Apple's September event: Definitive rumour round-up

By Nate Lanxon on 04 September 2008, 1:02pm

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New iPod touch
Probably the most exciting rumour is that of a second-generation iPod touch. Again, apparently leaked schematics detail a more iPhone 3G-like design, with a curved back.

We considered integrated GPS for use with location-based apps from the App Store, but as the iPod touch only has Wi-Fi, how would it download maps? Aha! A built-in map database, like a sat-nav, perhaps? Or would this compete too much with the iPhone? Or add too much cost?

A camera is another possibility, as well as a rocker switch for controlling volume (please, oh please!) and dramatically slashed prices.

Other possible features include a built-in speaker (please, no!), 64GB maximum capacity or even a hard drive-based design.

New iPod classics
It's unlikely the classics will get changed dramatically, but higher capacities and lower prices are possibilities. We could see Wi-Fi for podcast updating, but it's not particularly likely. The whole ethos of the classic is in the name -- it's a traditional hard drive iPod geared up for massive volumes of music and video. That's about it.

Other speculations
A recurring topic is an unlimited subscription service within iTunes. This could range from a monthly fee that grants unlimited downloads from the iTunes store, a yearly one-off fee that offers the same, or something akin to Nokia's Comes With Music service, where an unlimited subscription comes in the box with certain iPods.

And then there's the 'Let's rock' tag line on the invite. Typically Apple uses these invites to tease fanboys. The invite to the launch of the MacBook Air read, 'There's something in the air...' and the iTunes movie download announcement invite had, 'It's showtime!'

'Let's rock'? Well firstly it's got sod all to do with The Beatles -- we've already Googled Beatles lyrics that contain those words. Unabbreviated, 'Let us rock' hints at something involving more than just one iPod owner -- perhaps song sharing over Wi-Fi? Two-player games? Some sort of music-centric social network integrated into the iPod touch and iPhone? Is that a straw? Let us clutch it.

The countdown begins
We'll be at the announcement on Tuesday in force to bring you every last bit of detail as it happens, both in written and video form. Be sure to hit up Crave from 6pm on the 9th, fanboys.