Didn’t you know? Apple’s holding a special event tomorrow. Here’s what to expect when Steve Jobs takes to the stage at 6pm.
New iPod nano
This is pretty much guaranteed. There have been more spy shots leaked online than 007 has on his memory stick, and we’re pretty sure it’ll be the first big unveiling of the evening. We’ve even had confirmation from accessory-makers that the new nano will be launched, so we can cross it off the list almost immediately.
Why’s it so special?
We’ve heard it’ll have a bigger screen, for watching movies and TV shows on the move. It’ll keep the click wheel though, so forget those dreams of a touchscreen nano. Instead, we expect this’ll be incredibly cheap, dropping the nano firmly below the £100 mark.
New iPod touch
There have been rumours that Apple will include GPS inside the next iPod touch. We’ve also heard mutterings that the touchscreen player will also get a slimmer shell in its upcoming revision. Add to that evidence of a new iPod touch model number inside Apple’s own software, and an update is all but guaranteed.
Why’s it so special?
GPS would put the iPod touch ahead of almost all other MP3 players, while more capacity and a slimmer shape would hammer home its position as the music player of choice for those with limited pocket space.
iTunes 8
Apple’s next-generation jukebox software is reported to have more bells and whistles than a troop of morris dancers, and we can’t wait to see it. Inside there’s rumoured to be new Genius software, that’ll analyse music collections and serve up playlists of songs that work well together. We’ve also heard mutterings it’ll allow TV shows to be downloaded in HD and come packing new visualisers for fancy graphics.
An outside bet is that Apple’s finally ready to offer iTunes subscriptions. There are tons of all-you-can-eat music services to rival Apple, so it’s time the Mac-makers got involved.
Why’s it so special?
A revision to a whole new number version means Apple has some major improvements under the hood. Previous iTunes upgrades have brought whole new interfaces, fancy extras like Coverflow, and of course, movie downloads.
New iPhone software
The iPhone 3G has had its fair share of bugs, and there are still some niggling omissions. Proper direction data is still missing from its GPS abilities, and the lack of cut and paste skills is laughable. If Apple plans to introduce iTunes subscriptions, it’ll need new iPhone software to support them, so there’s a chance it’ll also bundle in bug fixes and new features.
Why’s it so special?
The iPhone has the looks to floor the competition, but in the wake of 8 megapixel cameraphones and better looking Windows Mobile alternatives, Apple needs to up its game in terms of software offerings.
