Apple is set to hold its annual media related event tomorrow and over the last few months speculation of what products are expected to be released have been in steady supply. Apple’s “It’s Only Rock and Roll, but we like it” event will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts in San Francisco and be attended by invited media only, a satellite stream will be available in London for European based media.
New iPods with built-in Cameras
Rumours date back to May stating that at least the iPod touch and iPod nano would receive a camera. Reports following this also noted that the iPod nano would move to a 1.5:1 ratio display and a smaller click wheel.
Last month multiple images were revealed that depicted an iPod touch with a camera in the top centre, the photos concurred with previous reports about the positioning of the camera. Photos of third-party cases for the iPod nano and touch also added credence to rumours of built-in cameras.
A last minute report revealed yesterday states that Apple has had production issues with the new iPod models but it is unknown whether Apple will keep the iPod models out of the event completely or simply delay shipping.
Speculation by World of Apple suggests that the third generation iPod touch will be upgraded to similar hardware as the new iPhone 3GS, increasing CPU speed and doubling the internal RAM, adding GPS and having the new oleophobic display coating. Apple may also remove the 8GB iPod touch and add a higher capacity 64GB model.
The iPod classic has been missing from much of the circulating rumours leading to speculation by some that Apple may remove the only hard drive based iPod from its lineup.
Availability of iPhone OS 3.1
In testing since June iPhone OS 3.1 brings several enhancements to the iPhone and iPod touch. The latest beta was released in late July, a significant time ago.
World of Apple believes that the release of iPhone OS 3.1 is very likely.
Cocktail
Cocktail refers to an internal Apple codename which is said to enhance iTunes store album purchases and will include interactive lyric sheets, photos and more. The enhancement is aimed at increasing the sales of complete albums.
Most sources suggest that Cocktail will be introduced onto the iTunes store at tomorrows event.
Beatles on iTunes
Based most on speculation some sources suggested that after years of rumours that famous British band will re-release its discography on September 9th, the date of Apple’s event. The band will indeed re-release its entire discography on Wednesday and will also begin selling a Rockband themed game but the FT.com reports that talks between EMI and Apple have stalled, again.
“Conversations between Apple and EMI are ongoing and we look forward to the day when we can make the music available digitally. But it’s not tomorrow,” Ernesto Schmitt, EMI’s global catalog president, told the FT’s Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson.
iTunes 9/Pre-cut Ringtones
A report from early in August pointed towards an update to iTunes which would see the integration of popular social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Additionally the report suggested that iTunes 9 will have the ability to play Blu-Ray discs and make organisation of apps on the iPhone/iPod touch easier.
Recently a report stated that Apple could be looking to offer “pre-cut” ringtones for sale on the iTunes store. Few details were offered but pricing is said to be “far less than $3″.
Apple TV Update
An analyst report late last month suggested that the Apple TV could be due for an update at Apple’s media event. Sources have indicated since then that such an update will not be unveiled on September 9th.
Apple Touchscreen Tablet
Apple’s heavily rumoured touchscreen tablet has been explicity outlined as not being a subject of tomorrows media event. Almost all sources point towards an early 2010 release.
Event Coverage
World of Apple will offer detailed coverage of Apple’s event including news updates, photos and behind the scenes Twitter coverage.
