News
Analysts speculate on Apple event: Movie downloads, iTablet?
Following Apple’s teaser invitation to a special event next Tuesday, analysts are weighing in on what they think the company will introduce. Speculation ranges from new Intel-based Macs to a movie download service to a tablet-size iPod with HD video.
American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu expects an entry-level MacBook laptop and an updated Mac mini, but also says Apple could announce the availability of its first full-length movie downloads. “We believe there is a greater than 50 percent chance that Apple will announce its first, full-length feature films available for download on iTunes,” he says. Wu doesn’t believe the company will debut the so-called “true video iPod.”
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster thinks the event will be Intel-focused, but could also bring new iPods. However, he says it is less likely that Apple will release the rumored touch-screen iPod. “While it is difficult to predict exactly what Apple will announce next Tuesday, it is easier to predict what Apple will announce in the next 12 months,” which he says could include new iBooks and Power Macs, a larger-screen iPod, a new iPod shuffle, Airport Express for video, an Apple-branded cell phone.
Bear Stearns analyst Andrew Neff says a new video iPod is likely, though it could turn out to be “tablet-sized or HDTV-based.” “As speculation begins to build around what Apple could announce on February 28, we think—focusing on the adjectives ‘fun’ and ‘new’—the most likely products are either a tablet-size iPod or a larger HDTV-based iPod,” says Neff. “While more Intel-based products (new iBook or iMacs) or a phone are possible, neither strikes us as ‘fun’ or ‘new’.”
Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at the industry research firm Jupiter Research, reminds Apple watchers that no one really knows what to expect. “We’re talking about Apple, so it could be all of those things, none of those things, or something brand new,” says Gartenberg. Ross Rubin, an analyst at the market research firm NPD Group, said trying to speculate on what Apple might roll out at the event is a “fruitless guessing game.”
Related Stories
- Apple WWDC Keynote set for June 10
- Apple patent application details interactive AirPlay, TV
- Report: iWatch pushed to late 2014?
- New Apple online store design alters focus, hides deals
- Report: iOS 7 could see Flickr, Vimeo integration
- Apple CEO Cook testifies on taxes, faces Senate critics
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Apple WWDC Keynote set for June 10
- Apps: Foursquare 6.2, Hyper Breaker Turbo, Pandora 4.3 + Shazam 6.0
- Apple patent application details interactive AirPlay, TV
- Report: iWatch pushed to late 2014?
- Griffin releases iPhone 5 Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case
- OtterBox acquires LifeProof
- LifeProof debuts Frē case for iPad mini
- Logitech debuts Wired Keyboard for iPad
- New Apple online store design alters focus, hides deals
- Apps: ABC Aquarium, Disney Jr. Appisodes, Pinterest 2.4 + Pocket Informant Pro 3.0
Recent Reviews
- C4 Electronics Dolry HiFi Stone 30-Pin AirPlay Adapter
- Boombotix Boombot Rex Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Nuu Splash Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Scosche boomBottle Weatherproof Sport Wireless Speaker
- HMDX Jam Plus Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Wristband
- Cambridge Audio Minx Air 100 + 200 Bluetooth + AirPlay Wireless Speakers
- Mophie Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5
- Ultimate Ears UE Boom
- Trü Protection Trü-Fit Anti-Glare Film Set
Recent Articles
- iMessages showing as Delivered when iPhone is out of coverage
- Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
1
All this proves is that none of these highly-paid analysts knows anything more than any interested and reasonably well-informed “man on the net”. At least Mr. Gartenberg is honest enough to admit that.
Posted by Fangorn in Texas on February 23, 2006 at 10:52 AM (PST)
2
You all know that it will be either the iPod Phone, iPod Boom Box, Video support for the nano, or some pimping accessory
why would ilounge be invited otehrwise
Posted by teh 1337 on February 23, 2006 at 12:21 PM (PST)
3
Just a thought the invitation is a calender could they not be launching an apple personal organiser based on the ipod something like the palm lifedrive
Posted by Phil on February 23, 2006 at 1:08 PM (PST)
4
movies would be nice..but they should be priced right..and plus..its WAAY to soon to releasing a new iPod
Posted by Jesse on February 23, 2006 at 1:33 PM (PST)
5
Headline I would dearly love to see: “Analyst held to account for wild speculation that had no basis in reality.”
Posted by Hrothgar on February 23, 2006 at 2:21 PM (PST)
6
My guess is a boombox, but a Palm LifeDrive with a 30GB drive and full iTunes support would be the best thing ever!
Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on February 23, 2006 at 2:59 PM (PST)
7
Here’s another guess; iCal for Windows; not everyone uses Outlook.
Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on February 23, 2006 at 2:59 PM (PST)
8
“We’re talking about Apple, so it could be all of those things, none of those things, or something brand new.”
I think that’s about perfect…
Posted by Sean on February 23, 2006 at 3:07 PM (PST)
9
They will be introducing a new ipod. Its going to be something to replaces the discontinued shuffle. Possibly a reintroduction of the a ipod mini type device.
I think that Apple needs to buy a celluar phone company in order to stay competitive. They are going to be locked out when the world changes.
Posted by davemesaaz on February 23, 2006 at 3:40 PM (PST)
10
why does everyone think that just because there is a picture of a calendar with the date of the event on it that it will have something to do with a calendar application or something? maybe they just wanted people to know that the date was on the 28th and since this is apple, it just wouldn’t be enough to just write the numbers. im surprised it doesn’t have a line up of 10 grammy winning artists singing the date…
Posted by Jeremy on February 23, 2006 at 4:18 PM (PST)
11
“why would ilounge be invited otherwise”
free publicity maybe….
Posted by Macromedia on February 23, 2006 at 4:43 PM (PST)
12
I dont understand why anyone, either analyst or web people, even try to guess whats going to be released. I mentioned a Media Center type program would be released and the people on that board said “no way apple would never do that.” We now have front row. Lets all shutup and wait till the 28th. Its only 5 days away. No one will be able to correctly guess what they will release anyway.
Posted by Josh on February 23, 2006 at 5:53 PM (PST)
13
“Video support for the nano”
Yes, nice way to start off the new year, piss off a lot of nano owners who’ve only had a nano for a few months. Nano’s do not contain the video processing chip, therefore, the only way to play videos is by iPodLinux. I personally think it will be some sort of PDA made by Apple (has anyone seen the “leaked” picture on Engadget?).
Posted by Nobody on February 23, 2006 at 5:54 PM (PST)
14
hahaha so wait… lemme get this straight…
people are speculating that a TOUCH SCREEN ipod is going to be made by the same company that was hit with countless lawsuits for… the screen cracking and scratching beyond visibility?
wow that’ll be hilarious.
Posted by m on February 23, 2006 at 8:19 PM (PST)
15
I bet the new 6gb or 8gb Nano will be introduced with different colors at least five different colors like the minis. Perhaps, shuffle with small screen and it comes in black and white. Also, upgraded 5g iPod with 80gb and 100gb. Will see if I get anything right next week. Also, maybe an upgraded iPod GUI such as bookmark and perhaps Crossfade. iTunes 7.0 with awesome features in them…I can go on for some more speculation but I am just asking for trouble here, so I will stop.
Posted by Oliver on February 23, 2006 at 10:24 PM (PST)
16
How about a video game controller shaped device with the normal buttons either side and in the middle is a recess where the ipod sits and connects into. Play games on the ipod with proper controls. Games available from ITMS for a fee of course..
This would
1) Be fun as the invite says
2) provide a new income stream for the device and the games
3) Annoy and take sales from nintendo and sony.
4) Wear out the ipod battery quicker so people would have to buy new ipods sooner
Posted by John Lapres on February 24, 2006 at 3:54 AM (PST)
17
Josh… what the heck is a forum for if we can’t have fun speculating? That’s part of the fun of Apple products.
I would love it to be a new larger screen video ipod. But like others here, I doubt it. The current video ipod is too new, and I’m sure they are not ready to drop its price yet. The only possibility I see for this now is if the new ipod is a very high end ipod/PDA combo which they could charge a premium price for (thus not displacing the current models).
I’m also doubtful that Apple is ready to offer iTunes videos in the higher resolution necessary for a larger screen. They like to keep it simple, and having two different video formats is overly complicated. Plus, I think the content providers are more comfortable offering the low-rez videos that are less likely to be pirated for display on home TVs.
The speculation alone has caused me to hold off on an upgrade. I’m still using a 3rd gen Ipod and would love a color/video model, but I’m going to hold out for the big screen.
Posted by Bill on February 24, 2006 at 11:27 AM (PST)
18
Bill, the speculation is fine, it is just annoying when people shoot down other peoples speculation because they think they are right, when in reality, no one knows.
Posted by Josh on February 24, 2006 at 11:50 AM (PST)
19
I know one thing for sure. Apple is going to release ‘Ipod Hi-Fi’ on Feb 28. Trust me! Cos, I’ve seen it!
Posted by JC on February 24, 2006 at 8:31 PM (PST)
20
iTablet…that doesn’t go down well at all (ok, I’ll take my gelcaps and shut up now :p).
Posted by flatline response on February 25, 2006 at 1:21 AM (PST)
Page 1 of 2 pages 1 2 >