely tablet FOR THIS EVENT, which means that IF they release a tablet on this event, it won't be a full OSX one. And by "giant ipod touch" I mean a ~10" tablet with the iPhone OS. That is after all what most rumours are saying. They could very well marke tit as a multimedia device, which justifies an announce on this event.

I also did not say I would like one, I don't. If i ever buy an Apple tablet it should have OS X on it. Otherwise, not interested.

Elimination of the iPod Classic would be a huge mistake and give Zune a big advantage in the market for true music lovers. 64 GB is too small to be the largest player. I personally have 65GB of content already and with this new album format i'll want much more.

maybe they'll introduce more colors for the iPod shuffle.

AJ Gago

Apple tablet.... hahaha

bonedog73

For those who suggested the possibility, there is no feasible way there could be an iPod touch with a hard disk. The spinning interferes with the screen or something. Which is probably why the apple tablet would have limited capacity until they figure out how to solve that.

orangesrhyme

Wouldn't it be better to start with a decent camera and stuff a MP3 player into it?

While the iPhone camera is okay, there are much better cameras that are small.

[exilim.casio.com]

Put a ipod touch inside that thing and you're done.

thebear91