Every year, just prior to MacWorld the apple rumour mill goes into overdrive, with hints and speculation as to the forthcoming goodness to be unveiled at Steve Jobs’ keynote on the opening day of the show. This year, there’s been so much hype about Apple and it’s plans that its hard not to succumb to the hysteria and join in the magic 8 ball gazing. So, in the spirit of harmless fun, (as opposed to predictions you use to make stock purchasing decisions) here’s a quick round up of what’s likely, and what’s not for Janurary’s MacWorld Expo. These are not secret files i have received or inside information, just careful analysis of the current thoughts and public rumours.
A. Certainties (ok, let’s get the obvious ones out of the way first)
1.OS X Leopard.
Apple will show, and possibly announce a ship date for Leopard at MacWorld. This is pretty much certain. Just how much they show, and what the “top secret” features are is another thing. I suspect they will announce a march/april ship date.
2.iLife 07.
This too, is a fore gone conclusion. I haven’t really seen any speculation as to what might be included in the new iLife suite, however I suspect iWeb will probably get the most work, it being the youngest of the Applications. Other probabilities include a raft of new book and card themes for iPhoto and integration with the features of Leopard, such as time machine.
3.iTV.
We’ll finally get an official name, and possibly a release date. I also suspect that the device’s wireless specifications will be clarified. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if there were a few surprise features of iTV announced too.
B.Probable
1.MacPro revisions.
I expect the newest quad core intel xeon processors to make their way into the mac pro.
2.Revised Cinema Displays.
The existing ones are getting a bit long in the tooth. I expect these to be revised soon, and MacWorld seems like the ideal place.
3.MacMini Revision.
I am surprised they didn’t upgrade the mac mini to a core 2 duo before Christmas, and they’re unlikely to do it now, so I think it’s a fair bet they’ll be released at expo
4.iPhone.
If ever there’s been an Apple related rumour that’s been emotionally charged, it’s the much-rumoured Apple branded cell phone. So much so that everyone seems to have forgotten about the equally mythical full screen iPod. It’s hard to call this one. My gadget lust needs to be tempered with reality, and there’s little evidence either way. The one thing however that does suggest an iPhone’s imminent release is that Apple hasn’t denied it. The past few times a rumour like this has gotten out of control, they have come out to dismiss it. After all, if they don’t release one at this stage their share price is going to tank. Time will tell.
5. Full Screen iPod.
Based on numerous patents and a rumour started on think secret well over a year ago, the full screen iPod is the Apple rumour that just won’t die. It’s even out lived the forerunner of this category, the Apple branded PDA. (never going to happen – get over it) I think it is likely they will come out with something to counter Zune (although Zune is self countering – so maybe they won’t need to) and it does seem like the next logical step. I just wish they’d get on with it and put this one to bed already.
C. Possible but Unlikely
1. Apple Tablet.
Despite the recent digi times article, I highly doubt Apple would release a Tablet computer, especialy one in the form we have come to expect of Tablet PC’s. However, they could have their own interesting take, possibly something similar to the UMPC’s that are proving popular with PC manufacturers at the moment.
2. MacBook Sub Notebook.
This is one I would love to see, but there is no evidence to suggest it, other than pure fantasy. But one can dream! (If you want to see what one could be like, check out Sony’s TX range of Viaos)
Well, there you have it, a little speculation to get you in the MacWorld spirit. Of course with more than a month to go who knows what crazy ideas might surface. But until then I hope this whets your gadget lust for a little while!
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I’m still surprised, after 15 years of attending Macworld, at the speculation over the keynote suprises. Every year the internet speculation accumulates so many potential hardware announcements that Jobs would be on stage 8 hours later just to give them his “treatment”.
Remember he gives the annual performance of various divisions and hardware platforms, lets other software/hardware suppliers up on stage to demo a product, announces iLife updates with an added package of late, and the latest OS X version is demoed. In addition, he has typically added an update to one of the hardware platforms as well as spend time on the iPod. Leopard will likely take more time than usual for the OS X segment this year.
If you add it up these will leave 15 minutes to demo the speculated product debuts. Pick one and cross your fingers. The “iTV” device should be accompanied by a remote with a touch screen IMHO.
Wouldn’t the Apple Table be designed for the Graphical Artist? It would certainly not be like an UPMC.
While I agree that all the products you listed are likely to be launched in early 2007, I think it is way off the mark to predict *anything* but Leopard, Macs, and Mac accessories such as new displays etc. iTV may be included but I doubt it.
An iPhone? Now that is a *MAJOR* new product, *MAJOR* and they will use a separate keynote to introduce it ala the way they have handled iPods in recent years, never talking about new ones at Macworlds. I suspect a week or two after Macworld journalists will receive an invite to a “special event”.
Simply……
iLife 07
iWork 07
maybe Leopard
Mac mini upgrade
and
iTV
Super Cool if……
MacBook pro and Mac Pro Quad-core
and
Really cool updated GUI to Leopard