Longtime readers know that I am an Apple fanatic and lover of all their cool gadgets and computers. Tomorrow they will be having a special press conference revealing new products and they’ve titled it “Showtime!”
Apple rumormongers (like me) have numerous theories, some more far-fetched than others, but here’s what I predict we’ll see. First will be movies for sale via iTunes. You can already buy music and TV shows, but now you will be bale to purchase and download full-length movies. I don’t think this means the death of DVDs however, since I’m fairly certain the they won’t be DVD quality and you won’t get all the special features DVD watchers are used to. Look for prices between $9.99 and $14.99 and for Disney to be the first studio to make its products available, followed by more studios before the end of the year.
Second, the iPod is getting long in the tooth and hasn’t had a significant upgrade in a year. I’m looking for the real iPod video. This will be a widescreen, 16x9 aspect ratio, iPod and will also include a touchscreen instead of a physical dial and button. when you touch the screen, the dial will appear on screen and then disappear when you take your finger off. Some people are even predicting “none-touch” technology where the virtual button and dial will activate when your finger is near, but not touching the screen.
One of Steve Jobs’ criticisms of the idea of video on iPods is that no one really wants to watch full-length films on a 3-inch screen. That’s why I’m predicting an upgrade to the Airport Express, which lets you play music from your Mac on your stereo, to allow it to connect to your home theater system or TV. Thus, you’ll download movies on your Mac and watch them on your TV.
I don’t think we’ll see the mythical iPhone. Perhaps someday, but not this time. It involves too many variables, including the good will and cooperation of wireless phone companies. I also don’t think we’ll see upgraded MacBooks since that doesn’t fit the “Showtime” theme. That will come soon, but not tomorrow. Come back tomorrow and we’ll see how good my predictions.
Incidentally, Melanie hates when they have these product rollouts. On those days I struggle with materialism. “I don’t need it.” I keep repeating that. It helps. Some. Being unemployed helps.
