Whew. That's a relief. We were afraid
for a while there that we'd have to go a whole week without any rumors about Apple's alleged plans for a "true video iPod." But
ThinkSecret has come through as usual. According to the site, Apple had been on track to release the widescreen video
iPod in time for the company's 30th birthday
this month, but had to delay the project due to display problems and negotiations with movie studios. ThinkSecret
claims that Apple is committed to a touchscreen controller including a "virtual track wheel," but actually
achieving this has proven to be a challenge for Apple's display manufacturer. Meanwhile Apple is reportedly having a
hard time negotiating content deals with movie studios. According to ThinkSecret, the company wants to stick with the
iTunes model of selling individual flicks, while the studios are looking for a MusicNet-style subscription service.
We've got an idea: as long as Apple is chatting it up with the other
Apple, why not see if the rights to "Help" and "A Hard Days Night" are available? Either
that or they can see if Disney's working on a sequel to "High School
Musical."