Well, the world is waiting for the Apple announcements due next week on the 27th January 2010. There has been a lot of speculation, and the tablet device having the highest profile in all the media. Of course this isn’t Apples first attempt at a tablet device, the first being the Apple Newton; check it out on the Wiki.
But let me share my thoughts on the up an coming events and what we might expect; this of course is all speculation based upon news from may sources, and my own personal “wish list”, but I’ll think you’ll find it interesting.
The Tablet
Of course, I think this will be announced on the day, although not immediately available it will come in a number of form factors. All will have wireless and 3G connectivity initially at 7″ display, and later in the year a 10″ version.
It will be running the new OS4.0 which is going to be announced for the iPhone 3G, 3Gs and iPod Touch but will make use of the additional features within the tablet device. Expected retail prices are £400 for 7″ model and £600 for 10″ model.
3G partnerships will be announced; in the UK “Three” will be the initial provider.
Additional functionality will be provided by “Cloud” based applications mentioned later.
iPhone 4G
The new device will support all GSM bands, enabling it to be a truly global use device. Processor will be upgraded again to a dual core CPU and internal memory increased to 64GB. With the introduction of OS4.0 new multi-touch gestures can be expected across the applications.
RFID scanner will also be included, but will have limited support initially. The camera once again will be upgraded to a 5MP autofocus sensor with the addition of an LED flash. The increased camera resolution will also enable the recording of HD (720p) movies. Battery life will be extended using a new larger OLED display, although the physical size of the iPhone remains unchanged.
Newly added will be the ability to sync to the new version of iTunes using WIFI, once the device connects/finds the home WIFI the sync will start as a background task – notification optional.
iPods
The iPod Touch will have its memory upgraded to 128GB, and the iPod Classic will be retired. The iPod Touch will also now include the same camera sensor as the iPhone 4G, enjoying the 5MP resolution and built-in flash.
iTunes
Apple iTunes v10. will be released soon after the 27th Jan as it will be required to upgrade and support the OS4.0 mentioned above. The iTunes Store will upgraded to support eBooks that can be downloaded and sync’d onto the new tablet device.
In addition to the locally installed iTunes client, Apple will also announce the release of an on-line version of the store allowing registered users to purchase media and listen/watch on-line using the new streaming service.
Using the Genius information collected from locally installed iTunes, users can opt in to allow streaming of previously purchased media via the on-line store, this maybe offered via a paid subscription through the me.com service.
Apple TV
The device is due for an upgrade and we’ll see it here – the device will have updated hardware and OS and will be shrunk a little to the same dimensions at the mac-mini.
Working with both the locally installed iTunes and the new on-line iTunes service the device will be able to support streamed content from either. Although offered initially in the US the device will also support a TV guide facility to allow recording of user selected programs which as stored within the iTunes/Apple cloud and streamed to the Apple TV upon demand, again this is a subscription service.
iWork
Apple has spent a lot of time on the application and its making its mark, the latest incarnation will be moved into the cloud as a suite of business tools to compete directly with Google Docs. The cloud application is an important facet to the Apple Tablet device mentioned above as it will provide essential business tools to the tablet without impacting processing or storage on the device, as this is performed remotely within the cloud.
iLife
Apple iLife 10 will be announced, iDVD and iWeb will be dropped from the suite with iDVD being intergraded into iMovie. Significant changes will also be announced for iPhoto.
MacBook Pro
Hardware upgrades all round, pro range will now support the new Intel i5 & i7 CPUs as use within the current range of iMac’s.
Conclusion
There is a lot of information, none of it impossible – I would like to hear your thoughts do you have anything that can be added? Drop up a comment below;
#1 by Rajesh Pancholi on January 21, 2010 - 11:31 am
With all the information overload these days, this is short, concise and refreshing – nice one Martin
#2 by Wayne Smallman on January 21, 2010 - 1:06 pm
All seems perfectly reasonable / viable to me.
I also think that “iDVD being integrated into iMovie” makes a lot of sense.
Getting rid of the classic iPod is also a classic bold Apple move. Few other companies would dare retire a product that did so much for them. But it is time, as time has moved on.
#3 by martin newham on January 21, 2010 - 1:13 pm
I believe that the Classic was only kept around simply for its capacity; now there are 64GB single chip memory modules available the 2x 32GB in the current iPod Touch can be replaced with 2x 64GB and the iPhone’s single 32GB chip can be replaced with a 64GB module.
#4 by BrianEllis on January 21, 2010 - 4:40 pm
I am obviously not as in tune to Apple as I need to be. Looks to be, theoretically, spot on, though. I’ll open this up and see how much of it comes to pass on the 27th.
#5 by @db on January 21, 2010 - 5:53 pm
tablet:
Regardless of size or variety of the tablet the price won’t compare to e-readers, thus allowing that market to proliferate. Or i could be wrong and Jobs gives us a stripped down barebones tablet that is a color internet e-reader. but of course everyone will want one and drop the money for it.
iphone:
front side video for ichat phone capability is expected. i doubt 4G will be included as the actual networks arent there yet. itunes wifi sounds interesting and that’s a maybe as the hackability for illegal music sharing over wifi is inevitable if they open it up. all the other hardware upgrades sound about right. i’d be pissed if there’s no flash.
Everything else:
sounds about right.
Look for iTunes cloud to be huge in their preso as they just acquired LaLa to do this.
#6 by deakaz on January 25, 2010 - 5:44 pm
Great post Martin.
It’s going to be very interesting as to whether the “tablet” or “ipad” or “slate” will be announced and if it is, it will probably be Steve’s last product in my opinion. I’ve heard the price point will be rather high, and lowered after all the “fan boys” have made the purchase.
There will be no doubt that it will blow all the other e-readers and similar devices out the water.
#7 by martin newham on January 25, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Although Doc’s are telling Steve to slow down and take a break I don’t think he will – he’ll just keep going until HE can’t any more.