It was too good to be true.
Just when we thought we might actually have a day free from Apple rumors (after all, doesn't
Microsoft deserve to have the rumor mill to itself for at least a
little while?), ThinkSecret has hit us with word that the "true"
video iPod is still coming, and that it
will have a 4-inch display, rather than the 3.5-inch one that was claimed in earlier rumors. ThinkSecret also reports
that the video iPod is on target for a March or April release, pending content deals with studios (which we assume will
come through, given that Steve Jobs basically
owns Disney now). Of course, even if the video unit is delayed,
we assume Stevie will still schedule another big press conference sometime in the next few weeks. After all, Apple has
yet to announce the Intel-powered eMac and the pleather case for the shuffle.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Scott @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:42PM
*$200 pleather case*
Chris @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:44PM
Mmm... no. I don't think Microsoft does deserve that. At least all the Apple rumors are just that, where-as Microsoft rumors don't really exist, they just get put out there by Microsoft. Oops, we launched our Vista Versions page early... oh look, we have projectorigami.com, and we're going to make you sit there and speculate it all for three weeks to get ourselves in the news. Seriously... wtf.
Jake @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:45PM
Yeah and the Microsoft rumors are usually boring. Their products are just..... awful.
Hopefully this new Ipod will have XM in it or something
koppite1 @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:46PM
Meh...
You'd think these folks behind Apple rumour sites to have better things to do with their time
carlosauresrex @ Oct 16th 2006 12:12PM
you think you'd have something better to do than read apple rumor sites and posts. :)
J @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:48PM
Maybe they are going to release the Hifi in 6 different fruity colors?
Now THAT would warrant another media event!
homestarmecium @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:48PM
The broadcom h.264 chip in the 4G ipod can decode up to SD h.264 right? But all the h.264 chip makers (ST Micro, Conexant, TI, etc..) and STB makers (Amino, SA/Cisco, will be releasing their HD h.264 products in March/April as well.
I wonder if Apple's putting in an HD h.264 chip in their video ipod "just in case", much like how they did it for the 4G.
I bet that as soon as the video ipod comes out, they'll put SD videos on itunes for the video ipod. And when everyone's bought the video ipod, they'll release a firmware upgrade that will enable SD playback on the 4G and HD playback on the video ipod.
MuDoggy @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:48PM
Two things...
One, if that pic were real, that sharp shine on the top left (that goes from black to white) would be replicated on the bottom left, which is Apples signature "aqua" feel in their products.
Second, if this thing will be 4 inches, meaning a higher res than the iPod with video, does that mean that we'll have to choose which show to download (even redownload shows we already have), high res/lo res for the video iPod or the iPod with video?
Contro @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:48PM
I want it now been holding off on an ipod cuz I want the ipod video I hope it plays music too :)
Dermot81 @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:50PM
Who cares about this. It's all about UMPCs these days. Give me one that fits in my pocket, and I'll be set.
Jcee @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:50PM
Engadget, don't you ever tire of getting sucked-in yet again? Well, maybe Apple's marketing department already pays you to be a shill.
DC @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:50PM
So, essentially it's something like an Archos AV500, but likely with less functionality and shorter battery life.
MuDoggy @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:52PM
I meant the shine on the top right...
GadgetGav @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:53PM
Job's owned about 51% of Pixar which became about 6% of Disney, so I assume that comment was sarcasm.
What the heck is that mock up picture..? Why would they go to 4" wide if they didn't keep the aspect ratio correct. What's the point of watching something widescreen with grey bars down the side..? Haven't you guy's learnt not to regurgitate ThinkSecret's stuff yet. If we want to know what they're smoking today, we'll just go there and find out...
KevinFreitas @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:54PM
Apple had their chance with me. I don't own anything Apple right now so I would assume I'm a pretty desirable kinda' guy to have buy their first Apple product. Too bad they didn't quench my thirst for big video when I had it. I've got my eye on the Creative Zen Vision (http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=210&subcategory=211&product=12985) and will probably go for it.
Sorry Steve -- you almost had me.
~ Kevin
Don Johnson @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:55PM
I'm just waiting on the leather case for my iPod HiFi now.
I'm sure they'll announce the iWallet soon. It destroys any money you put into it via a series of firmware upgrades, is bright white to draw the attention of potential muggers and scratches really well. I'll then have to get a leather case for that too...
Mike @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:04PM
ThinkSecret = ThinkLies
Sergio @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:05PM
I cant wait for that pleather case, i hope they stamp 8 Apple logos on there so everyone knows how much i love apple!
skype_fan @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:06PM
Are they going to do weekly "fun product" events now ?
Hahaha.... Apple must be really desperate to make the daily news stream. Get Jobs some girls so he can get a life.... and a fashion advisor...
GaryMItchell @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:14PM
iPods are already overpriced, i can see this thing costing upwards of 400$
editblog @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:17PM
I heard it best on last night's Your Mac Life internet broadcast... do you really think Apple will make a "full screen" ipod like this that would be so prone to scratches when they can't even make a Nano that doesn't scratch when you slide it into a cloth pocket? I thought that summed it up best.
Plus, who wants to watch their movies through the fingerprints and skin grease anyway?
z @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:19PM
Well, seems that if Microsoft wants to keep their tracks fine and make a bit more of headlines on Engadget, Bill Gates should start looking for really interesting people to work with, of the alternative culture types, not the fake stars or wanna-be-cool type, some with a bit more than an x-box vision... if this iPod really gets out, for a long time the benchmark it shall be. I WANT ONE!!!!
Kevin @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:19PM
I just can't see Apple coming out with another iPod revamp so soon. If these rumors are true, then I think Apple needs to slow down a bit.
As far as Mac products, I'm glad they're finishing the transition to Intel so much quicker than originally thought. The reason why this week's Mac mini and iPod HiFi announcement was such a let down is because the media over dramatized the event. It should have been clear from the beginning that an event at Apple Town Hall wouldn't bring major products like a new iPod or even an Intel iBook.
I think we should ease up on Apple instead of continuing to hope for a new iPod. The current iPod lineup is excellent and still rather fresh. This week's announcements were boring, but we never should have expected more.
dan g @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:25PM
if it can make phone calls...
I'LL TAKE IT
slow news day @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:28PM
If anything, a bigger screen on the iPod is a threat to the PSP, which although plays games, is a much better portable media player than anything else.
Apple has perhaps the best music interface. If they come out with a pod with a larger screen for media, then it'll certainly catch my eye.
Michael @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:29PM
#22:
The 5G iPod was no big deal, it was essentially the same as the 4G except it had a colour screen. Big deal. My 4G was content knowing that it would not be replaced and would be cozy in my pocket for some time to come.
I really couldn't care less for a video iPod like the one shown above, unless it had more content then TV shows or movies. When I'm on the go all I want is music, or perhaps a game to waste time while waiting for something. The iPod music player still has some evolving to do, let's see that!
clicclic @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:32PM
homestarmecium: you meant to say 5th gen iPod I think.
The current iPod video (5th gen) is great. It's tiny, stores hundreds of movies, has a fat screen, and outputs movies onto a tv screen with a single cord up to 480 resolution (VHS quality). Don't wait; just get one. The 30GB is friggin' tiny; the 60GB is almost impossible to fill up...
This mockup you're drooling over is foolish. Who wants to watch a movie with a big round white dial masking half the screen? Oh it'll fade away? Whatever... (cinemascope).
DJ @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:33PM
There were some serious indications earlier this week that Stevie J had lined up the financing to buy the controlling interest in Disney. With the consumation of the Disney/Pixar deal, he'll hold a little over 14%of Disney through his, Apple's and Pixar exec's holdings of the combined company. Realitically, he only needs another 25% to have control.
Armin @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:40PM
Honestly, how many of you would wanna watch a 2 hour movie on the bus or train ride?
Come on, portable film viewing devices are useless, perhaps for sit coms etc.
John Hinds @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:44PM
This is hardly going to work when you can't even buy TV Shows in most countries yet.
Who outside of north america would buy the thing.
DaGreek @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:50PM
Ohh i hope this is true! Now if the price is about $300-$400 it looks like a great new ipod. I just hope the battery life is good more than 2 hrs of video playback like the 5g ipod has.
Bruno @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:54PM
Has anyone tried to hold thier ipod sideways like this supposed video ipod is meant to be viewed?
I have tried to hold my ipod sideways and it is not comfortable at all. I don't think Apple would release this becasue you would not want to hold it for more than 5 minutes like this, uless they build a little kickstand in the back.
Mike Street @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:56PM
Good point #20 that thing will have more scratches on it then a little bit.
UFG @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:59PM
Man, you guys just can't wait to spend your money huh.
khamel @ Mar 2nd 2006 3:05PM
where is the push for apple to sign a shady deal with a hard drive manufacturer (akin to the nano flash deal) and get me a frekin ipod with a 100gig hard drive? if they are really pushing video and i already have over 60gigs of music where am i supposed to put those episodes of desperate housewives or conviction? if you are going to try and get me to watch terrible shows, give me space to store them.
GDUB @ Mar 2nd 2006 3:07PM
Please Wide screen IPOD. i will supply my own content :).
John @ Mar 2nd 2006 3:12PM
We have seen this mock up floating around for a few months. I am interested to see how close it is to the final product. Looks good to me. I love the idea of the touch screen click (?) wheel.
iPod6G @ Mar 2nd 2006 3:29PM
Anyone else notice that ThinkSecret has been a bit more negative about Apple in their rumours lately?
Alex @ Mar 2nd 2006 3:44PM
"Anyone else notice that ThinkSecret has been a bit more negative about Apple in their rumours lately?"
Yeah, I think since Apple decided to start selling $99 leather sleeves, and using obvious hyperbole about their new boombox.
MikeTheEngineer @ Mar 2nd 2006 3:53PM
Ok lets be real here people.
Just so you know where I'm coming from here, I have a 5G 30 Gig. I can rip any movie on to it free. I have a couple of movies on there, as well as 1 show i bought on itunes. I have never watched any of this stuff in full, the battery will not last a whole movie. So what I am getting at is;
1. Who in their right mind is gonna watch a moive on a 4 inch screen, blindness anyone?
2. Battery life sucks already, the thing would have to be much bigger than the 5G to power a 4 inch screen with duper resolution.
3. This, like the 5G, to me is simply a novelty. The ipod's bread and butter is music, the movie part is simply for show. Music videos actually make sense, 3-4 minutes aint bad on the small screen, but all this movie business aint sitting well with me.
So if there is anyone out there that can justify this thing, give it to me, otherwise you are just one of those people who has to have it cause its new, hence novelty.
PEZ @ Mar 2nd 2006 4:20PM
Who are these FOOLS thinking Apple is going ot release an iPod with sattelite radio in it? Whats in it for Apple? An APPLE branded SHUFFLE channel? Apple (Alpo?) has nothing to gain from that. NOTHING. They make money form their iTunes store (marginally) and from the hardware - they dont want to pay for chipsets from XM or Sirius - so stop dreaming.
Here is an idea for that - launch your own sattlite and broadcast the podcasts all day long. Oh, that would be terrific.
Andreas @ Mar 2nd 2006 4:40PM
If they redesign the whole iPod for movie playing, I would also hope that they double up the battery, which unfortunately would add on the weight so it would weight as much as their competitors.
I'm just so sad because it seems that all movie studios are interested in subscription service. Oh hell.. I'm SO uninterested in subscribing to video. I'm all in for download to own. I could see an interest in "renting" a movie for $2 and it'd expire in a week. But not any more expensive.. then it'd be better to go rent it in the local video store, and back it up at home to watch it on the bus trip or whatever.
sammy mazola jr @ Mar 2nd 2006 5:14PM
Is 'video iPod' Apple's secret internal project code-name for 'iPod Socks'?
Slartibartfast @ Mar 2nd 2006 5:51PM
A 4" display: Nice.
A touch screen: No dice! I don't know about you guys, but I sure as hell do not want to be touching the screen I'm trying to watch a show on. Finger prints, finger cheese, finger ji.... hehe no thanks.
Besides, didn't all the Apple circle jerks proclaim that Steve Job's released this on Feb 28th 2006?
Z @ Mar 2nd 2006 6:06PM
If Apple has a brain in their head, they'll release a product of this nature with integrated BLUETOOTH, for use with wireless BT equipped headphones. As a matter of fact, the iPod should have both BT AND WiFi.
It's long overdue that they integrate some form of wireless in the iPod, not just rely on clunky third-party add-ons.
Engadget Sucks @ Mar 2nd 2006 6:14PM
i just got a 5g ipod 2 months ago this is ridiculous that a lot major corporations. why didnt you just release this in the first place you idiots at apple. if 20 years down the road corporations own everyone i will stand out like a scratch on an ipod.
Stephen trew @ Mar 2nd 2006 7:03PM
wow - in the first 50
whiteguysamurai @ Mar 2nd 2006 7:08PM
*********Steve jobs farts!*****************
And, engadget is there!
Who cares?
Emily @ Mar 2nd 2006 8:31PM
How many people are going to go blind from looking at these tiny screens? DVD players, cell phones, pdas, ultra nano ipods, Oragami tablets... I use a 19 inch screen and even it is starting to damage my vision I think.
bob @ Mar 2nd 2006 9:55PM
eMac? also, battery life on this one? Double display same battery size. That's 1/4 of the current video ipod if my math is right. Whats that