14 DAY TRIAL // Yet another source claims to be in the possession of protective cases that have been specifically designed for Apple’s forthcoming iPod nano 6, refueling rumors of a planned release from Cupertino.
Taobao.com, a Chinese shopping site, is the latest to post images pertaining to a sixth-generation iPod nano expected to drop at Apple’s planned event in San Francisco.
Case manufacturers’ confidence that iPod nano 6 is launching tomorrow indicates that recent rumors are likely true (at least concerning the new nano).
The device will reportedly boast a 3x3 cm touchscreen, as well as touch-based controls.
Scheduled to go down at the famous Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the September 1 event is believed to mark the introduction of an entire new line of iPods, including the aforementioned 6G nano, and a fourth-generation iPod touch.
The latter is said to pack not one, but two cameras in what would undoubtedly bring FaceTime video-chatting support to the non-phone gadget.
In addition to these new iPods, Apple is widely expected to make some form of announcement regarding the company’s hobby - the Apple TV.
For months analysts have speculated that a revision to the set-top-box was imperative.
The latest research notes even mention actual specs, of both the hardware, and the underlying software that Apple’s rumored “iTV” will rely on.
Particularly, the iTV is said to pack an ARM chip similar to the A4 found in Apple’s iPad and iPhone 4.
The device will be shaped much like the iPhone, people familiar with Apple’s plans claim, and will rely on a variant of iOS, the operating system powering iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches.
However, the invitations sent out by Apple to members of the media for the September 1 event indicate, via artwork featuring a guitar, that Apple will make music-related announcements only.
The artwork in question, along with the short message accompanying it, offer no indication of an Apple TV refresh, or any other non-music announcement for that matter.
It is safe to assume that, if Apple is introducing any new hardware at all, it’s likely to be the two new iPods we’ve been hearing about so much lately.
Last (and labeled as the least likely), Apple is also expected to dedicate some time to launching a new version of iLife.
The suite is currently comprised of iPhoto, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD, the latter being rumored for exclusion.
iDVD is said to be replaced with a mystery application in iLife 11, while iWeb will be totally renewed, according to various reports.
Softpedia will provide a coverage of Apple's event tomorrow, by posting timely updates as the announcements unfold.