What will Apple do? That question, which pops up before every major Apple press event, is now focused on the company’s Sept. 1 event in San Francisco when, according to various reports, a new iPod and a new socially oriented iTunes may be announced.
An update to the venerable iPod line is expected, since the company usually makes iPod announcements in September. Specifically, the speculation is centering around the addition of the Retina display technology to a new iPod touch, as well as dual cameras, front and back. The front camera would enable use of Apple’s new FaceTime video-conferencing application.
Higher- and Lower-End iPod Touches?
Current Analysis’ Avi Greengart said he expects Apple to announce an iPhone 4-like upper-end iPod touch, and he said “it wouldn’t shock me” if a lower-cost iPod touch is also unveiled. Greengart said he also expects a new iPad with a camera, but probably not in September.
Some sort of music-related news is expected, since the media invitations show an acoustic guitar with the Apple logo in the center hole.
The rumor mill has also been abuzz about the possibility that some version of a socially oriented, web-based iTunes will be unveiled. Some reports, citing unnamed music-industry sources, say the new version will allow users to more easily share playlists, and possibly allow new ways for iTunes to connect with popular social-networking services like Twitter and Facebook.
A iPod-to-iPod capability for transferring songs, without involving a computer and iTunes, is also on the menu of possibilities.
There have also been reports the Cupertino, Calif.-based company has been setting up servers to allow music streaming through iTunes, essentially a cloud-based massive jukebox available from any device. But others are throwing cold water on that idea, saying Apple hasn’t been securing the necessary licensing deals.
Both reports could be correct, and Apple could…