Apple Event: Our Predictions

Image: Eva KröcherEveryone else is having their say, so we might as well throw our predictions for today's Apple Event out there as well. Below are my predictions, along with what Jamie of Root Access fame thinks will be released/announced:

Beatles announcement?

Ryan: Apple will use the Beatles to highlight their new digital album package (extra video, behind-the-scenes, etc.) Just releasing the songs on iTunes wouldn't be exciting enough.

Jamie: Yoko says yes! This will happen.

iPod Classic disappears?

Jamie: Gone!

Ryan: I hate to say it because it is the form-factor that actually "is/was" the iPod, but I think it's gone.

iPod Shuffle changes?

Ryan: A return to the old look: buttons!

Jamie: No changes.

iPod Nano price drop?

Ryan: Something will be at $99.

Jamie: No price drop, but it will get a camera and new colors.

New iPod Touch features?

Jamie: Camera on the touch, and a 64GB on the high end. With the classic gone, this is the new high-end iPod.

Ryan: Camera (and video) on the touch. A 64GB model is doubtful, but we'll definitely see it if the classic is discontinued.

Camera on the Nano?

Ryan: No. There needs to be more differentiation between the Touch and Nano.

Jamie: Yes. Leaked cases say so.

Jobs on stage?

Jamie: Nope.

Ryan: Ironically, I think he'll show up if the rest of the news isn't that exciting. I know that's the opposite of most people's thinking, but I think he doesn't want his return to overshadow a big product announcement, like the tablet.

"One More Thing?"

Jamie: Not without Jobs.

Ryan: Agreed.

Tablet announcements?

Jamie: No.

Ryan: 12% chance. Definitely be a surprise at this point.

New iTunes features?

Ryan: Going out on a limb and saying we see a subscription option. Some sort of social feature, but nothing to get too excited about.

Jamie: Facebook/twitter integration, and a new Blu-ray feature. Not adding Bluray drives, but movies will include a code that allows you to download a copy from iTunes for free.

So there you have it. I'm sure some of these will seem laughable this afternoon, and maybe a few will be spot on. What are your predictions for today?

The Third Coming of Steve Jobs: The T-Shirt

With sightings on Apple's Campus, and quotes attributed to him in press releases, we feel confident in saying Steve Jobs is back. And so we herald the Third Coming of Steve Jobs. Of course he founded Apple before being defrocked and sent to the NeXT forest, then came back to oversee the original iMac/iBook, and now, not even a mighty foe can stop him from returning once again.

And how does one commemorate this occasion? With a t-shirt, of course. Click here to get yours. You can customize in different colors, for men, women, or kids. And Apple employees, we have it on good authority that Steve would love to see these in the halls of Cupertino...

This Book Is It Worth It For This Picture Alone

There he is. Steve Jobs in a quiet moment in his "home office" as some have called it, circa 1982. The image is from the book "The Bigger Picture" by Diana Walker. While the book is full of great portraits, there's just something about this one that perfectly captures a certain time period on the history of Steve Jobs and Apple. Note the lack of a computer, but the turntable in the back. I'm guessing that's a Dylan album back there. Well worth picking up. The Bigger Picture.

WWDC Dates / Events Set

Phew! Not a minute too soon! A little later than usual, but Apple has now made it official: WWDC 2009 will run from June 8-12 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This puts to rest the beginning of some rumblings as to whether the event would be pushed back either due to software delays or Steve Jobs' health.

But now that's behind us, and developers of the world can start marking those calendars. Of note, it seems like Apple is pushing the iPhone 3.0 far harder than Snow Leopard for the event. Hey, they're not dumb, and they know where the money's coming from right now.

Any TDL readers headed to WWDC?

Steve Jobs Working at MSNBC

I know, I know, we were just as surprised as you, but the photo doesn't lie. Below is a screen capture from MSNBC. Do you notice a familiar looking person in the background? Clearly Jobs has totally pulled a Bueller on Apple, and is working as a low-level producer at MSNBC while everyone thinks he's off sick. Sneaky!

There is the off chance that this is merely someone who has a passing resemblance to Jobs, but what fun is that?