James Delahunty
4 Oct 2005 21:09
Apple Computers Inc., which is notorious for keeping new products in the dark until the last minute has once again sent out invitations to reporters for a "special event" next week. The company did not give anything more than the words "One more thing..." on the invitation, which in recent years is something that Steve Jobs liked to say at conferences before announcing a final product - the most important product to be unveiled. Speculation is running wild on Apple enthusiast sites such as AppleInsider.
The speculation leans towards another addition to the iPod family, possibly with video playback capabilities even though Steve Jobs has publicly played down rumors of an "iPod Video" in the past. He downplayed a video iPod saying he believed most people wouldn't want to watch video's while they are on the move. However, AppleInsider claims that a video iPod is what the October 12th announcement is about.
"Apple Computer has begun production of a new version of its iPod digital music player that will be capable of playing videos, AppleInsider has learned," reads a post on the AppleInsider website. "Sources who claim to have seen the new iPod describe it as being similar to Apple's 60 GB iPod photo player, but several millimeters thinner." Last month Apple unveiled and released the iPod Nano, a tiny music player with photo display capability that could store up to 1000 songs.
The device looks fantastic, a real achievement for the design team... but it has proven to be problem for many customers who have complained about how easy it is to scratch the screen. Apple acknowledged the problem, and also said it was replacing some of the iPods from a single manufacturing batch for free under warranty after reports of broken screens. Let's hope that if Apple unveils a video capable iPod that the same scratch problems won't ruin the experience for customers who are willing to part with their earned money to purchase one.
Source:
Washington Post