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Software: Snow Leopard with a late March ship date. I cite March as the ship date because this was the same scenario with 10.4 (or 10.3).
Hardware: Will be two items.
1. A netbook. Steve said no to a netbook this fall, but he also said Apple wouldn't make a phone. My reasoning for this is the MacBook Air really isn't a netbook. The MBA is nice but does not come anywhere close to a netbook price wise. Ship date is going to be March.
2. A midrange Apple tower. I have no idea what the form factor will be. It's not going to be the large case of the current Mac Pro. Having a tower will allow Apple to sell more systems to potential switchers and could still be a high margin item. The Mac Standard will be shipping late January and early February.
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Source(s):
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/apple-announces-final-macworld-steve-job...
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Source(s):
http://is.gd/c1Fr
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I predict a new Mac Mini model that will be cheaper than the current one. With the ever-increasing popularity of the Apple Brand and OS, a cheaper Apple computer seems probable. It'll continue to be the cheaper alternative to the Mac Pro and iMac, but will have a WOW factor to bring it out of it's cousins' shadows.
The WOW factor? More compact and shiny.
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Also, there is some weight behind the iPhone nano rumour as an accessory manufacturer reportedly leaked design plans sent by apple (they recieve plans for new designs ahead of time so they can be ready around the same time as the product launch) they have been right in the past with the design of the iPhone 3G.
There is also a link about the new Mac mini rumour - this is also a good bet as it is the only Mac to not have been updated in a long time
Source(s):
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=11261
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/desktops/0,39029426,49300360,00.htm - Mac mini
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/15/iphone-nano-rumors-revived-in-otherwise... - iPhone nano
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Source(s):
Google searching on "mac book mini network"
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Source: Jason Calacanis
Source(s):
http://gizmodo.com/5062030/calacanis-rumor-apple-developing-networked-lcd-w...
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It'll also be a great product to kick-start 2009. And I wouldn't be surprised if they throw in Blu-Ray there somewhere, given that it's now the format that's "won" yet the only real major player is the PS3.
Keeping along with the video quality upgrade theme, a new large HD Apple monitor is imminent and Apple TV should also get an update for more disk space. Even YouTube has finally supported HD now, and the new compace video cameras can now take video in HD. Apple TV already features the ability to stream HD content, so it would make sense to offer the consumer the option to buy an Apple TV along with an Apple HD screen.
Source(s):
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/10/25/what-will-jobs-announce-at-macworld-20...
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http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/12/16/rumors-everywhere-macworld-to-bring-netbook-mac-mini-refresh/
http://venturebeat.com/2008/12/08/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-itunes-plus/
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Source(s):
http://www.macworld.com/article/137575/2008/12/mac_films.html
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Second I expect a second smaller, version of the iPhone (iPhone Nano). They will lower costs on the MacBook line and announce an upgrade to the Mac Mini, bring it up the same visual style as Mac Book Pro and the iMac. There will probably be an upgrade for the AppleTV and iTunes also.
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Updated Core i7 Mac Pros with Mini Displayport
Udpated Mac mini with Mini Displayport
Updated iMac with Mini Displayport
Updated Cinema Displays that work with Mac desktops
iTunes Music Store completely DRM-free
A Look at Snow Leopard
Source(s):
http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q408-macworld-2009-to-be-apples-last-n...
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1. New iPhone with more storage and/or faster processor.
2. New DRM free music option in iTunes
3. New monitor line that is marketed towards laptop users
4. New gaming features for the iPod touch that allows a user to connect to screens with HDMI or component connections.
5. New iPhone with iPod colors
6. All you can consume iTunes subscriptions
7. FREE mobileMe accounts for everyone.
8. Jobs will announce a NEW iPhone with a slide out keyboard
9. Apple will announce a new social bookmarking system for the iPhone
10. New LCDs/cradel and features to use your iPhone in the car as a navigational tool.
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I also think apple will announce that they are in negoations to have a drm free itunes in 2009.
Source(s):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/15/AR200812150...
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/12/15/iphone_nano_rumors_resurface_...
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/11/19/apple_in_talks_to_offer_drm_f...
http://twit.tv/mbw118
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http://www.mahalo.com/answers/apple/what-will-apples-next-killer-product-be-bonus-points-for-pictures-of-an-actual-prototype
I think it will be the iBangle. There isn't much information from Apple about it, but I think it will far. I really hope it comes to fruition.
Here are some articles about it:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/931/931338p1.html
http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/today-ipod-tomorrow-ibangle-20081022/
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/87587-iBangle-Total-Cool-or-Total-Crap
http://electronicfiend.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/ibangle-01.jpg
and I agree with:
http://www.mahalo.com/member/montereykiddo
"That would rock! I bet they would take over like the Lance Armstrong "Livestrong" bracelets."
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2) a better mouse than all the crap they had for years
3) I know but I wont say, its equally revolutionary as the iPhone
4) an iTablet
5) a universal OSX for PCs ....... NOT!
6) a better Apple TV
7) a multitouch surface for general use on MACs (with the appropriate changes in the OS to support it)
8) an ultra-portable cheaper version of MacBook Air
9) The "I'm a PC" guy with "I'm a MAC" guy's sister caught on tape doing kinky cybersex via MSN / iChat
thats about everything they've planned
Source(s):
apple folks
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The displays will be updated to lower prices slightly due to the market, and to incorporate LED backlighting in conformance with the current 24" model. The Mac Pro's will be updated with Nehalem processors (faster), as well as a more up-to-date graphics card from nVidia, in line with OpenCL technology expectations. It is also likely that the Mac Pro's will incorporate Apple's first implementation of Blu-ray.
While the Mac Mini has seen increased speculation from the media surrounding MacWorld, it will not likely see an update, as it is inconsistent with Apple's strategy of building targeted standalone consumer electronics (e.g. the Airport Express and the Time Capsule products). In addition, 3rd-part products such as EFI-X have made the Mac Mini an unprofitable product for Apple, since advanced users can use cheaper PC products to run the Mac OS in low-end configurations.
Steve Jobs is not slated to present at the MacWorld keynote, and so one can safely predict that no new snazzy electronics will be introduced; this is consistent with the prior example of when Jobs declined to give the MacWorld keynote address.
Source(s):
http://guides.macrumors.com/Buyer%27s_Guide_%28time-ordered%29
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/16/apple-jobs-will-not-present-at-apples-f...
http://www.efi-x.com/
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I would also love to see something similar to this mock prototype thing from MacLife. Only thing I would change really is the curved stand and loose the stupid hologram of course. I say make something just about this size that would be like a small tablet device. With an add on stand it could sit in at night by the bed or on a desk.
It could be tablet / netbook when out and about. When docked it can be a digital photo frame, weather station, music player, alarm clock and so on. Add the ability to show widgets like stocks and stuff and shesh what a device. I thought I loved my iPhone but this thing would just blow everything away. The key would be pricing. If Apple could do this thing and for once be aggressive in their pricing I think it would seriously change the landscape of computing as we know it.
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So most likely there is going to be a two fold announcement: The coming of Snow and the update of the Mac Mini.
Source(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEHNrqPkefI
http://www.apple.com/ca/press/1998/04/Q2Earnings.html
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The iPhone 32GB will be announced along with new firmware for all iPhones. The most drastic addition to the firmware is the ability to purchase songs directly from the iTMS when using your 3G iPhone.
Macbook Air gets an update to NVidia graphics, along with a few minor tweaks.
Mac Mini gets phased out. Replaced with the Mac Air. Along the lines of that little PC that ASUS is making.
A new Macbook is announced. This one is in a netbook form factor. Price is $799. Called the Macbook Nano.
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The mac mini has been sitting without update for over 400 days (MacRumors.com Buyer's Guide) and the economy is not in the best of places right now. I'm thinking we'll see a sub-$1000 desktop mac with a 17" screen, possibly in the same style as the iMac or a new unibody style iMac.
Spec-wise, I think we're going to see an amalgam of lower-end iMac and higher end MacBook(Pro) specs. We're talking 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 1 GB of ram and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256 MB (or a desktop equivalent). Also, 160 GB 5400 rpm HDD.
Option wise, up to 4 GB ram, 250 to 320 GB HDD, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB of GDDR3 memory.
Aside from that, possible iMac spec bumps to create a larger product stratification between this low-end desktop, the laptops, and the iMacs. (Blu-ray option anybody?)
I think it would make sense because they need to start pulling down prices not only because the "Apple Tax" is ridiculously high, but also because the economy is taking such a dump right now. Also, either the Mac Mini or the Apple TV has to die. They offer such similar resources that they may be undercutting themselves. If they kill the mini, it makes room for this desktop.
Potential names?
-iMac Nano
-iMac Lite
-iMac Mini (eh, still probably enough of a change for their liking)
Other possible announcements:
-As mentioned above, iMac spec boosts (they're also over product cycle according to macrumors)
-Nehalem for Mac Pros (Possible BTO on iMac)
-iPhone 3G 4GB (iPhone Nano?)
Source(s):
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Mac_mini
http://www.apple.com/store/
http://www.macrumors.com/
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Steve will then announce the new CEO of Apple, Phil Schiller.
Source(s):
opinion
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Source(s):
http://www.macintouch.com
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*New version of MacMini.
MacMini hasn't undergone any innovation since August 2007. This year, there is rumor that the new version of MacMini will include the mini Display Port. The most likely improvement will be that it has better credentials, NVidia video card, Intel Core 2 processors, 2GM RAM (which is expandable to 4GB), GMA X3100 graphics card, and lower price.
*64 GB iPod Touch
This product will be available because of the availability of 32GB and 64GB NAND Flash chip
*Apple NetBook
OR
* No new product will be launched. This is indicated by the fact that Schiller will give the keynote address instead of Jobs. This is the first time Jobs does not speak in MacWorld.
Source:
http://www.macrumors.com/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081216/bs_nm/us_apple
http://www.thestandard.com/predictions/suggestions/apple-announces-64gb-iphone-touch-end-january-2009
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/12/rumor-new-mac-m.html
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I was kind of hoping the iTunes music store would be going DRM free (finally.) Then I could start buying from them again. But that's an announcement I kind of think Steve would like to make. ..Maybe that doesn't happen yet?
An update to the MacMini would be good. I want to get one. Already have a nice *matt* display, apple keyboards and logitech mice, so the iMac doesn't appeal. It's about time for minor updates like this and the remaining laptops (in a completely non-revolutionary way.)
Absolutely guarantee there will be no update to the iPhone. It just hasn't been out long enough. And the NanoPhone makes no sense at all. If you can't make the screen the same rez, and the CPU the same speed you're totally fragmenting the Apps market. If the battery is 50% smaller, it's useless.
Source(s):
Me (long time observer and occasional participant in the Mac community), much listening to the TWiT podcasts: http://twit.tv/ and the ever accurate Gruber: http://daringfireball.net/
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1. An update to the Mac Mini consisting of increased hardware power
2. An update to the iMac and Mac Pro consisting of increase hardware power
[In addition, Phil will discuss how well these new products will work with Snow Leopard.]
---------------------------------------------
Some have claimed that MacWorld would have the announcement of a DRM-free itunes or a Tablet/ larger iphone platform. However, I suspect these announcements are too large for Phil to make. I suspect if either of these announcements occur they will be made by Jobs in flourish of excitement and magical appearance. It would essentially be Jobs' biggest and most exciting "...one more thing". If this is meant to pass the baton per se to Schiller as "Mr. Keynote" then Jobs will want to go out with a flourish.
The likelihood of the DRM Free iTunes to appear is much higher I believe due to the existence of multiple DRM free music sources already such as Amazon. As for the tablet rumor, I believe this is less likely. If we hear anything concerning a new tablet platform, it will be to developers in an aside most likely followed by a wink and applause.
------------------------------------------------------
Finally, I'd like to addres
Answered Question
M$100
December 16, 2008 11:37 PM
What will Apple launch at MacWorld?
There is a lot of speculation as to what Steve Jobs and Apple will launch at MacWorld on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
Please give a detailed answer as to what Steve Jobs will announce and I will give the $100 to whoever gives the best answer. Best will be defined by me. :-)
Please give a detailed answer as to what Steve Jobs will announce and I will give the $100 to whoever gives the best answer. Best will be defined by me. :-)
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| December 17, 2008 12:02 AM |
Hardware: Will be two items.
1. A netbook. Steve said no to a netbook this fall, but he also said Apple wouldn't make a phone. My reasoning for this is the MacBook Air really isn't a netbook. The MBA is nice but does not come anywhere close to a netbook price wise. Ship date is going to be March.
2. A midrange Apple tower. I have no idea what the form factor will be. It's not going to be the large case of the current Mac Pro. Having a tower will allow Apple to sell more systems to potential switchers and could still be a high margin item. The Mac Standard will be shipping late January and early February.
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Other Answers (84)
December 16, 2008 11:39 PM
Steve Jobs will announce absolutely nothing.
Source(s):
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/apple-announces-final-macworld-steve-job...
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December 16, 2008 11:54 PM
- Fact Refuted
It appears that this will be the last Macworld, and a press release from today says Philip Schiller will be delivering the "opening keynote" although sources out there say Jobs isn't showing up, that information is not coming from this press release that they are linking too.
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/12/16macworld.html
I could be wrong, but I don't see any announcement that Jobs "isn't showing up"
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http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/12/16macworld.html
I could be wrong, but I don't see any announcement that Jobs "isn't showing up"
December 17, 2008 01:42 PM
"Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, will deliver the opening keynote for this year’s Macworld Conference & Expo, and it will be Apple’s last keynote at the show."
Phil Schiller is delivering the first for 2009, and final ever MWSF keynote for Apple.
Doesn't mean Steve won't be around, just means Phil is doing the Keynote this time around, and therefore will be the one who announces anything.
Steve Jobs will announce absolutely nothing.
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Phil Schiller is delivering the first for 2009, and final ever MWSF keynote for Apple.
Doesn't mean Steve won't be around, just means Phil is doing the Keynote this time around, and therefore will be the one who announces anything.
Steve Jobs will announce absolutely nothing.
December 16, 2008 11:39 PM
But I would put my money on a mac tablet or a new variation of the mac pro. But its most likely gona be whos gona be taking Steve's place I bet.
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December 16, 2008 11:42 PM
A $600 Netbook, 12 inch screen, alu unibody, no button trackpad, intel atom 1.6/8 ghz processor, 2gb ddr ram, nVidia 9400M chipset, wifi b/g/n, webcam, 2 usb, magsafe, and all the other apple standards.
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December 16, 2008 11:42 PM
According to what I read on http://is.gd/c1Fr Philip Schiller is presenting, not Jobs.
Source(s):
http://is.gd/c1Fr
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December 16, 2008 11:42 PM
Steve Jobs will not announce anything. Phil will be the one presenting and we don't expect any new products (except upgrades on MacPro, iMac and possibly another line) - that incorporates more 'touch'. Apple will be at another event where they will launch more non-Mac specific products.
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December 16, 2008 11:43 PM
Everything launched at Macworld this year will be evolutionary upgrades of existing product, including Snow Leopard. No dramatic new products - refreshes of Mac mini, AppleTV. Surprise announcement of new iPods and iPhones - hardware changes and feature upgrades. A netbook will not be announced.
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December 16, 2008 11:43 PM
Jobs won't be there. Philip Schiller, Apple senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, will be, though. I predict a new Mac Mini model that will be cheaper than the current one. With the ever-increasing popularity of the Apple Brand and OS, a cheaper Apple computer seems probable. It'll continue to be the cheaper alternative to the Mac Pro and iMac, but will have a WOW factor to bring it out of it's cousins' shadows.
The WOW factor? More compact and shiny.
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December 17, 2008 12:40 AM
I am with you on this one. Of all the things people are speculating this is the one thing I am hoping for.
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December 16, 2008 11:45 PM
I've heard it's the last Macworld, and that Steve Jobs won't be presenting the keynote - shares have fell quite sharply. So unless it's iPhone nano, a MacBook mini, updated Mac mini, AND something totally groundbreaking I fear for the future of Apple. Also, there is some weight behind the iPhone nano rumour as an accessory manufacturer reportedly leaked design plans sent by apple (they recieve plans for new designs ahead of time so they can be ready around the same time as the product launch) they have been right in the past with the design of the iPhone 3G.
There is also a link about the new Mac mini rumour - this is also a good bet as it is the only Mac to not have been updated in a long time
Source(s):
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=11261
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/desktops/0,39029426,49300360,00.htm - Mac mini
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/15/iphone-nano-rumors-revived-in-otherwise... - iPhone nano
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December 16, 2008 11:47 PM
a MacBook Mini netbook - 1.6ghz Intel Atom processor, 1gb RAM, 80gb flash drive, 120gb hard drive option, touch screen like what is used on the iPhone and iPod touch, 92% full size keyboard, 9-inch screen, 2 USB ports, one mini display port, 802.11 a/b/g/n built-in
Source(s):
Google searching on "mac book mini network"
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December 16, 2008 11:47 PM
LCD HDTV wide screen Apple TV (as in a television set) FTW! Source: Jason Calacanis
Source(s):
http://gizmodo.com/5062030/calacanis-rumor-apple-developing-networked-lcd-w...
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December 16, 2008 11:52 PM
Apple will want to beat Microsoft in releasing a tablet PC with an OS that was designed for a full multi-touch interface, especially as Microsoft have now really started to market their Surface and their PC touch interface more aggressively in the "mainstream" (i.e. product placement in "The Day the Earth Stood Still"). This will be the major refresh to the iLife software suite and iMacs & Mac Minis that people've been talking about. It'll also be a great product to kick-start 2009. And I wouldn't be surprised if they throw in Blu-Ray there somewhere, given that it's now the format that's "won" yet the only real major player is the PS3.
Keeping along with the video quality upgrade theme, a new large HD Apple monitor is imminent and Apple TV should also get an update for more disk space. Even YouTube has finally supported HD now, and the new compace video cameras can now take video in HD. Apple TV already features the ability to stream HD content, so it would make sense to offer the consumer the option to buy an Apple TV along with an Apple HD screen.
Source(s):
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/10/25/what-will-jobs-announce-at-macworld-20...
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December 16, 2008 11:58 PM
reduce prices... what else can he do.... or tlak about I-tunes plus and mac mini .... http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/12/16/rumors-everywhere-macworld-to-bring-netbook-mac-mini-refresh/
http://venturebeat.com/2008/12/08/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-itunes-plus/
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December 16, 2008 11:59 PM
The new, redesigned Mac Mini, that looks like an aluminum and glass G4 Cube. It will be applauded as revolutionary and beutiful after a few days of people saying how ugly it is and how Apple has started making crappy looking products and it's exactly what every other computer company is doing.
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December 17, 2008 12:00 AM
There won't be any physical products launched that are new exactly, but two Mac fandom films will be displaying for the first time during Macworld.
Source(s):
http://www.macworld.com/article/137575/2008/12/mac_films.html
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December 17, 2008 12:01 AM
First, this will not be the last MacWorld, Apple has underestimated how viral their events are and how many people look forward to them. Second I expect a second smaller, version of the iPhone (iPhone Nano). They will lower costs on the MacBook line and announce an upgrade to the Mac Mini, bring it up the same visual style as Mac Book Pro and the iMac. There will probably be an upgrade for the AppleTV and iTunes also.
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December 17, 2008 12:04 AM
Steve Jobs isn't going to announce anything, as he won't be taking part in the keynote. However, you can bet on: Updated Core i7 Mac Pros with Mini Displayport
Udpated Mac mini with Mini Displayport
Updated iMac with Mini Displayport
Updated Cinema Displays that work with Mac desktops
iTunes Music Store completely DRM-free
A Look at Snow Leopard
Source(s):
http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q408-macworld-2009-to-be-apples-last-n...
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December 17, 2008 12:04 AM
Here is my list of what I think Steve will announce at the MacWorld event. 1. New iPhone with more storage and/or faster processor.
2. New DRM free music option in iTunes
3. New monitor line that is marketed towards laptop users
4. New gaming features for the iPod touch that allows a user to connect to screens with HDMI or component connections.
5. New iPhone with iPod colors
6. All you can consume iTunes subscriptions
7. FREE mobileMe accounts for everyone.
8. Jobs will announce a NEW iPhone with a slide out keyboard
9. Apple will announce a new social bookmarking system for the iPhone
10. New LCDs/cradel and features to use your iPhone in the car as a navigational tool.
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December 17, 2008 12:05 AM
The iphone nano seems to be reported alot. I also think apple will announce that they are in negoations to have a drm free itunes in 2009.
Source(s):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/15/AR200812150...
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/12/15/iphone_nano_rumors_resurface_...
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/11/19/apple_in_talks_to_offer_drm_f...
http://twit.tv/mbw118
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December 17, 2008 12:07 AM
As I stated in: http://www.mahalo.com/answers/apple/what-will-apples-next-killer-product-be-bonus-points-for-pictures-of-an-actual-prototype
I think it will be the iBangle. There isn't much information from Apple about it, but I think it will far. I really hope it comes to fruition.
Here are some articles about it:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/931/931338p1.html
http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/today-ipod-tomorrow-ibangle-20081022/
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/87587-iBangle-Total-Cool-or-Total-Crap
http://electronicfiend.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/ibangle-01.jpg
and I agree with:
http://www.mahalo.com/member/montereykiddo
"That would rock! I bet they would take over like the Lance Armstrong "Livestrong" bracelets."
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December 17, 2008 12:07 AM
1) a new iPhone 3G with an 8MP zoom camera, remote control, wireless TV connectivity, firmware v2.5 and removable storage / battery 2) a better mouse than all the crap they had for years
3) I know but I wont say, its equally revolutionary as the iPhone
4) an iTablet
5) a universal OSX for PCs ....... NOT!
6) a better Apple TV
7) a multitouch surface for general use on MACs (with the appropriate changes in the OS to support it)
8) an ultra-portable cheaper version of MacBook Air
9) The "I'm a PC" guy with "I'm a MAC" guy's sister caught on tape doing kinky cybersex via MSN / iChat
thats about everything they've planned
Source(s):
apple folks
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December 17, 2008 12:10 AM
Apple will update the Mac Pro's and the LCD Displays. This is corroborated by MacRumors's BuyersGuide feature, which accurately predicts updates based upon historical update timelines. The displays will be updated to lower prices slightly due to the market, and to incorporate LED backlighting in conformance with the current 24" model. The Mac Pro's will be updated with Nehalem processors (faster), as well as a more up-to-date graphics card from nVidia, in line with OpenCL technology expectations. It is also likely that the Mac Pro's will incorporate Apple's first implementation of Blu-ray.
While the Mac Mini has seen increased speculation from the media surrounding MacWorld, it will not likely see an update, as it is inconsistent with Apple's strategy of building targeted standalone consumer electronics (e.g. the Airport Express and the Time Capsule products). In addition, 3rd-part products such as EFI-X have made the Mac Mini an unprofitable product for Apple, since advanced users can use cheaper PC products to run the Mac OS in low-end configurations.
Steve Jobs is not slated to present at the MacWorld keynote, and so one can safely predict that no new snazzy electronics will be introduced; this is consistent with the prior example of when Jobs declined to give the MacWorld keynote address.
Source(s):
http://guides.macrumors.com/Buyer%27s_Guide_%28time-ordered%29
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/16/apple-jobs-will-not-present-at-apples-f...
http://www.efi-x.com/
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December 17, 2008 12:17 AM
I am hoping, and believing that they will announce that the iTunes Music store will finally go DRM Free! I would also love to see something similar to this mock prototype thing from MacLife. Only thing I would change really is the curved stand and loose the stupid hologram of course. I say make something just about this size that would be like a small tablet device. With an add on stand it could sit in at night by the bed or on a desk.
It could be tablet / netbook when out and about. When docked it can be a digital photo frame, weather station, music player, alarm clock and so on. Add the ability to show widgets like stocks and stuff and shesh what a device. I thought I loved my iPhone but this thing would just blow everything away. The key would be pricing. If Apple could do this thing and for once be aggressive in their pricing I think it would seriously change the landscape of computing as we know it.
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December 17, 2008 12:17 AM
Initially Jobs came back to Apple to remove old products that did not have a market, and that were causing too many costs for the balance sheet. Any time we see that there are claims there is going to be a smaller version of the iTouch, or that there is going to be a tablet, is strange since tablets are not as popular as a netbook (MacAir) or a phone (iPhone) or a laptop (MacBook or MacBook Pro). A great potential market is the Apple TV, which has a decent following. So most likely there is going to be a two fold announcement: The coming of Snow and the update of the Mac Mini.
Source(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEHNrqPkefI
http://www.apple.com/ca/press/1998/04/Q2Earnings.html
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December 17, 2008 12:21 AM
4 announcements: The iPhone 32GB will be announced along with new firmware for all iPhones. The most drastic addition to the firmware is the ability to purchase songs directly from the iTMS when using your 3G iPhone.
Macbook Air gets an update to NVidia graphics, along with a few minor tweaks.
Mac Mini gets phased out. Replaced with the Mac Air. Along the lines of that little PC that ASUS is making.
A new Macbook is announced. This one is in a netbook form factor. Price is $799. Called the Macbook Nano.
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December 17, 2008 12:31 AM
While of course Snow Leopard will show up and most people will want a net book or a tablet mac, I think the most likely thing to happen is a low-end desktop. The mac mini has been sitting without update for over 400 days (MacRumors.com Buyer's Guide) and the economy is not in the best of places right now. I'm thinking we'll see a sub-$1000 desktop mac with a 17" screen, possibly in the same style as the iMac or a new unibody style iMac.
Spec-wise, I think we're going to see an amalgam of lower-end iMac and higher end MacBook(Pro) specs. We're talking 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 1 GB of ram and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256 MB (or a desktop equivalent). Also, 160 GB 5400 rpm HDD.
Option wise, up to 4 GB ram, 250 to 320 GB HDD, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB of GDDR3 memory.
Aside from that, possible iMac spec bumps to create a larger product stratification between this low-end desktop, the laptops, and the iMacs. (Blu-ray option anybody?)
I think it would make sense because they need to start pulling down prices not only because the "Apple Tax" is ridiculously high, but also because the economy is taking such a dump right now. Also, either the Mac Mini or the Apple TV has to die. They offer such similar resources that they may be undercutting themselves. If they kill the mini, it makes room for this desktop.
Potential names?
-iMac Nano
-iMac Lite
-iMac Mini (eh, still probably enough of a change for their liking)
Other possible announcements:
-As mentioned above, iMac spec boosts (they're also over product cycle according to macrumors)
-Nehalem for Mac Pros (Possible BTO on iMac)
-iPhone 3G 4GB (iPhone Nano?)
Source(s):
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Mac_mini
http://www.apple.com/store/
http://www.macrumors.com/
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December 17, 2008 12:32 AM
Steve will announce his retirement from his CEO duties, but also say that he will continue a working job at Apple so he can focus more on product and less on running the company, while still maintaining vision. Steve will then announce the new CEO of Apple, Phil Schiller.
Source(s):
opinion
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December 17, 2008 12:47 AM
I expect either a revised Mac Mini or a replacement product for the Mini. Apple has already updated the iMac, the MacBook, and the MacBook Pro. It's the right time for a new Mini, hopefully with 3.5" SATA hard drive, built-in eSATA, and hopefully a replaceable PCIe video card. Built in HDTV tuner would be nice, too. Reports from a month ago were that Apple has not been restocking Minis in Europe. Speculation is so they can unload remaining inventory pending the announcement of a replacement computer. Even better would if they powered it with a single quad-core Xeon chip, but I'm not holding my breath.
Source(s):
http://www.macintouch.com
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December 17, 2008 12:52 AM
There are a lot of predictions that are made about MacWorld 2009. Here are some of it: *New version of MacMini.
MacMini hasn't undergone any innovation since August 2007. This year, there is rumor that the new version of MacMini will include the mini Display Port. The most likely improvement will be that it has better credentials, NVidia video card, Intel Core 2 processors, 2GM RAM (which is expandable to 4GB), GMA X3100 graphics card, and lower price.
*64 GB iPod Touch
This product will be available because of the availability of 32GB and 64GB NAND Flash chip
*Apple NetBook
OR
* No new product will be launched. This is indicated by the fact that Schiller will give the keynote address instead of Jobs. This is the first time Jobs does not speak in MacWorld.
Source:
http://www.macrumors.com/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081216/bs_nm/us_apple
http://www.thestandard.com/predictions/suggestions/apple-announces-64gb-iphone-touch-end-january-2009
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/12/rumor-new-mac-m.html
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December 17, 2008 01:26 AM
Wow, people love to speculate on Apple announcements. Let me enter the fray! :) I was kind of hoping the iTunes music store would be going DRM free (finally.) Then I could start buying from them again. But that's an announcement I kind of think Steve would like to make. ..Maybe that doesn't happen yet?
An update to the MacMini would be good. I want to get one. Already have a nice *matt* display, apple keyboards and logitech mice, so the iMac doesn't appeal. It's about time for minor updates like this and the remaining laptops (in a completely non-revolutionary way.)
Absolutely guarantee there will be no update to the iPhone. It just hasn't been out long enough. And the NanoPhone makes no sense at all. If you can't make the screen the same rez, and the CPU the same speed you're totally fragmenting the Apps market. If the battery is 50% smaller, it's useless.
Source(s):
Me (long time observer and occasional participant in the Mac community), much listening to the TWiT podcasts: http://twit.tv/ and the ever accurate Gruber: http://daringfireball.net/
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December 17, 2008 02:58 AM
Steve will not be announcing anything this Macworld according to engadget, but Phil Schiller will absolutely announce two product updates: 1. An update to the Mac Mini consisting of increased hardware power
2. An update to the iMac and Mac Pro consisting of increase hardware power
[In addition, Phil will discuss how well these new products will work with Snow Leopard.]
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Some have claimed that MacWorld would have the announcement of a DRM-free itunes or a Tablet/ larger iphone platform. However, I suspect these announcements are too large for Phil to make. I suspect if either of these announcements occur they will be made by Jobs in flourish of excitement and magical appearance. It would essentially be Jobs' biggest and most exciting "...one more thing". If this is meant to pass the baton per se to Schiller as "Mr. Keynote" then Jobs will want to go out with a flourish.
The likelihood of the DRM Free iTunes to appear is much higher I believe due to the existence of multiple DRM free music sources already such as Amazon. As for the tablet rumor, I believe this is less likely. If we hear anything concerning a new tablet platform, it will be to developers in an aside most likely followed by a wink and applause.
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Finally, I'd like to addres
Hardware, it'll be the mini and the AppleTV. They could certainly go with a 'mini-plus' that would be like a midrange tower, but they'd keep it within the 'mini' brand, not dilute the MacPro brand.
They'll probably look into netbooks as an extension of the Air brand, but I don't see them doing this at MacWorld.
New iPhone models are a good bet; they'll be making some big software announcements on that end as well. We know they're looking to push it as more of a gaming system, so expect some cool game announcements.
But you've completely forgotten the software, and I think iLife 09 will be a major announcement at the event, as well as iWork (adding Bento?), upgrades to MobileMe, and a totally new app.